The aim is to bring guests and film screening to the area and at the same time inspiring filmmakers to continue in the industry.
 
We opened in 2017 as the Bottle Smoke film festival... Started with one evening showing the short film FRAGILE STORM, starring the great Lance Hendriksen from (ALIENS) & (MILLENNIUM).
This included a Q&A from the writer Carly Street.
With the evening ending in an award ceremony for a collection of short film submissions.
 
Bottle Smoke 2018... Continued to build with guests from (STAR WARS) and (INDIANA JONES).
Feature film screenings from West Midlands filmmakers. The guest's list grew to a point that 2018 became a fully-fledged weekend festival, with a record-breaking number of entries to the competition.
Bringing onboard product sponsorships from (THE STAN WINSTON SCHOOL OF CHARACTER ARTS) and (SHOT LISTER).
 
Bottle Smoke 2019... Continued to be a great success.
Best Drama won by RACHEL.
Best Sci/Fi & Horror won by NIGHT TIDE.
Best Animation won by CORKY.
Best Documentary won by PLASTIC.

For 2020 we have made a few changes least of all the name to...
THE SMOKIES

During the last few years, the festival has had a difficult time but we are happy to announce that "THE SMOKIES" has bounced back with the 2022/2023 session.