Film festival to showcase young talent from the heart of Brixton

A film festival is set to showcase some of the best young talent coming out of Brixton in a must-see event for film enthusiasts and creatives.

The Brixton Film Festival will debut at the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse in Coldharbour Lane, on December 6.

The evening will feature five short films from young Brixton creatives as well as an exclusive selection of premiere screenings, Q&A sessions and plenty of time to mingle with everyone involved.

Launched by filmmaker Natasha Preville, founding director of The Ascension Agency, and Emil Collins, filmmaker and founding director of The Socialize Film Club, the festival is presented in partnership with Black Cultural Archives.

Ms Preville said: “In the film and TV industries, I noticed a lack of festivals specifically dedicated to young people and their stories. 

“Brixton, where I grew up and where we work, holds a special place in my heart. It felt vital to create a space that amplifies the voices of young filmmakers.”

The Brixton Film Festival will spotlight emerging talent from filmmakers aged under 30 as well as “excellence for filmmakers aged over 50”.

Ms Preville said: “Our vision is to ensure young voices are heard, felt, and seen while fostering unity across generations.”

The Brixton Film Festival supports future filmmakers through two flagship programs: The Brixton Screen Academy and The ReelReal Film Experience, funded by Lambeth Made and the Mayor of London. 

These programs offer young people with industry training, hands-on experience, and employment opportunities in the TV and film industries.

As part of the initiative, participants have created five short films and two music videos under the mentorship of industry professionals over the past year. 

With sessions hosted at The Ascension Agency’s studios in Brixton’s International House, the projects culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the BBC Studios in White City.

Now, their creations will be shown at The Brixton Film Festival.

Audiences can look forward to a selection of innovative short films shot in and around Brixton, including Sonder – a heartfelt spoken-word love story, directed by Danielle Njamen, Apartment 19 – a supernatural queer comedy with a fresh twist, directed by Maya Jay and Brixton – a vibrant celebration of community through a “Day in the Life” lens, directed by Myvanwy Evans-Davis.

NeuroSpicy, directed by Leanne Ivey, which explores neurodiversity and self-expression, and Dope, an exposé on screen time and its effects on children, directed by Maybri Boyle will also feature in the line up.

Ms Njamen, director of Sonder, said: “I first learnt about this opportunity at a time when I was eager to explore my passion for filmmaking. 

“As a young person in the care system, I often felt disconnected and lacked access to networks or opportunities where I could meet others who shared my interests. This film project changed everything. 

“It allowed me to connect with people who share my love for cinema but also gave me the freedom to express my creativity and think outside the box. 

“Every moment of the course was an inspiring experience. I truly believe my future success in the film industry is thanks to The Brixton Film Festival.”

The evening will also feature exclusive premiere screenings from The ReelReal Filmmakers Experience, The Brixton Screen Academy and the New Black Film Collective, as well as a special screening of Say Nothing, a short film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. 

To conclude, the festival will honour multi-award-winning filmmaker Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka by introducing a new award category: The Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka Creative Award, which celebrates his dedication to supporting young filmmakers from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The finalists of The Brixton Film Festival Pitch X Competition will then be announced.

With all proceeds supporting emerging filmmakers, attend The Brixton Film Festival on December 6, at the Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton, to celebrate the future of filmmaking and community storytelling. Click here to secure your tickets now.

Pictured top: Crews in Brixton market filming for short film Brixton, directed by Myvanwy Evans-Davis (Picture: Lévi Maba)