London, UK 11th October — The London Breeze Film Festival, formerly known as the Barnes Film Festival, launched with a bang last night, revealing thrilling new image and big ambitions to an audience of film enthusiasts and industry professionals at the befitting iconic Battersea Powerstation - an evening of cinematic excellence, entertainment, and celebration. 

Guests included Daniel Battsek, Chairman of Film4, Louise Benson from the Film + TV Charity, Francesca Gyado CEO Independent Film Trust, Exec Producer Katheryn Parsons, Actor Will Merrick and numerous award-winning filmmakers and BAFTA members.

Festival Director Sam Cullis unveiled LBFF's continuing and growing commitment to championing new voices, promoting outstanding filmmaking and engaging wider audiences. 

"Helping to grow the next generation of filmmakers is central to our ethos as we strive to engage with communities and young people to inspire creativity and confidence.

We have a distinctive vision at London Breeze, and hopefully that came through this evening."

Maythem Ridha, LBFF's Creative Director announced a new industry branch to the festival, and a teaser to a long term goal of a Filmmakers Lab as a way to inject new opportunities for emerging talent and consolidate LBFF's foothold in the education and mentoring of the next generation of filmmakers.

Highlights of the Evening: 

Two curated short film programmes, fulfilling LBFF's promise to exhibit exciting storytellers. Starting with a 'Best of the Fest' curated by Alexa Bailey featuring short films that had premiered at the festival and went on to garner great acclaim such as Oscar contenders Free and The Stupid Boy, then followed by an incredible collection of shorts curated by the festival's headline sponsor Waterbear Networks, highlighting impactful filmmaking aimed at driving positive social change.  

Following the screenings, guests were invited to a glitzy VIP after-party in the Exclusive Members Bar. The night was set to the beats of a live DJ, whilst fellow film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals networked, exchanged and connected. 

The London Breeze Film Festival was proud to have support from students at Met Film School, London Film Academy, and Kingston University, gaining valuable insight into the industry. 

London Breeze Film Festival 2024 will be in October next year but the team have monthly events planned all year round.

For more information contact festival director Sam Cullis [email protected] 

07969594365