Submissions for the fourth annual Walthamstow International Film Festival are coming in thick and fast according to organisers. Since calling for entrants in January, about 50 professional and amateur filmmakers from all over the world have submitted their short movies for the festival.


“We’re really pleased we’ve had so many entrants already,“ says Liza Fletcher, chairwoman of the event. “A majority of the films submitted are by international filmmakers, but we would love to see more homegrown talent.

“For any filmmaker, the most import thing is for an audience to see your film, you can learn so much from audience reaction.”

Created as an off-shoot of the E17 Arts Trail, since its inception in 2010, Walthamstow International Film Festival has gone from strength to strength.

For the first time, this year the event is being held in conjunction with Stow Film Lounge and will feature a series of short film viewings, a programme of movie-related workshops and film events over the first two weekends of July. There will also be a special screening of a film classic at The Orford House Social Club with live music, food and a DJ.

With a host of prizes up for grabs, the judges of this year’s film festival are Walthamstow-based director Barry Bliss, BFI head of education Noel Godwin, Pauline Black Selector singer from ‘80s ska band and the rising star in experimental film, Georgina Starr.

And there is still time to submit a film for the festival, as the closing date is June 16. All filmmakers need to do is ensure their movie is three minutes long, suitable for family viewing, if it’s in a foreign language it must have English subtitles, and it must have been created after January 2012.

“This film festival is fantastic way to showcase talent,“ says Liza. “It’s also a great opportunity to see what is out there in terms of film and for filmmakers to learn from one another. It’s about enthusing filmmakers, to get their talents rewarded and recognised.”

Workshops for Walthamstow International Film Festival will run on Saturday, July 6 at Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow. Walthamstow International Film Festival will run on  Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 at The Orford House Social Club, Orford Road, Walthamstow.

Details: www.walthamstowinternationalfilmfestival.com