The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay Adds New Screenings Across Cornwall

An award-winning Cornish documentary has announced an expanded cinema run across Cornwall and the UK after a wave of sell-out screenings.

The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay has exceeded expectations following its recent cinema release, with demand prompting new venues, additional dates and nationwide screenings stretching into 2026. The Cornish-made film has also won Best Adventure & Exploration Film at the Kendal Mountain Festival.

From Underground Cornwall to Packed Cinemas

Shot over two years in long-forgotten mines beneath the Cornish coastline, the documentary is directed by Dan Simpkins and follows a group of underground explorers known as the Carbis Bay Crew. What starts as a look at a rarely seen and technically demanding pursuit develops into a story centred on friendship, purpose and resilience.

What began as a small number of local screenings quickly gathered momentum, with tickets selling out and larger venues being added to meet demand.

Cinemas Respond to Unprecedented Demand

Craig May, Film Programmer and Company Director at Merlin Cinemas, said:
“Cornwall consistently delivers remarkable creative talent, and we’re incredibly proud to help showcase it. With three screenings selling out within days, even faster than Avatar: Fire and Ash, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. We’re now excited to be planning additional screenings across more of our locations in Cornwall and beyond.”

The extended programme includes further filmmaker Q&As, special screenings for cinema clubs and newly confirmed dates across the UK.

Kendal Mountain Festival Tour Confirmed

The Kendal Mountain Festival has confirmed the film will feature as part of its official touring programme, visiting 10 cinemas across England, Scotland and Wales between February and May.

One of the newly announced screenings will take place in Bantham in Devon, the hometown of the film’s editor Angus Breton, marking a homecoming showing in front of family and friends.

A Film About People, Not Just Peril

Carbis Bay Crew member Pat Moret said:
“Every man and their dog has made an adventure film — many falling into the same adrenaline-fuelled territory. Dramatic, yes, but often quite run-of-the-mill. What we loved about Dan’s approach is that he focused on the people, not just the peril. That shift gives the film real depth. It’s captured our little club and turned it into a piece of Cornish history we’ll always be proud of.”

Director Dan Simpkins added:
“We hoped the film would resonate, but the response has been overwhelming. Seeing screenings sell out and new towns asking to host the film has been incredibly moving — it speaks to how universal this story really is.”

Trio Screenings and Award-Winning Shorts

Selected screenings will feature a trio of short documentaries alongside The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, pairing it with King Putt and Frankenbiking. All three films feature animation by Joel Porter and Lydia Wonham and focus on people finding purpose and community in unexpected places.

Frankenbiking, directed by Joel Porter and Alex Moore, has won Best Short Documentary at both the Wales International Film Festival and Manchester Lift-Off Festival, as well as the Audience Choice Award on the Cyclist Film Festival UK Tour.

King Putt, directed by Hansel Rodrigues, follows Marc “The Force” Chapman as he attempts to defend a third title at the World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings. The film won Best Documentary at the Crystal Palace International Film Festival and was filmed by Dan Simpkins.

Masculinity, Connection and Mental Health

Created with support from Roll Nine Productions and the men’s mental health charity MANUP?, the documentary explores masculinity, vulnerability and shared experience.

Kirsty Malcolm, producer at Roll Nine, said:
“As someone who lost someone dear to me to men’s mental health, I hope that if even one person is inspired to seek out a community — however niche or unconventional — then this film has done its job.”

Dan Somers, CEO of MANUP?, said:
“Connection doesn’t always happen in therapy rooms. Sometimes it happens underground, in trust, humour and shared risk. This film makes those moments visible.”

Looking Ahead

With interest growing across the UK and internationally, the filmmaking team is now seeking a long-term home for the documentary and welcoming conversations with TV and streaming distributors.

They are also developing future projects and inviting people from unique and passionate communities to get in touch if they have a story they believe deserves to be told.

Upcoming Cornwall Screenings

January 2026

• 17th January – Saltash Studios, Saltash, 19:30 (Shorts Programme) – On sale

• 17th January – Saltash Studios, Saltash, 19:30 (Q&A) – Sold out

• 18th January – Regal Cinema, Wadebridge, 19:00 (Q&A) – Sold out

• 24th January – The Poly, Falmouth, 18:00 (Q&A) – Sold out

• 25th January – The Plaza, Truro, 18:00 (Q&A) – Sold out

February 2026

• 7th February – Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay, 18:00 (Q&A) – On sale

• 8th February – White River Cinema, St Austell, 18:00 (Q&A) – On sale

• 14th February – Flora Cinema, Helston, 19:30 (Q&A) – On sale

• 15th February – The Ritz, Penzance, 19:30 (Q&A) – On sale soon

• 15th February – The Plaza, Truro, 18:00 (Shorts Programme) – On sale

• 25th February – The Poly, Falmouth, 19:30 (Q&A) – On sale

• 27th February – Newlyn Filmhouse, Newlyn, 20:00 (Shorts Programme) – On sale

A full list of Kendal Mountain Festival tour dates and award winners is available on the Kendal Mountain Festival website:
https://www.kendalmountainfestival.com/highlights/film-award-winners-2025

More information can be found at Roll Nine Productions https://www.rollnine.tv and Dan Simpkins https://www.dansimpkins.com.