In the independent film world, talent matters. Skill matters. But one factor consistently decides who actually gets projects made and who gets invited back onto the next set.

Relationships.

This special London Independent Film Festival event hosted by vShowcards explores the real mechanics of those relationships. Featuring a panel of working industry professionals including:

Danny Patrick
Linzy Attenborough - Producer BBC and Independent Film
Michael Head - Director Independent Film
Audrey Sheffield - Director/ Theatre / video games
Samuell Benta - Director / Write Producer
Darren Vukasinovic - Writer / Director/ Producer
Donna Sherifa - Director / Producer / Exec producing

This panel discussion will examine how professional relationships form, grow, and turn into real work. We will explore questions such as:

• How do filmmakers find collaborators they trust?
• What makes someone a recurring member of a creative team?
• How do actors move from being hired once to being invited back again and again?
• What role does reputation, reliability, and collaboration play on set?
• How has the modern landscape — especially social media and online platforms — changed the way relationships form within the industry?

Whether you are an actor, director, producer, crew member, or someone looking to finance or support independent film, this event is designed to help you understand one essential truth of the industry:

The right relationships don’t just help careers.

They get films made.

As part of the event, we will also introduce vShowcards, a platform designed specifically to strengthen these industry relationships. Attendees will see how vShowcards helps actors, filmmakers, producers and crew connect, discover collaborators, and build the professional networks that drive independent film.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

The Edge of Existence captures the incredible and emotional story of Cam Cameron, electronics teacher, devoted father and husband, as he attempts to survive 60 days on Rockall, the UK’s most remote and dangerous island. Driven by a need to reconnect with his estranged family, Cam’s quest is not merely a test of endurance but a deeply personal challenge. Having already lost his father and two brothers, Cam is his mother’s only surviving son, a fact that weighs heavily on his mind as he prepares to break the world record.

Only five individuals in history have spent more than a single night on Rockall, a statistic lower than the number of people who have been to the moon. As he struggles against the brutal elements and his own fears, viewers are left questioning the human spirit's drive to endure such extreme isolation. What compels a man to risk everything for a symbolic milestone? And at what cost to those who love him?

The Edge of Existence explores the tension between ambition and responsibility, drawing audiences to wonder what would happen if he didn’t survive. This film questions the true meaning of adventure and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of legacy, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Films featured:

Holding On by Emma Croft, 9 mins
Up or Down by Chrissie Haynes,15 mins
Last Encounters by Rosie Day, 16 mins
Falling Short by Olenka Wellisz, 10 mins
Dear by Yoon, 11 mins
In Your City by Zeta Gkoka, 5 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

Heavy Lunch by Clark Diamond, 7 mins
Sleeping Trudy by Charlotte Yang, 9 mins
Tamso Ma by Jil Yu, 13 mins
Mary Kelly: From Stone to Cloud by Sophie Chahinian, 17 mins
Against Your Nature by Alessandro Magnabosco, 14 mins
The Fruits they Burnt that Summer by Megan Teo, 10 mins
Withdrawn by Shona Catherine Lena Ingall Randolph, 6 mins
Sunburn by William Allum, 5 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

GIRL TRASH: CELEBRATING THE GODDESSES OF EXPLOITATION CINEMA

Buckle up for the finale in our GIRL TRASH season, the trashiest girl trash that ever girl trashed (and according to John Waters, "the best movie ever made") - FASTER PUSSYCAT... KILL! KILL! (1965).

Made by B-movie great Russ Meyer, whose excellent filmmaking mantra was - lust and profit", PUSSYCAT was developed simply as a 'girl' version of one of his earlier successes, MOTORPSYCHO! (1965). That film had revolved around "three bad boys", so PUSSYCAT would feature "three bad girls" - that’s exploitation math. And because Russ Meyer's particular brand of lust called specifically for women beating men to a pulp - those three bad girls are the greatest GIRL TRASH GODDESSES in cinema history.

Go-go dancers Varla, Rosie, and Billie love to spend their time off racing fast cars in the desert and committing impulsive crimes. When a race with a young couple leads to the man's death, the three kidnap his girlfriend and head off into the desert for more hijinks.

PUSSYCAT is a film simply swarming with GIRL TRASH GODDESSES, from star of the show Tura Satana, whose portrayal of Varla (creating the character's look and performing all her own stunts) was described by Waters as one of the best villains in film history, to her unhinged co-stars Haji and Lori Williams, and producer Eve Meyer. Special mention also, to Janice at the Russ Meyer Foundation, who allowed us to include PUSSYCAT in our season.

Join us one last time to wave off the GIRL TRASH season as it screeches into the desert at 100mph.

Polite notice: We are projecting FASTER PUSSYCAT... KILL! KILL! without subtitles from the best available digital source issued/approved by RM Films International. The BBFC awarded FASTER PUSSYCAT... KILL! KILL! an 'X' rating on its original theatrical release, making this screening strictly for adults aged 18+ only.

/// GIRL TRASH celebrates the femme filmmakers of trash and exploitation cinema, hosted by Zodiac Film Club and Token Homo. All films are served with introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles / captions where possible. Follow @zodiacfilmclub and @tokenhomo on Instagram for info and updates. Please contact the venue for access information. ///

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Films featured:

Candles by Kwame Lestrade, 12 mins
End of Play by Alexandra MacEwan, 11 mins
Passing Notes by George Carmichael, 16 mins
It's Fine by Lily Corke Butters, 10 mins
I Won't Forget by Hannah Griffiths, 14 mins
Well-Being by Kevin McNally, 13 mins
Lonely Days by Glenn Harrold, 4 mins
Love & Bullets by Jadey Duffield, 7 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

Boy by Ben Rusnak & Ruth Rusnak, 13 mins
Lady Fins by Melanie Cura Daball, 14 mins
Mission Manc by Salman Siddique, 9 mins
The Revisit by Tessy Cooper, 9 mins
Gristle by James Alex Thomson, 14 mins
Daddy Daze by Phil Ossai, 12 mins
Ties by Dann Emmons, 13 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Blank-faced bug killer Bill Lee and his dead-eyed wife, Joan, like to get high on Bill's pest poisons while lounging with Beat poet pals. After meeting the devilish Dr. Benway, Bill gets a drug made from a centipede. Upon indulging, he accidentally kills Joan, takes orders from his typewriter-turned-cockroach, ends up in a constantly mutating Mediterranean city and learns that his hip friends have published his work -- which he doesn't remember writing. Followed by a group discussion in the bar area with Nick Walker of the Cult Classic Collective

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions? Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Iconic and game-changing, AKIRA is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. AKIRA's arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988 — World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo... As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy― the product of human experimentation — and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness...

Set in a war-zone, a war doctor and his medical staff are forced underground into a make-shift hospital, only to be faced with a desperate father willing to do whatever it takes to be helped. When survival is everything, morality is the first casualty.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

Children Of Albion by Huxley Scott, 9 mins
Pigeonholes by James Skinner, 14 mins
Routes to Roots: 1960s Croydon by Natalie Sloan, 14 mins
Spare a Pound by Braeden Tylbor, 15 mins
How To Hide It by Ramla Ali & Richard A. Moore, 13 mins
The Signature by Arman Mirhadi, 21 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

In a fast-changing industry where talent alone is rarely enough, filmmaker Arnaldo Stafa explores the missing piece most filmmakers overlook: the business of storytelling.

In this talk, Arnaldo shares the strategies behind building momentum as a filmmaker, from positioning your film as a brand to using marketing, publicity, and community to turn small projects into big opportunities. Drawing from the real journey behind his slate of films and the growth of Aki Studio London had had in such a small timeframe, where most production companies are struggling, why is Aki winning?

This session reveals how filmmakers can move beyond simply making films to building careers and building their own foundations to be their own bosses. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned creator, this talk offers practical insights into how storytelling and marketing work together to make films truly succeed. We will explore the different marketing methods you can use to stand out and how to leverage your projects into bigger projects.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

A failing novelist thinks his muse appears to inspire him in the form of a drunk, psychotic decorator and his life erupts into violence and chaos - but his new novel might just be genius.

The narrative feature debut from Matt Harlock (American the Bill Hicks Story) features electrifying performances from Danny Horn (Sunny Afternoon) and Joe Sims (Broadchurch), in it’s 2ndscreening for London audiences after its World Premiere at Frightfest (“cerebral…a shock to the system”).

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

Latch by Cecilie Fray, 9 mins
Pandora by Isabelle Kirk, 14 mins
Tea With Friends by Farah Halime Hope, 11 mins
The Room in the Tower by William Rollinson, 16 mins
The Suicide Shift by Paul Laight, 13 mins
The Unseen by Alena Mucenieks, 11 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

Date Night by Alana Marmion-Warr, 7 mins
Friendship Was a Safe Bet by Nara Toktoshova, 15 mins
Somewhere Very Near by Rachel Fowler, 7 mins
Sunny Side Up by Chakira Alin, 16 mins
The Cat by Wai Shuen Chloe Kam, 10 mins
Miss Canton by Robyn Chi-Man Norwood, 14 mins
Not That Bad by Yana Danilova, 13 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Got a feature film project ready to pitch? The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) Mini-Market with My SMASH Media is your chance to get in front of top sales agents, producers, and industry pros! Deadline to submit your pitch deck: Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 23.59

What’s on offer
• Speed-pitching session with real decision-makers -10 minutes, face-to-face
• Invaluable industry feedback & networking
• Potential connections to help move your film forward
• Pitch Training from SMASH founders to prepare you for the event

What we are looking for
• Feature-length projects with a clear vision < br> • All Genres welcome

Who can apply
• Open to all with first and second-time filmmakers particularly encouraged to apply

If you have projects that fit these criteria, we want to hear from you!
What you need to include in your SMASH Pitch

Your SMASH Snapshot must include at minimum:
• Logline
• Format; Genre; Setting; Runtime
• Brief Biog of key creatives
• Synopsis with all major plot points - set up; inciting incident; rising conflict; mid story twist; crisis; climax and resolution.
• Creative vision
• Visual references (poster/concept art optional)
• Budget range
• Cast ideas (That would work with your budget)
• Comparables (recent TV or Film at your budget level that capture a similar feeling or energy)

Any projects submitted without this information will not be accepted. < Br>
How to Apply
1. Create your FREE SMASH Pitch at app.mysmash.media.
2. Build your Snapshot with the required elements above.
3. Hit ‘Share Project’ and select “London Independent Film Festival” from the Call Out page.
4. Submit before Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 23.59

Protect your IP
At SMASH, protecting your creative work is at the heart of everything they do. Every project uploaded to the platform is automatically timestamped and securely stored, giving you a verifiable digital record of ownership. Your pitch is only shared when you choose, and with the people you choose - ensuring your ideas remain yours, always. They call it Pitch Protection, and it’s how they make sure creators can share their work with confidence, knowing their IP is safe and traceable.

Key Dates
• Submission Deadline: Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 23.59

IF APPLICABLE:
• Shortlist Announced: Date TBC
• Pitch Workshop: Saturday 11th April (mandatory for shortlisted participants)
• Live Pitch: Sunday 19th April 2026 at 14.00 -15.30 by invitation only

Important Notes
• It’s FREE to create and submit a SMASH Pitch.
• Selected participants will be contacted directly and must attend the SMASH Pitch session on Saturday 11th April at the London Independent Film Festival (LIFF), 3.30-4.30pm at Genesis cinema.
• Industry experts may not commission your project directly but will provide feedback, connections, and guidance.
• Questions? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media

https://www.mysmash.media

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

In the seaside village she calls home, Morwenna (Anna Ivankovic) - also known as “Scummy” (a bad Cornish joke) - is reeling from a breakup, navigating the impending sale of her house after the death of her grandfather, and struggling to make ends meet as an artist. In walks Inga (Carys Glynne), a strange fur-clad woman passing through the area. But after an awkward one-night stand, Scummy discovers that Inga isn’t exactly a woman at all: she’s a Selkie, a creature from Celtic mythology who shifts from seal to person by taking on and off their fur coat. Soon enough, Scummy is caught up in a whirlwind situationship with someone whose feelings are as fickle as the sea. It’s a kooky, bittersweet tale of learning to let go of the people and places you love most.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

This is a chance to support and celebrate independent film and we will be announcing the winners of this year’s festival. It is an event open to all as well as other filmmakers and film-lovers! We will have a red-carpet and a step & repeat board so please make sure you are prepared to have your photo taken (or tell the photographer not to) and we will also be doing interviews conducted by The Fan Carpet.

You don’t need to register and the event is free. Just come along! However entry will only be allowed until the capacity is reached.

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Films featured:

This Will Make You Sleep Instantly by Michalis Langas, 10 mins
Designing From Home by Harriet Atkinson & Sue Breakell, 17 mins
Refuge by David Winn & Sami Assahli, 14 mins
Pass The Salt by Andy Mcleod, 15 mins
A Day in London by Nish, 13 mins
Lily's House by Matthew Howell, 13 mins

About the festival:

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every spring at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of almost 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 10 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests". With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Martin is a fisherman without a boat, his brother Steven having re-purposed it as a tourist tripper. With their childhood home now a get-away for London money, Martin is displaced to the estate above the harbour. Stubborn and devoted to his fishing roots Martin's clashes with rich London tourists set the wheels of conflict in motion. One of the most creative films of the year, Cornish writer and director Mark Jenkin tussles with the politics of empathy, class and change in this gripping and original drama. Shot entirely on an analogue, clockwork 16mm camera Jenkin developed his film by hand to create scratches and glitches, lending a harsh and primitive but totally engaging look to his film, resulting in a style unlike anything else in modern cinema. “Square frames of startling simplicity and beauty” Jessica Kiang. Variety “A genuine modern masterpiece” Mark Kermode “Ravishing cinema” Demetrious Matheou. Screen Daily

BAFTA and Grierson award-winning filmmaker Gerald Fox celebrates the centenary of the “dream film” in cinema and its years of flowering during the silent film period in this kaleidoscopic, stylised documentary.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Gerald Fox.

Iconic and game-changing, AKIRA is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. AKIRA's arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988 — World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo... As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy― the product of human experimentation — and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness...

Celebrate the Opening Night of the 9th London Bengali Film Festival with the UK Premiere of the Bangladeshi sensation, Pressure Cooker. Aligned with this year’s theme, "Identity through a New Lens," visionary director Raihan Rafi delivers a gripping thriller that explores the suffocating tensions of urban life and the shifting boundaries of self.

The evening begins with an exclusive VIP drinks reception, offering a chance to connect before the lights go down for this highly anticipated screening.* The pre-screening reception is invite only.

Country: Bangladesh
Language: Bengali

GIRLHOOD. DEAD MEN DRIVING. REVENGE AT ITS FINEST.

Burning through the asphalt of the American highway, Thelma & Louise is a sun-scorched outlaw odyssey of freedom, fury, and friendship that refuses to ask permission. What begins as a weekend getaway swerves into something far more dangerous - a girlhood road movie where the rules are rewritten, the men don’t stay in control, and justice is taken, not given.

Part buddy movie, part rebellion myth, part furious scream into the canyon, this is a story about what happens when women push back - and keep driving.

Sometimes justice comes with a gun in the glovebox.

Hosted by the Bloody Mary Film Club, this screening opens with an intro from writer, artist and academic Mary Morgan @msmarymorgan, whose PhD, I Want Revenge, explores violent women on screen and fantasies of vengeance.

Set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast, a wildlife volunteer's daily observations of a rare flower turn into a metaphysical journey that forces her as well as the viewer to question what is real and what is nightmare.

Set for release in UK cinemas through on 24th April, 'LONDON'S LAST WILDERNESS' is director Pablo Behrens' visually stunning documentary. It's a call to action to protect and maintain the environment of the area surrounding the Greater Estuary. Seen through the eyes of a visitor from another planet, the film highlights the vast and diverse eco system of the Thames and its various tributaries. Pablo Behren's unique vision of an alien landscape was shot over a period of 4 years, day and night, and spanning all seasons from the perspective of land, sea and air. ‘LONDON'S LAST WILDERNESS’ presents a compelling argument to preserve the natural world that is on our own doorstep. Followed by an in-person Q&A with the writer/director, Pablo Behrens.

Genesis Cinema and SwingdanceUK invite you along to our monthly Swing dance night!
Learn the steps Swing Dance Class 7.30-8.30pm with Simon!
Followed by dancing led by resident DJ Simon Selmon & guest DJs playing great dance music of the 30s, 40s & 50s & beyond for Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive, Shag & Balboa dancers!
A chilled atmosphere where you can meet friends, relax, enjoy a drink or a tasty pizza and dance the night away!

7.30pm Beginners Lindy Hop Class Pre-booking recommended
8.30pm Dancing with resident DJ Simon 'Mr Kicks' Selmon & special guest DJs - all welcome!

Last Entry 9.30 pm

Website: https://swingdanceuk.com/socials/some-like-it-swing/

A variety night of dreamy alternative comedy from the best up-and-coming acts you’ve been sleeping on - all from the comfort of the Genesis Bar.

Your hosts Finlay and Joe (Sketch Off Finalists 2024) present for you the sketch, clowning, character and musical comedy acts of your dreams. See comedians of all stripes performing material old and new, guaranteed to get you giggling. And enjoy it all whilst sipping on our signature Dream Juice™ cocktail.

Come down, settle in and snuggle up at Slept On Comedy. It’s a dream come true.

@sleptoncomedy @finlayandjoe

Small screens, massive impact. See what the next generation of storytellers have to offer at the first annual Queen Mary Short Film Festival.

Join us on the last day of April for a perfectly timed screening of the seminal 70s folk horror film The Wicker Man.

Sergeant Neil Howie, a police officer from the Scottish mainland, travels to the remote island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl, Rowan Morrison. A devout Christian, he is unsettled by the islanders' overt pagan beliefs, public sexual rituals, and indifferent attitude toward the missing child. As preparations for the May Day festival intensify, his suspicions grow-and he begins to fear that something far more insidious is at play.

The Wicker Man eschews many conventional horror tropes, instead blending elements of detective thriller, folk musical, and arthouse fantasy. The bright, colourful optimism of the spring setting contrasts sharply with an atmosphere of looming dread, creating an unsettling dissonance that underpins the slow-burning mystery.

Seasonal Affective Cinema is a quarterly film club screening movies that aesthetically and thematically reflect the changing of the seasons. @seasonalaffectivecinema

Miranda Priestly navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. She faces off against Emily Charlton, her one-time assistant, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group, with advertising dollars that Priestly desperately needs.

Miranda Priestly navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. She faces off against Emily Charlton, her one-time assistant, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group, with advertising dollars that Priestly desperately needs.

Celebrating filmmakers who have made outstanding debut films.

From Sidney, With Love (00:18:43)
How to Hide It (00:12:54)
Can't Float (00:09:50)
Squeeky Bum (00:14:53)
Good Choice, Joseph (00:06:03)
Bury Your Gays (00:19:58)
Spooky (00:05:23)

A collection of short films showcasing the best of filmmaking

Rocket Fuel (00:14:45)
The Long Spring (00:15:05)
The Kankurang (00:10:11)
Smile Shines Wet (00:17:22)
Weight of the Soul (00:18.00)
The Truth About Space (00:13:40)
Every Time I See A Yellow Car (00:14:12)

Celebrating character-driven, personal stories

It Comes in Waves (01:45:00)

Celebrating films which innovate either through storytelling or push creative boundaries

"C.R.E.A.M" (00:48:00)
Ballyman (00:17:30)
In Viadi (00:17:00)
Dys is Me (00:15:00)

A collection of short films showcasing the best of filmmaking

A Young Sofiane (00:28:40)
Sync (00:15:45)
Max (00:20:00)
What Would Mother Say? (00:07:04)
The December Blues (00:20:00)
Authors of the Estate (00:19:58)

Breaking the Awards Ceiling: Conversation with 2 recent BAFTA winners (Two Black Boys in Paradise and Rock Paper Scissors) and BUFF's influence on the awards circuit. We will be either showing the shorts in full or just clips (Runtime TBC) Panel length: 01:15:00

15 min break

BUFF Studios: The Business of Distribution: Panel talk about BUFF's exciting new venture with their rev share scheme and how it will open doors for filmmakers to earn money at the box office. (no films played) Panel length: 40 mins

The best script submissions in contention for our awards show

Color (00:20.00)
AILM (00:20:00)
Ms Mandy (00:20:00)

Celebrating the best of UK Films

The Engineer (01:16:00)

A celebration of LGBTQ+ stories

A Little Bit of Glitter (00:23:31)
Divine Intervention (00:25:00)
Body of Our Own (00:25:00)
Molly (00:22:52)

Celebrating Female-led and female-directed films

Endolife (00:12:38)
Ugly, Afro Hair (00:25:43)
Lisa is Here (00:13:38)
A Loud Piece of Armour (00:11:00)
Flown (00:05:09)
Who Are You, Nanu? (00:15:00)

Celebrating the best of UK Films

The Bridge (01:18:14)

Documentaries which bring people together to highlight a cause or inspire others

The Dying Trade (01:02:00)
Rise of the Legion (01:00:45)

Celebrating films based on the African diaspora

Small Gods (01:46:00)

Since its launch in 2015, the British Urban Film Festival Awards have become a defining moment in the UK’s screen industry - recognising excellence, innovation, and the creative force of underrepresented voices shaping contemporary British cinema.
From writers crafting globally resonant stories, to producers and directors using film as a catalyst for cultural and social impact - alongside brands, partners, and suppliers driving innovation behind the scenes - the BUFF Awards honour those setting new standards across the industry.
Now in its 12th edition, the awards stand not only as a reflection of the past year’s achievements, but as a marker of the industry’s direction of travel - spotlighting the talent, ambition, and vision shaping the future of British film.
SATURDAY 9 MAY | GENESIS CINEMA, MILE END, LONDON

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

From acts of subtle defiance to mass movements protesting state repression, queer history is replete with rich traditions of resistance. This propulsive programme unites queer struggles past and present, real and imagined, where glimpses into liberated futures flicker into view. Across a trans kung fu enclave and Filipinx organising in 90s New York, resistance manifests as the sustained, collective labour of nurturing bonds and building sanctuaries.

The Martial Forest
Exiled from society, a kung fu master leads a queer collective of fighters.
dir. J Triangular | Taiwan, Colombia | 2025 | 8min

BECAUSE OF YOU: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo
This documentary traces the history of the trailblazing Filipinx queer collective Kilawin Kolektibo, who were active in New York in the 1990s.
dir. Barbara Malaran, Desireena Almoradie | USA | 2025 | 35min

Elegy for the Lost
This lyrical essay film explores sexual identity and power in contemporary China.
dir. William Hong-xiao Wei | France, Spain, UK | 2025 | 30min

Take Care, Till Springtime
A queer Chinese medicine practitioner heals after being brutalised by the police.
dir. Yi Shi | Canada, China | 2025 | 22min

Curatorial idea by Holly Rowley, as part of Up Next: Future Film Curators Lab 2025/26

As part of Queer East 2026, a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.

Now restored in 4K, this first screen adaptation of Pai Hsien-Yung’s groundbreaking 1983 novel Crystal Boys tells the story of A-Qing, a high school student who is thrown out of his family home after being discovered having sex with a man. A-Qing heads to the gay cruising ground of Taipei New Park, where he finds refuge with a group of fellow queer outcasts. The film’s heady mix of dreamlike fantasy, hysterical melodrama, and glitzy nightclub scenes creates a camp, surreal mood. Yet director Yu Kan-Ping succeeds in capturing the emotional rawness of A-Qing’s experience, and from our 21st century perspective, offers a nostalgic documentation of real-life sites in Taipei’s historical cruising scene, now long gone. Stunningly shot and restored to include previously censored material, this stylistically dazzling adaptation can now be appreciated in its full, hallucinatory glory.

Told from the perspective of queer parents and children, these short films cast an attentive gaze on the complexity of family dynamics. Alternative possibilities for kinship blossom in decaying cinemas and darkened forests, where love and obligation are tangled up in knots of ambivalence. From childhood to parenthood, dealing with family doesn’t seem to get any easier, but unexpected moments of connection can illuminate the way.

Delay
A gay father tries to attend his straight son’s wedding.
dir. Hanxuan Wang | China, USA | 2025 | 15min

Papa’s Coding Day
A boy saves up money to buy his Papa a day off.
dir. Michael Pogoy | Philippines | 2025 | 18min

Toad Song
Seeking to find his tadpoles a new home, a boy stumbles upon a family secret.
dir. Qin Qin | USA | 2025 | 15min

What’s softest in the world rushes and runs over what’s hardest in the world.
Queerness, nature, and Daoism intersect in this hybrid documentary about parenthood in Singapore.
dir. Charmaine Poh | Singapore | 2024 | 15min

Honey, My Love, So Sweet
A boy learns about love through cinema.
dir. JT Trinidad | Philippines | 2025 | 20min

Content Note: contains depictions of sex

As part of Queer East 2026, a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.

BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

A full-day cinematic event celebrating the legacy of Bruce Lee.
The programme opens with the documentary LONGSTREET - A PHILOSOPHY IN MOTION, exploring Bruce Lee's involvement in the landmark series, followed by a screening of the original episode "THE WAY OF THE INTERCEPTING FIST."
This is followed by the premiere screening of the feature documentary BRUCE LEE: THE MAKING OF THE BIG BOSS.
The event concludes with a special presentation of THE BIG BOSS, screened from a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) of the original Mandarin version.
All screenings take place on a giant cinema screen for the ultimate big-screen experience, in a retro cinema setting inspired by the classic movie-going experience of the 1970s.
Fully approved by the Bruce Lee Estate and in support of the Bruce Lee Foundation.
Includes access to all screenings across the full-day event