Film Festivals in London

If you are new to the world of film festivals then you might be forgiven for thinking that they are the kind of thing which only those with a vested interest and celebrities attend.  To some extent this is true and they are used as a way to launch films, for talent scouts to discover new talent and for film companies to sound out what is proving popular and what is not.

Many film festivals, particularly those in Europe, have created reputations based on the types of films they choose to show i.e. the type of film you will see in Cannes will not be the same as one you will see at the Raindance festival and so on.

So it makes sense to wonder whether there is any reason for these festivals to be attended by the general public, as they generally seem to be a forum for those involved in the business.  Of course, the best way to decide whether film festivals are for you, is to actually attend one.  If you want the opportunity to see unreleased films, to see films which are a little ‘off the beaten track’ or even to have the opportunity to rub shoulders with your favourite director or actor perhaps, then a festival can provide a good opportunity for this.  Likewise, if you are a budding film-maker, or have an interest in entering into the world of movies then attending a festival can provide you with useful insight into how it all works.

That said, you needn’t pay to travel abroad to attend one of the larger festivals for your first time, especially when there are a number of great film festivals to be discovered in London.

Here are some of our top picks:-

The BFI London Film Festival

This year sees the 58th BFI London Film Festival take place in London from the 8th October to the 19th October.  This two week event is a showcase of some of the world’s best new films and is a highly anticipated event.  You will discover a mixture of fiction and documentaries, live action and animated shorts.  There are numerous special events and interviews with directors and cast members too.  If you know someone who has an interest in film then this would be the perfect break away.  You could book into a luxury hotel, such as a spa hotel in London; enjoy a number of cutting-edge films during the day, before heading back and unwinding in sumptuous surroundings.  You could go even one step further and be pampered like an A-lister by booking yourself in for a luxury treatment during your stay.

Nomad Cinema’s Summer Season of Open Air Cinema

Although this year’s season has come to an end, it is well worth bearing in mind and watching out for its return in 2015.  It is the opportunity to see some of the greatest films in some of London’s most iconic outdoor spaces.  A mobile projector is used to create, in effect, a ‘pop up cinema’ and all proceeds from the events go to the charity the Sustainability Institute meaning you get to feel good about yourself whilst enjoying an evening’s entertainment.

London Short Film Festival

Coming in January 2015, the London Short Film Festival is considered by many to be one of the best showcases for independent UK film makers.  It attracts a great deal of cutting-edge, raw talent and, now in its 12th year, is well known for its cross-arts programme.  If you are a budding film maker then this is the ideal festival to attend, to get a real feel for how to go about showcasing your film at a festival and for learning more about getting your name out there.  There are a number of talks and discussions to go alongside the screenings, and it provides the great opportunity to get some real first-hand advice from those with the knowledge and expertise.

London Screenwriters Festival

If your interest lies away from being directly behind the camera, and more in line with creating the content which will then go on to be interpreted by actors and directors, then this is an absolute must-attend event for you.  It runs over 3 days, each year, and features 150 sessions with 150 industry experts and some of the biggest names in film and TV from around the world who come together to share their knowledge with established and budding screenwriters.  Whether you are confident in your ability, or need a starting point, you will be sure to find inspiration and advice here, from those who know it best.

Attending a festival of this calibre is sure to be tiring; both mentally and physically, so if you plan to attend the entire three days, why not book yourself into a spa hotel in London?

There are many excellent options and they would each provide you with the opportunity to switch off after a busy day learning and garnering important tips from the industry’s experts.  Can you imagine floating in the pool and putting the first pieces of your plot into place?  Or sizzling in the sauna and starting the script which will be the launch of your career?  Having a good place to relax after a busy day is essential if you want to be able to get the most out of your time at the festival.  And who knows?  In a few years it could be you standing up and teaching the next generation of budding screenwriters.