The Ealing Film Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever as it returns to the borough for its fifth consecutive year next week.
From November 25 to November 30 2024, viewers can look forward to nearly 100 short films, chosen from 458 submissions, being screened at four venues across Ealing – Ealing Picturehouse, Ealing Project, Pitzhanger Manor and Acton’s Act One Cinema.
And it’s set to be one of the most exciting line-ups of movies yet, with film talent from across the globe – including Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Pakistan, Uganda and Ukraine – having the chance to air their work.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, co-director and co-founder of Ealing Film Festival, Peter Gould said: “We always try to show as many films as we can in our local cinemas, as we know how much our filmmakers enjoy the thrill of seeing their films on the big screen.
“And it is a great opportunity for them to network with other filmmakers, and the industry professionals who are involved in these events. Many famous film directors started out making short films. We will be also screening a number of the most artistic films in the splendid surroundings of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. This year we have a panel discussion about the impact of artificial intelligence in the production of films for the cinema. It promises to be a lively debate!”
Mr Gould added: “We are always knocked out by the quality of the films submitted to the festival, and this year has been no exception. As the number of films submitted increases, it becomes even harder to choose the ones to screen, and to decide which films win the awards.
“We are proud of the long history of filmmaking in our borough. We launched our festival with the intention of providing a platform for a new generation of filmmakers. It is wonderful to see so many of them bringing their amazing films to Ealing, one of the homes of British cinema, and continuing that tradition. They are the future of film, and it is a privilege to celebrate their work.”
The festival gets underway on Monday November 25 with the ‘Green Planet’ event, a series of films devoted to environmental issues – which will feature a showing of Beavers In Paradise, a documentary about the reintroduction of the animals to west London.
Other highlights across the week will include screenings of animated and student films as well as those made by local filmmakers. There will also be a discussion from a panel of industry professionals, debating the pros and cons of using AI to make films for the cinema.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the official website – where the full programme is also available.
