Frank Rothwell Atlantic Row Documentary Wins Manchester Film Festival Award

Frank Rothwell's incredible Atlantic rowing journey has been celebrated on the big screen, with his documentary 'The Oldham Man and the Sea' winning best documentary feature at the 2026 Manchester Film Festival. The 78-minute film, produced by Colin Offland and directed by Marc Ingham, chronicles Rothwell's gruelling 2024 voyage across 3,000 miles of ocean, where at age 73 he became the oldest person to row across any ocean.

The festival, now in its eleventh year, saw record-breaking attendance with 10,000 tickets sold-a 40 per cent increase on the previous year. The judging panel included respected critics from Dexerto, Total Film, BBC Radio 5 Live, and Zavvi, who selected Rothwell's film from a packed program of 52 films featuring nine UK premieres and eight world premieres.

Beyond the festival circuit, the documentary has had limited screenings including at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph, with another showing announced for the Queen Elizabeth Hall on April 26. Rothwell's achievement has already earned him national recognition, with his fundraising efforts acknowledged in the King's Birthday Honours list in June 2025.

The festival's success reflects Manchester's growing reputation as a genuine destination for film professionals and audiences alike, according to director Neil Jeram-Croft. With a 30 per cent rise in accreditations and an expanded industry programme, the event is establishing itself as a significant fixture in the UK's cultural calendar, bringing international attention to local talent like Rothwell.