West London Film Festival: a must-attend event for international Cinema lovers
From October 25th to 27th, 2024, London will host the West London Film Festival, an exciting event celebrating international cinema. The festival, founded by actress and producer Giorgia Cecconi, is set to become a platform for both emerging and established talent, fostering connections across the global film industry. Cecconi, an Italian native, has transformed a simple idea into reality, creating a space for filmmakers, actors, producers, and cinema lovers to come together.
From passion to Festival
“I recently started my career as an actor and producer, and I felt we needed more opportunities for connection in the industry”, Cecconi explained in an exclusive interview. After hosting several networking events, the natural next step was to create a film festival that could highlight and promote both Italian and international talents. Cecconi’s journey in cinema began at a young age in Rome, where her passion for acting blossomed. After taking a break, she returned to the industry as an actor and producer and now stands as the director of this highly anticipated festival.
A Festival full of events
The West London Film Festival will be held at the renowned The Chiswick Cinema, the perfect venue for screenings, workshops, and networking sessions. The festival kicks off on Friday, October 25th, at 7:00 PM, with pass collection and a welcome cocktail in the private lounge of the cinema. The evening continues with two highly anticipated screenings: at Screen 2, the UK premiere of Flaminia, the debut feature film by Italian comedian and actress Michela Giraud, with English subtitles. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Giraud herself. Simultaneously, Screen 5 will feature a selection of short films, offering a range of compelling cinematic stories. The night will conclude with a party and networking event, an ideal opportunity to meet directors, actors, and producers.
A program for all ages
The festival isn’t just about screenings. On Saturday, October 26th, the day starts with a special event for children: from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, BAFTA-nominated director Simone Giampaolo will lead an interactive animation workshopfor kids (recommended for ages 7+). This unique opportunity allows young participants to dive into the world of animation, guided by a seasoned professional. The rest of the day will feature a rich selection of short films and will peak at 2:00 PM with the Pitching Competition, where emerging filmmakers have four minutes to present their ideas for a short film. Prizes include a year-long membership to the Female Film Club, £100 in cash, and a half-day filming session at the American University of Richmond.
Another highlight will be a panel led by Festival Doctor Rebekah Louisa Smith, offering practical advice on festival strategies, and a production conference by award-winning producer Gina Lyon. The evening will wrap up with a surprise feature film screening and another networking party.
A packed Sunday
The final day of the festival, Sunday, October 27th, will offer just as many exciting events. The morning begins at 10:30 AM with more short film screenings, followed by a workshop led by Alessandra Gonnella on how to transform a short film into a TV series. From 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM, award-winning actor Paul McNeilly will host an acting workshop, providing participants with the chance to hone their on-set skills. Other notable events include a mental health panel in collaboration with Virgin Active and the “Yes She Cannes” panel, focusing on the We Short platform, which supports short filmmaking.
The festival will conclude with a stand-up comedy show presented by BeComedyUK, featuring comedian Xhuliano Dule, and the awards ceremony at 8:00 PM, where the winners of the festival’s categories will be revealed.
A bridge between Italy and the UK
As an Italian herself, Cecconi has maintained a strong connection to her homeland and its cinema. “I have a soft spot for Italy and Italian cinema”, she admitted, emphasizing how part of the festival is dedicated to giving Italian filmmakers greater exposure on the international stage. Despite this, the West London Film Festival is a truly global event, welcoming films and filmmakers from all over the world.
With such a varied and dynamic program, the West London Film Festival is a must-attend event for cinema lovers who want to discover new works, connect with industry professionals, and take part in exclusive workshops. It promises to be a celebration of independent and international cinema like no other.
Event information and tickets
The festival will take place at The Chiswick Cinema from October 25th to 27th, 2024. Tickets and passes are available on the festival’s official website (www.wlff.co.uk). Attendees can choose from several options, including full festival passes, day passes, or tickets for the opening night.
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