The Brixton Film Festival is set to debut at the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton, South London, showcasing the talent of emerging filmmakers. Designed to unify and empower local communities, this one-day event on Friday, 6th December 2024, is a must-attend for film enthusiasts and creatives. Tickets are available now here

The Brixton Film Festival was conceived by visionary Brixton filmmakers Natasha Preville, founding director of The Ascension Agency, and Emil Collins, award-winning filmmaker and founding director of The Socialize Film Club. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of young filmmakers, the festival is presented in partnership with Black Cultural Archives, an organisation committed to supporting and empowering youth storytelling.
The Brixton Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema; it is a dynamic, multi-platform initiative supporting future filmmakers through two flagship programs: The Brixton Screen Academy and The ReelReal Film Experience, funded by Lambeth Made and the Mayor of London. These programs provide young people with industry training, hands-on experience, and employment opportunities in the TV and film industries.

Over the past year, participants have secured paid work experience, including filming at All Points East, Bloomberg, and the SoulFest launch at Sony. As part of the initiative, they created five short films and two music videos under the mentorship of an exceptional team of industry professionals. This included camera and post-production training from Albert Mensah, CEO of Fortune Favours Productions; storytelling and social media insights from Bernard P. Achampong, award-winning executive director and content producer; and direction and industry expertise from Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka, a multi-award-winning film director, producer, and actor.

All sessions were hosted at The Ascension Agency’s studios in Brixton’s International House and culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the prestigious BBC Studios in White City, London.

The Festival Program

The Brixton Film Festival opens with a unique networking opportunity, offering attendees the chance to connect with industry experts, the festival’s founders, and partners from the Black Cultural Archives. The evening will feature exclusive premiere screenings from The ReelReal Filmmakers Experience, The Brixton Screen Academy and the New Black Film Collective.
Audiences can look forward to a selection of innovative short films shot in and around Brixton, including:

Sonder – A heartfelt spoken-word love story, directed by Danielle Njamen.

Apartment 19 – A supernatural queer comedy with a fresh twist, directed by Maya Jay.

Brixton – A vibrant celebration of community through a “Day in the Life” lens, directed by Myvanwy Evans-Davis.

NeuroSpicy – A thoughtful exploration of neurodiversity and self-expression, directed by Leanne Ivey.

Dope – A thought-provoking exposé on screen time and its effects on children, directed by Maybri Boyle

The program also includes a special screening of Say Nothing, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. This powerful film features an impressive cast, including Judith Jacob (EastEnders, The Real McCoy), Che Walker (Riches, The Chelsea Detective), and Ellen Thomas (In the Long Run, Dark Money). An exclusive panel discussion and Q&A session with director Donna-Marie Dowe and the cast will follow the screening.

To conclude the evening, the festival will honour multi-award-winning filmmaker Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka by introducing a new award category: The Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka Creative Award, which celebrates his dedication to supporting young filmmakers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, the finalists of The Brixton Film Festival Pitch X Competition will be announced.