The Story So Far

The London Short Film Festival, now in its 9th year, is recognised as the premiere UK showcase for cutting-edge UK independent film.

Renowned for daring cross-arts programming, we showcase the very best of the country’s raw talent. The London Short Film Festival is a Mecca for the UK’s young creative talent and a significant date in the UK film calender.

Every year the Festival’s large and loyal audience flock to screenings and events, and this network has grown steadily over almost a decade.

A brief history

In 2003 Philip Ilson and Kate Taylor organised the first Halloween Short Film Festival at the ICA. This was formed as a continuation of The Halloween Short Film Club which Philip had been programming since 1994. In 2008 the festival became the London Short Film Festival and has been growing year-on-year to take in more films, live music, industry and training events and diverse, high-quality venues.

The team

  • Chloe Roddick (Producer)
  • Philip Ilson (Festival Director)

2011 facts & figures

  • Over 5,000 tickets sold
  • 60+ events across 10 days and 22 venues
  • 75% of events sold to capacity
  • Over 220 films screened

What they say

“The Best Short Film Festival in the World” – Guardian Guide

“Too good a party to miss - Time Out

“A London bastion of cutting-edge short films and multimedia - The Times

“Film fans who prefer multimedia thrills to multiplex fodder have flocked to this festival since its inception - Metro

“Excellent film/music festival - Critics Choice, Time Out

“Cannes may have Borat in a thong, Sundance may have condiments with Robert Redford’s face on them, but only the freakiest film festival in town can offer pole dancers and a film competition judged by Larry Clark. How d’you like them apples, London? - Empire