Ealing gets ready for the 4th Ealing Film Festival

In a month’s time, the Ealing Film Festival returns for its fourth year and organisers are promising it will be “bigger and better than ever”.

In 2023, more than 400 films from across the world were submitted for the awards which recognise short films of 20 minutes or less and the judges had to view more than 69 hours of films to draw up their shortlist and eventual winners who will recieve trophies for their work.

From documentaries to comedy and drama to animation, the entries cover a wide range of genres.  A special Green Planet category will showcase films concerned about the environment while there is also a student category for up and coming young filmmakers.

Peter Gould, one of the festival directors said: “We have received some amazing films which deserve to be shown on a big screen in a cinema, in front of an audience.”

He added: “The Ealing name is known by filmmakers around the world. They are aware of our borough’s cinema heritage, and it is a privilege to be able to share their work and provide them with an audience.”

The films will be shown at three venues across Ealing during the festival week which runs from 20 November 2023 to 25 November 2023 and are Ealing Project in Ealing Broadway, ActOne Cinema in Acton and Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery next to Walpole Park.

Annemarie Flanagan, another festival director added: “We set out to shine a spotlight on new talent. A short film is like a calling card. It brings your work to the attention of people in the industry. After just four years, we are already seeing how filmmakers are developing their skills, making connections, and networking with other filmmakers. It’s what film festivals are all about.”

As well as being shown on the big screen at the three venues, the films will also be able view online on the Ealing Film Festival website and allow viewers to vote for the People’s Choice.

Festival director Alan Granley commented: “We have come a long way in four years, but this is just the start. We have had an amazing response from the local community, and there are further opportunities for individuals and local businesses to get involved with the festival and support the creative talent in our midst.”

He added: “And after so long without a High Street cinema, we are proud to be part of a process that has brought film back to the borough of Ealing, where it belongs.“