The 20th Edition of the London Independent Film Festival bowed in April 2023 at the Genesis Cinema across ten days of screenings, panels, networking events and a wide variety of short film content that demonstrated how strong the independent film sector is at the moment. Hosted by Festival Director Natasha Marburger (below), the event continues to provide a great showcase.
At a time when streaming services and the big production companies continue to provide reliable brands and franchises in the form of Disney familiars, Marvel favourites and the DC Universe to name but three, festivals like London Independent provide that alternative choice to a loving bunch of cinephiles and creatives who simply want to make their voice heard.
The festival kicked off with the Opening NIght Gala, ALEX LEWIS: MOUNTAIN, which told of the inspiring story of a man who trialled a brand-new disability aid whilst attempting to climb a mountain in Ethiopia.
The other seven films on offer (above from top to bottom) the complex sci-fi timeshift REVOLUTION X, the dark female-driven noir I BRING JOY, the graphic novel adaptation TO A CINDER, the crypto-doc NOT_A.JPEG, the left-field dream drama DREAM AGENCY, the psychological horror OLDER GODS and the Closing Night Gala, LOVE WITHOUT WALLS, chronicling the struggles of a couple hit by desperation and homelessness all provided a wide range of emotional stimulation that would do any number of higher budget offerings justice.
Over the course of the festival, there was also an opportunity to see many amazing short films from across the global canvas, with a significant number of film-makers in attendance who were available to meet in the bar of the Genesis Cinema and surrounding bars, cafes and pubs around the Mile End area of East London.
However, there was also opportunity to learn if you were keen to move forward with your career in films and film-making.
One of the key highlights was the second edition of the ‘Speed Pitching’ event sponsored by Smash Media which allowed successful entrants to pitch their projects to key established industry executives and figures and get valuable feedback. As someone who pitched in the 2022 Edition of this event, it was a great experience and well worth trying at a future LIFF if you have the courage to take a leap of faith. Other brands on show included The Female Film Club.
The Big Picture Film Club and Cinnect offered some valuable tips on getting started with a ‘Toolkit for your first feature film’ and an opportunity to ask questions from two valued brands that could help any number of film-makers get ahead.
For more information on the London Independent Film Festival, including news, how to submit and tickets, please go to: http://www.liff.org/
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