Everything you ever needed to know

(but were too afraid to ask)

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