Why City Lights Film Festival is reimagining how London supports independent film

As the lights dim in cinemas across North London this weekend, hundreds of audience members and filmmakers will gather for the 12th annual BIFA qualifying City Lights Film Festival in North London. But if you think this is just another weekend of watching movies on the big screen, think again.

From their roots in London's indie circuit—originally launched as TweetFest—City Lights was built around a singular belief: brilliant short-form cinema deserves serious attention, and the emerging talent behind it deserves genuine, long-term support.

This weekend, in the words of their Festival Director Angela Peters, "we’re proud to host our festival in North London, championing independent, breakout, and undiscovered talent from across the nation. But what truly sets City Lights apart from the rest of the festival circuit is what happens before, during, and long after the credits roll. We are a community, not just a competition."

For many indie filmmakers, the festival experience can feel transactional—submit your film, hope for a seat, collect an applause, and head home. At City Lights, they do things differently.

The festival operates as a living community. They actively stay connected with their alumni, helping them navigate next steps, build sustainable careers, and land their next projects. They host year-round networking nights that have brought together thousands of writers, directors, producers, and actors across London over the last 15+ years, fostering real creative partnerships that lead directly to the next wave of British short and feature films.

Free workshops, panels and industry accessibility in North London

Demystifying the industry

Accessibility sits at the core of their ethos too. Throughout this weekend’s main festival programme, they are running:

• Free talks & workshops: Giving emerging creatives direct, free access to industry decision-makers.

• Panels & Q&As: Unpacking everything from how a film gets funded to what to do after you've finished the festival circuit.

• Live Screenings: Showcasing BIFA-qualifying work alongside hidden gems from brand-new voices.

"We want to lower the barrier to entry for film education and ensure that anyone passionate about storytelling has a seat at the table," says Angela Peters.

This year’s screening lineup highlights the sheer depth of emerging British talent. Audiences will get an early look at groundbreaking short films from rising directors like Georgia Parris, whose latest short Unauthorised Absence (unauthorisedabsencefilm) has already created serious buzz, alongside standout performances from actors such as Ewan Mitchell in Still Life. From raw, intimate personal dramas to hilariously awkward comedy, the curated selections give you front-row seats to the future stars of British cinema before anyone else.

The big finish: The gala night at Screen on the Green

Everything culminates in their flagship event: the red carpet gala and awards evening at the iconic Everyman Screen on the Green in Islington.

Handing over iconic neighbourhood screens to independent shorts puts bold new storytellers front and centre. It is a celebration of their work in front of an industry audience, and this is truly what City Lights is all about.

Whether you’re a passionate cinephile wanting to catch tomorrow’s BAFTA or Oscar winners today, or a local creative looking to find your network, come and take part in City Lights Film Festival in North London this weekend.

City Lights Film Festival runs this weekend from the 14th to the 17th November across North London venues, concluding with the gala at Everyman Screen on the Green. Find out more and secure tickets at citylightsfilmfestival.com.

Poster art by Egle-Evergreen of Unquiet Reverie Art.