GIRL TRASH: CELEBRATING THE GODDESSES OF EXPLOITATION CINEMA

In the early 90s, as the erotic thriller genre exploded at the box office, studios asked the inevitable question: why couldn't we make these exact same films for and starring teens? Well, lots of sensible reasons, you might answer – but no-one at the time did, and so the teen erotic thriller was born!

We're glad this problematic genre exists, because it enabled Roger Corman protégée Katt Shea to subvert New Line Cinema's expectations and make POISON IVY (1992) – a sensational but complex portrait of intense female friendship that was detested by the studio and attacked by critics but found generation after generation of fans, who have read it as everything from queer coming of age story to class warfare film. “They wanted straight exploitation,” Shea said, “and I gave them Poison Ivy.”

Sylvie Cooper is a lonely outcast with a troubled home life, that is until she meets a new friend, – ‘Ivy’. The two quickly grow enamoured, and before long Ivy has wrapped her tendrils around the family completely.

POISON IVY was the comeback vehicle for 16-year-old Drew Barrymore, freshly recovered from early addiction and looking to make the jump from forgotten child star into her GIRL TRASH GODDESS era. She very nearly didn't get the role, standing Shea up for multiple meetings and cementing her problem-child reputation. But at the last minute she pulled it together, stayed sober and – just like her character – used everything in her arsenal to make everyone on set fall in love with her.

Come see what all the fuss was about – and decide for yourself what kind of film Katt Shea actually made.

Polite notice: We are screening POISON IVY without subtitles from the best available digital source.

/// 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. Adults 18+ only. Follow @zodiacfilmclub and @tokenhomo on Instagram for info and updates. Please contact the venue for access information. ///

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.

A widowed Italian president faces moral crises over euthanasia legislation and pardoning killers while grappling with his late wife's infidelity during his final months in office.

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.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. You keep dancing with the devil, one day he's gonna follow you home. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Won 4 Oscars including Best Actor and won 3 Batfas.

After Ashley asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos. Thank you,

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.

In a blood-soaked, high-octane horror-action-comedy, Zazie Beetz stars as a young woman who must survive the night at the Virgil, a demonic cult's mysterious and twisted death-trap of a lair, before becoming their next offering in a uniquely brazen, big screen battle of epic kills and wickedly dark humour.

April’s Slam is Here – and the Stage Is Calling!

April is the coolest month at Genesis Slam, and we’re back with another night of electric, free poetry. Join us upstairs at Genesis Cinema in Stepney Green for an evening where voices rise, stories unfold, and poets battle it out across three thrilling rounds of friendly competition.

Grab a hot dog, a cocktail, and a comfy seat while incredible poets bring their best work to the mic. Your cheers, snaps, and applause will help decide who takes the crown  and who becomes the poet to secure a place in our 2026 Grand Final.

Whether you’re stepping up to perform or simply coming along to soak up the atmosphere, expect brilliant poetry, big feelings, and the warmest crowd in town.

Three rounds. Three-minute poems. 
Audience decides the winner.
Tickets: £1 (advance booking recommended — last slam sold out!)

Come for the poems, stay for the vibes.
The points are not the point, the point is the poetry.

Genesis Cinema, Stepney Green
Doors: 18:00
Slam starts: 19:30

Tickets: https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/bar-events

Performer signup: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/genesis-poetry-slam-april-2026-performers-tickets-1984460579012?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mob assassin Jeffrey is no ordinary hired gun; the best in his business, he views his chosen profession as a calling rather than simply a job. So, when beautiful nightclub chanteuse Jennie is blinded in the crossfire of his most recent hit, Jeffrey chooses to retire after one last job to pay for his unintended victim's sight-restoring operation. But when Jeffrey is double-crossed, he reluctantly joins forces with a rogue policeman to make things right.

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.

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.

In a blood-soaked, high-octane horror-action-comedy, Zazie Beetz stars as a young woman who must survive the night at the Virgil, a demonic cult's mysterious and twisted death-trap of a lair, before becoming their next offering in a uniquely brazen, big screen battle of epic kills and wickedly dark humour.

Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

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.

Michaela 'Traps' Sinclair is a trans sex worker trying to get by in Vancouver while also mentoring her recently-out friend Adeline and making an attempt at pursuing actual motherhood. Meanwhile, lowly production assistant Turner finds himself dangerously spiraling into inceldom as his current relationship implodes.

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.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. You keep dancing with the devil, one day he's gonna follow you home. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Won 4 Oscars including Best Actor and won 3 Batfas.

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.

In New York, Circle tries to leave a trans separatist cult.

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.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. You keep dancing with the devil, one day he's gonna follow you home. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Won 4 Oscars including Best Actor and won 3 Batfas.

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.

Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

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.

When a massive alien flower known as "Darol" unexpectedly erupts in a deadly event, unleashing monstrous creatures that decimate the population of Japan, Rita is caught in the destruction—and killed. But then she wakes up again. And again. Caught in an endless time loop, Rita must navigate the trauma and repetition of death until she crosses paths with Keiji, a shy young man trapped in the same cycle. Together, they fight to break free from the loop and find meaning in the chaos around them.

Pot Noodle presents Slurp Friendly Screenings. A screening of Shaun of the Dead, with noodles, completely free.

Shaun lives a supremely uneventful life, which revolves around his girlfriend, his mother, and, above all, his local pub. This gentle routine is threatened when the dead return to life and make strenuous attempts to snack on ordinary Londoners.

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.

Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

GIRL TRASH: CELEBRATING THE GODDESSES OF EXPLOITATION CINEMA

GIRL TRASH presents the most sparkling of golden raspberries, MOMMIE DEAREST (1981): the film that didn’t (initially) know it was trash.

Glamorous Hollywood icon Joan Crawford (played by a maniacal Faye Dunaway) adopts two children, Christina and Christopher, in a bid for a fairytale happy family. But Joan is a controlling perfectionist, and when her fortunes take a turn for the worse – heartbreak, career downturn – the manipulative behaviour she already exhibits towards her daughter Christina (Diana Scarwid) escalates into histrionic abuse. As she scrabbles to cling onto fame, Joan lashes out, with her children bearing the brunt of her desperation.

Originally intended as a serious biopic, MOMMIE DEAREST was adapted from a sensational memoir by Christina Crawford, detailing the abusive childhood she and her adoptive brother suffered at Joan’s hands. Paramount Pictures thought they’d have an Oscars contender on their hands with Faye Dunaway as their leading lady. But with melodramatic script and direction, and Dunaway’s larger-than-life Crawford impersonation, the film became something else altogether.

Its camp savagery and deranged glamour was panned by contemporaneous critics, but MOMMIE DEAREST has since won a cult following among queer audiences. Join us to celebrate GIRL TRASH GODDESS Faye Dunaway, proof that even an Oscar winner can go trash (if they act unhinged enough).

Polite notice: We are projecting MOMMIE DEAREST with subtitles from the best available digital source. The BBFC warns that MOMMIE DEAREST contains scenes of "emotional & physical abuse" and "strong to moderate and mild bad language", namely 'f**k', 'bitch', 'bastards', 'Christ', 'damn', 'God', 'goddamn', 'shit' and 'son of a bitch'. You know you want this.

/// 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. Adults 18+ only. Follow @zodiacfilmclub and @tokenhomo on Instagram for info and updates. Please contact the venue for access information. ///

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.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. You keep dancing with the devil, one day he's gonna follow you home. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Won 4 Oscars including Best Actor and won 3 Batfas.

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.

Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

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.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. You keep dancing with the devil, one day he's gonna follow you home. Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Won 4 Oscars including Best Actor and won 3 Batfas.

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.

A massive explosion and shootout in snowy Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, reveals a pharmaceutical heir's plot. His father's death in hospital triggers a drug war, destabilizing both legitimate and criminal worlds.

This is a chance to support and celebrate independent film. 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). It is also the birthday of The Fan Carpet who do interviews and reviews for The London Independent Film Festival. This is going to be a big celebration so make sure you’re part of it! They will also be doing some interviews during the evening.

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.

A group of workers preparing for the re-opening of a remote adventure park on the brink of bankruptcy, find themselves stalked by a silent killer. Cut off from any form of rescue, the survivors must band together to fight for their lives.

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 SMASH Pitch Workshop will be hosted by My SMASH Media at 3.30-4.30pm on Saturday 11th April at Genesis to help content-creators refine their pitching skills.

Pitching is rarely a walk in the park so the team at My SMASH Media is keen to help filmmakers feel as relaxed and confident as possible when it comes to selling a project to potential backers.

Join us and pick up some useful tips.

This workshop is open to all but also it is a requirement for those who submitted to the London Independent Film Festival Mini-Market on Sunday 19th April. You will NOT be selected for the Mini-Market if you have not attended this workshop.

The SMASH 1-2-1 Pitch Service Offer
If you would like a 1-2-1 Pitch session with a member of the SMASH team please share your SMASH Snapshot to cupid@mysmash.media for a 30-minute pitch session. Fee is £50.

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.

The Distance We Drift follows Ying, a Hong Kong immigrant adjusting to life in the UK with her family. Struggling with a growing sense of isolation in a new and unfamiliar environment, she unexpectedly encounters her former lover, Hong. Their reunion stirs long-buried memories and emotions, forcing Ying to confront questions about love, identity, and the choices that shape a life far from home.

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:

All We Have by Ellise Gwynn, 14 mins
Dys Is Me by Stacha Hicks, 15 mins
The Order Of Things by Alice Bridgen,10 mins
Waking by Nicki Glossop, 8 mins
Weekend One by Mykea Fairweather Perry, 15 mins
Birder by Sam Rowland-Le, 8 mins
Let me be with you by Fangtong Liu, 6 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:

Birthday Ticket by Ademola Osinowo, 10 mins
Meet Frankie by Steven Kunis, 14 mins
S I C K by Taira Foo, 15 mins
Splinters by Leon Finnan, 15 mins
Pushed Together by Ben Sapir, 4 mins
Mia, Alex & Dean Make A Movie by Declan Smith, 8 mins
The NHS & Me by Carlo Mole, 8 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 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:

Gaurav Hansuk - studio owner / Film Finance
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.

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.

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. ///

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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