Caption: Panel Discussion on Securing Finance in Film. Credit: Em.
Following a triumphant launch last year, Kingston International Film Festival (KIFF) is back with a densely-packed programme for film experts and enthusiasts alike.
Starting yesterday, and ending June 25, the festival showcases world premier screenings, documentaries, features and shorts of independent films. Succinctly embedded into the schedule are professional workshops led by industry specialists on the various practical elements of film-making.
"We want to showcase out young film-makers and storytellers. We want to show people what they have to say because we think their messages are important," said Deputy Festival Director, Jelena Lützel.
An eclectic range of films from all over the world will be screened at the Rose Theatre, The Curzon and Odeon. Industry experts, students and ambassadors on the film pre-select committee allow a range of films to be put forward, not just intellectual ones
"Lots of film festivals are very academic and we don't really want that," Lützel said. "The mixture of features and shorts makes it less daunting as people can go to just to see a feature film because that is what they may be used to."
Lützel said: "We're trying to really make it a festival for everyone and less intimidating to the general public." One of the new features this year is an outdoor screening of Bugsy Malone in Canbury Gardens on Saturday.
KIFF is unique in its drive towards student enagagement. In partnership with Kingston University, it is running a series of practical workshops on the minute details of film-making.
Boasting a strong line-up of industry professionals, some of the organisations include media accountants Alliotts, virtual production studio Arri Stage London and digital platform My Smash Media.
Despite the un-sexy topics on legal issues, finance, tax and insurance, the seminars cover the administrative particulars of the film sector. Previously a film student at Kingston, Lützel stresses the importance of the pragmatic workshops. She said: "There's stuff that you don't always learn at uni like, how do you tax a film to get some money back."
On Saturday June 24 there are exclusive screenings of student films and 'the next generation short-films', produced by under 18s.
Lützel said: "We want to showcase out young film-makers and storytellers. We want to show people what they have to say because we think their messages are really important."
Other events include Q&A sessions and networking in the evening to support emerging talent and connect them with industry professionals. Closing the festival on Sunday is an award ceremony with eight titles for the taking, including an exclusive Best Student Short Film award.
Closing the festival on Sunday is an award ceremony with eight titles for the taking, including a Best Student Short Film award. Rather than a trophy, the winners will receive functional prizes such as special lenses, camera equipment or cash prizes for their next film project.
Only its second year running, KIFF is lucky enough to have patrons from high-profile industry pundits and acclaimed actors such as Oscar-winning actress Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Dungeons and Dragons icon Jason Wong, and and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Director Mike Newell.
For programme information and to buy your KIFF23 tickets, visit the festival's website.
Caption: Legals Workshop in Townhouse. Credit: Em.
Comments