2nd London Iranian Film Festival

The London Iranian Film Festival is the only annual UK event dedicated to giving a platform to Iranian Cinema. It provides valuable opportunities for filmmakers who would not normally have a stage in the UK, and invaluable chances for UK audiences to access to such films.

The festival acts as an exhibition, promoting awareness amongst UK audiences and giving them access to films reflecting the heritage of Iran. It is also a celebration of culture, allowing acclaimed directors to showcase their work in major cities, where the importance of Iranian cinema is now recognised. The festival brings the best of Iranian Cinema to the UK and this promotes and contributes to cultural diversity in Britain.

Iranian Cinema is born out of poetry, art and resistance. It unites people from all walks of life regardless of who they are or what they do. The festival is therefore designed to reflect this and so it is designed for everyone to enjoy films and exchange opinions.

The first ever showcase of the London Iranian Film Festival took place between 19th - 25th November 2010, during which;

* 471 films were submitted from a total of 53 different countries
* Over 1300 tickets were sold
* 46 films were screened
* Over 2450 people attended events, including 4 free screenings, 2 networking events, 3 Q&A sessions and a press conference

 

Why Do We Need Your Help?
The London Iranian Film Festival that took place in 2010 was funded privately by three festival directors who are also filmmakers. They chose to contribute their own money to make this important cultural event possible with valuable contributions from volunteers. Please note that the festival is entirely run by volunteer staff; there are no paid staff working for the London Iranian Film Festival.

The London Iranian Film Festival is a non-political group and therefore it has previously rejected funding from politically biased sources.

The Festival is now looking into funding for this year’s event, scheduled for 18th - 26th November 2011. The festival directors have spent the last year working hard on the festival itself, therefore there are no more funds available from private sources for the 2nd London Iranian Film Festival.

To repeat and excel the success of last year's festival, we need funding. 

The only way we can continue our cultural mission around the UK is with the generosity of our supporters. We are a young, enthusiastic organisation with growing ambitions. We are bringing the cinematic and cultural highlights of Iran straight to the cinema screens of Britain’s film lovers. With your support we can continue to host fantastic events celebrating Iranian cinema, and continuing to promote the cultural diversity of the UK.

 

What Will The Money Be Used For?
Last year we were very impressed with the quality of films submitted and audience numbers. This year we have even bigger ambitions.

The funding therefore will be used to:
* reach out to a wider audience, across many regions of the UK
* hold more free screenings and events
* hold events in many London boroughs
* organise more guest programmes at festivals around the UK

 

What Could I Get In Return?
Firstly, the knowledge that you have aided what is an invaluable arts venture, and our gratitude, is in itself is a fantastic reward.
The London Iranian Film Festival provides an opportunity for young filmmakers and film enthusiasts to meet, collaborate, communicate and learn, and you would be directly enabling our mission.

Those participants feeling particularly generous can also receive tickets to some of our wonderful festival events, as our way of saying thank you, and giving you the opportunity to see first hand where your contribution is going.

 

“The London Iranian Film Festival seeks to introduce Iranian Cinema and promote Iranian Culture and heritage to new audiences. Therefore, I welcome this festival to London and hope Londoners will enjoy seeing some of the best Iranian films”
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

“London audiences, film buffs and all others who love film will definitely enjoy this festival….there are just so many good films involved”
Zoran Veljkovic, Cinematographer

2nd London Iranian Film Festival. 18th - 26th November 2011