A fresh film festival has begun in London, highlighting independent cinema just as Donald Trump’s suggested tariffs pose a threat of devastation to the UK film sector.
The Cine International Film Festival takes place at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel and includes a series of premieres, panel discussions, and parties up till Saturday, May 9th.
The festival began yesterday evening with the debut screening of the psychological thriller “Savage Flowers” at the Curzon Cinema. Directed by Brad Watson, this film stars Roxanne McKee and Nick Moran. Following the movie, there was a procession supporting independent filmmaking from the Curzon to the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel. Notable figures such as Sadie Frost and Laura Whitmore were present alongside festival organizers Tamer Hassan, Ben Charles Edwards, and Kirsty Bell for an enthusiastic call-to-action against Trump’s policies.
Writing for the Standard last week
, Edwards posed this challenge to budding filmmakers:
‘We should cease equating “independent” with “ambitious.” Independent doesn’t serve as a launchpad for Hollywood; rather, it represents an attitude. It’s about asserting that your narrative holds significance, irrespective of others’ opinions.’
yet
.
This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about raising hell. It’s about remembering that cinema is an act of rebellion. Of course, craft matters. Of course, story matters. But so does urgency. So does truth. So does change. And change doesn’t come from another rejection letter. It comes from the next gen of filmmakers, from putting something out there that could fail
gloriously,
but could potentially transform someone’s life. ‘
Previously, at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, the Standard collaborated with CIFF and Alfa Romeo for an exclusive showing of the documentary “Quant,” which chronicles the life of the renowned fashion designer. This event included a pre-screening Q&A session with the director, Sadie Frost.
Following this, a launch event for the festival was held where participants mixed with a gathering of filmmakers and celebrities.
The festival schedule is listed below.
THURSDAY 8 MAY:
- Short Films Programme
- PANEL TALK: Jordan Bayne – Film3 / web3 panel with Phil Mckenzie
- SCREENING: The Waterhouse
- Gala Dinner and Teenage Cancer Trust Auction *
FRIDAY 9 MAY:
- Short Films Programme
- PANEL DISCUSSION: “Girls On Film” podcast
- SCREENING: The Wheels Of Heaven
- WORLD PREMIERE: Borrowed Time (John Lennon doc)
- SCREENING: Los Frikis
- SCREENING: Perfecto Records
- SCREENING: Heaven Nightclub
SATURDAY 10 MAY:
- Short Films Programme
- PANEL TALK: Asia Argento & Ben Charles Edwards- Future Of Independent Filmmaking
- SCREENING: London: The Contemporary Babylon featuring Julien Temple Q&A
- EXCLUSIVE UK LAUNCH: Children of the Snow Land
- PANEL DISCUSSION: Secure Funding for Your Movie
- The CIFF Awards *
The Cine International Film Festival (CIFF) continues through Sunday at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel.
Tickets are available for purchase now.
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