London Independent Film Festival celebrates half a decade
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Over four days in January, Soho’s iconic De Lane Lea/Warner Bros Building will host more than 50 films from around the globe, featuring celebrated talents like Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies alongside the emerging stars of the future.
SohoLIFF is an independent short film festival that supports filmmakers from around the world. This year’s festival sees submissions from over 25 countries and filmmakers will compete for 16 awards, culminating in a ceremony that brings everyone together to share their stories and love of the artform. Filmmakers will also compete for the coveted Audience Choice Award, voted for by the public, where winners receive five hours of primetime exposure on Clear Channel’s big screens in three central London locations.
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Hide AdThe judging panel comprises writer Selina Armoudon, producer Stephanie Bamberg, national treasure Michelle Collins, actor Joe Ferrera, director Chris Michael Fretwell, actress and producer Kate Magowan, award-winning filmmaker Athena Mandis, esteemed director Neil Marshall, cameraman and cinematography expert Steve Montgomery, BAFTA award-winning actor Jane Perry and producer Daria Polunina.


Submissions for 2025 pushed the festival to the next level with films exploring important themes and issues in unique and exciting ways.
Films will include hilarious comedies, impactful documentaries, thought-provoking experimental films and unforgettable dramas, with specific attention paid to those with social and environmental impact.
Described by Londonfy as ‘a beacon of hope and resurgence for the independent film sector’, SohoLIFF is entirely run by volunteers, dedicated to nurturing a global community, crossing cultural, social and gender boundaries.
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Hide AdAlongside screenings, delegates are invited to participate in free daily workshops, masterclasses and industry panels. Post-screening Q&A sessions allow audiences to go behind the scenes with filmmakers, gaining insight into their creative process as well as hearing all the production gossip.
The festival, from January 23-26, is once again in partnership with Entertainment Oxygen, offering online streaming that enables film lovers to experience the festival remotely. With options from individual films to full festival passes, online audiences can join the excitement from anywhere in the world.
Enjoying a night at the festival can include a drink at the Twelth Bar where you can sample the festival’s signature cocktail, The SohoLIFFer created by festival sponsor The King of Soho.
Other festival sponsors include Clear Channel, All Is Joy, Smart Soho and Fever-Tree.