WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US...
“Vital, viral and viridescent festival at the heart of SF culture. Unmissable and unforgettable.”
Bill Thompson, BBC Click
“SCI-FI-LONDON Film Festival is a significant contributor to London’s film cultural life.”
Film London
“We are delighted to have worked with the festival on the launch of our game, DEFIANCE.”
Jonathan Goddard, Trion Worlds
“Once again, Sci-Fi-London should be commended for championing the little guy with the big ideas. ”
Anton Bitel, Sight & Sound
THE FESTIVAL
Our London-based annual international film festival enjoys an unrivaled reputation as a launchpad for genre film, a credible forum for industry events and networking, and a stimulating, inclusive environment for audiences. Insider, outsider, all are welcome at the friendliest festival in town.
Always keen to challenge stereotypes and push the definition of what ‘sci-fi‘ means, we have a reputation for programming a variety of exciting and independent films whilst remaining fun and inclusive.
The festival brings together the best science fiction and fantastic film from around the world. Our artistic programme includes international features, documentaries, short films, animation and filmmaking events and a host of related industry workshops and networking events combine the best of ‘science’ and ‘fiction’. We celebrate the shared experience of cinema in our all-nighter programmes and have plain old fun with our costume parades, and pub quiz.
We champion UK filmmaking via our 48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE – judging panellists have included world-renowned industry directors, writers and producers such as John Landis and Guillermo del Toro whilst our alumni include Gareth Edwards whose career in features (Monsters, Godzilla) was kickstarted by his challenge win.
The capital’s film and media agency, Film London, recognises us as “… a significant contributor to London’s film cultural life. The strong audiences achieved by its screenings are a testament both to the city’s appetite for science fiction film and to the work the festival does in bringing new audiences to the genre.”
Here’s a taster of the world and UK premieres, preview screenings, directors Q&A sessions, and teasers we’ve presented over the years:
- THE FALL OF THE LOUSE OF USHER – Dir: Ken Russell
- 28 WEEKS LATER – Dir: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
- CHEMICAL WEDDING – Dir. Julian Doyle. Producer: Bruce (Iron Maiden) Dickinson
- GHOSTS WITH SHIT JOBS – Dir. Jim Munro
- UPSIDE DOWN – Dir. Juan Solanas
- PRIMER – Dir. Shane Carruth (which the festival toured across the UK)
- UNCANNY – Dir. Matthew Leutwyler
We have also had some very well know faces at the festival and on our juries, these include:
- JOHN LANDIS
- WILLIAM HURT
- BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
- MICHEL GONDRY
- JOE DANTE
- GUILLERMO DEL TORO
- WARWICK DAVI
We have had some lovely reviews on FilmFreeway from filmmakers who have been at the festival:
“SCI-FI-LONDON Film Festival gave our film, OZMA, its perfect World Premiere. The communication and support from Louis & the team was excellent, and we felt our film was suddenly part of a supportive, enthusiastic community. All of the media and presentation is great too – it looks very good and gives the audience a sense of being part of a very cool scene. Bravo and thanks… it was inspiring.“
K.J Adams. OZMA
“Huge thanks to all of the team at Sci-Fi London. We had the best time screening our film to a sold-out audience.
You spend so long making a feature, you want it to be treated right at festivals and these guys do exactly that. The attention to detail, the merch, the drinks, the hospitality, the communication – so much went into the festival and it really showed.“
Marc Coleman. MANFISH
“My first online festival experience and it was great! The festival team made everything to make us feel welcomed. Great line-up of films, super nice people involved. Thanks a lot!“
Keren Chernizon. SEDUCED