The London film scene is welcoming a new and bold festival in the shape of the Cine International Film Festival (CIFF) an innovative independent event which today announced today, packed with exclusive world premieres, special screenings and star-packed panel talks.
Running 7-10 May at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel in London, the festival will kick off with the world premiere of Savage Flowers, directed by Brad Watson and starring Roxanne McKee (Game of Thrones) and Nick Moran (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). The psychological thriller follows a young orphan who finds sanctuary in a foster home, only to discover the real danger lies within.
Also making its festival debut at CIFF is Borrowed Time, a revealing John Lennon biopic exploring the final decade of the music icon’s life. Directed by Alan G. Parker, the documentary features insights from Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono, shedding new light on Lennon’s post-Beatles evolution. This special screening will include an exclusive talk from the director.
Also receiving its UK premiere is Los Frikis, directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, is a coming-of-age story inspired by true events. Set in early 90s Cuba, a group of punk rockers in search of freedom go to extreme lengths to create their own utopia.
CIFF will showcase ten feature films, including Julien Temple’s London: The Modern Babylon, featuring Keith Allen, Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton. The time-travelling love letter to London will be followed by a Q&A with Julien Temple.
Other screenings include The Waterhouse, directed by Samuel Clemens; Sadie Frost’s QUANT; the UK premiere of The Wheels of Heaven by director Ben Charles Edwards and starring Mickey Rourke; Children of the Snow Land, directed by Zara Balfour, and premieres for documentaries showcasing legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold’s label Perfecto Records and the iconic Heaven Nightclub.
Beyond screenings, CIFF hosts an array of exclusive panel talks featuring industry insiders tackling topics from film financing to the future of independent cinema. The festival also includes a gala dinner and charity auction, with all proceeds benefitting Teenage Cancer Trust.
A curated selection of 28 short films will compete in the CIFF shorts programme, judged by a stellar panel including Asia Argento, Tamer Hassan, Sadie Frost, Roger Daltrey and Paul Oakenfold.
The shorts selection includes Academy Award nominated The Heart of Texas from director Gregory Kasunich; Michelle Brondum’s REQUIEM starring Bella Ramsey and Safia Oakley-Green; the BAFTA winning TWAIN from director Pip with Daisy Edgar-Jones producing, and the BAFTA and Academy Award nominated Sister Wives from director Louisa Burnham. Winners will be announced at The CIFF Awards on Saturday 10 May, honouring silver screen legends and rising stars alike.
At the heart of CIFF’s mission is supporting emerging talent. The festival proudly introduces the Goldfinch Academy Bursary, a prize designed to empower new filmmakers and bring their creative visions to life.
CIFF is produced in partnership with DREAMTOWN Entertainment, Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, and Goldfinch — the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning collective dedicated to championing independent film. Founders Ben Charles Edward, Tamer Hassan and Kirsty Bell intend to establish the event as London’s Cannes, with ambitious ideas for how it can expand in Soho.
CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (CIFF) – FULL PROGRAMME:
*Strictly invite only
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY: (tickets on sale now)
· Short Films Programme
· QUANT screening with Sadie Frost introduction, presented by Alfa Romeo x The London Standard *
· WORLD PREMIERE: Savage Flowers (at Curzon Soho) – tickets on sale
· Opening Gala Party *
THURSDAY 8 MAY: (tickets on sale now)
· Short Films Programme
· PANEL TALK: Jordan Bayne – Film3 / web3 panel with Phil Mckenzie
· SCREENING: The Waterhouse
· Gala Dinner & Teenage Cancer Trust Auction *
FRIDAY 9 MAY: (tickets on sale now)
· Short Films Programme
· PANEL TALK: “Girls On Film” podcast
· SCREENING: The Wheels Of Heaven
· WORLD PREMIERE: Borrowed Time (John Lennon doc)
· SCREENING: Los Frikis
· SCREENING: Perfecto Records
· SCREENING: Heaven Nightclub
SATURDAY 10 MAY:
· Short Films Programme
· PANEL TALK: Asia Argento & Ben Charles Edwards- Future Of Independent Filmmaking
· SCREENING: London: The Modern Babylon with Julien Temple Q&A
· EXCLUSIVE UK PREMIERE: Children Of The Snow Land
· PANEL TALK: Get Your Film Financed
· The CIFF Awards *
Day passes for CIFF start from £10, with a four-day pass priced at £34.99. Tickets for the opening night premiere of Savage Flowers is £16. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.cineinternationalfilmfestival.com/.
