Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
This November, London is getting ready for the 15th So Independent International Film Festival (SIFFA), which is also its tenth birthday. From November 20th to 28th, 2025, the Vue Cinema in Piccadilly Circus will be the place to be for filmmakers, artists, and movie lovers from all over. The festival will wrap up with a Closing Gala in Mayfair.
This year’s focus is “Cinema of Higher Values – Beyond Differences, Towards Genuine Dialogue.” This idea shows what SIFFA is all about: using film to bring different cultures and ideas together. The 2025 festival takes inspiration from the work of Chilean thinker Dario Salas Sommer, whose ideas on awareness and working together are very relevant now. Sommer’s writings encourage people to look past small disagreements and work towards common goals, making his ideas a good fit for what SIFFA wants to achieve.
The schedule includes competitions for both long and short films, as well as a documentary section with stories from different countries. People who come can expect talks with people who work in the movie business and workshops. A Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass will kick off the opening day. This class will be taught by Richard Belfield, who has won awards and worked for big news companies like the BBC, Channel 4, and Al Jazeera. Participants will learn from Belfield’s wide experience, giving the festival a strong start.
Before the festival officially starts, SIFFA will hold a press event on November 18th. The documentary Temptation by Civilisation, a film designed to make people think about this year’s theme, will be shown at the event. This screening is meant to encourage thinking and discussion as the festival begins. Also, this year’s festival will remember the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Fascism, honoring those who stood up for what is right and for freedom. SIFFA is taking a moment to honor the people who fought for peace and justice.
The Awards Ceremony and Closing Gala, set for November 28th, will bring together filmmakers, celebrities, and other important people. People like Fedor Bondarchuk, Duchess Nivin El-Gamal, Joel van der Molen, Issam Hijjawi, Katie Jarvis, and Lembit Öpik are expected to be there. This event celebrates the hard work and ability found in film.
Since it began in 2016, SIFFA has become a key film event in the UK. It has teamed up with well-known groups like BAFTA, BFI, and Raindance over the years, growing its reach and influence. These partnerships show SIFFA’s commitment to excellence and its place in the film world.
Dr. Luba Balagova-Kandour, the festival’s founder and director, said, “We’ve always thought that films can help bridge the gap between cultures, values, and people. This idea is what drives SIFFA and shows its lasting impact on the film scene.
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