Kingston International Film Festival launches to support independent film

“Without intervention, we may never discover the next Danny Boyle,” was the warning issued by leading cinematic talent at today’s launch of Kingston International Film Festival (KIFF).  

The festival’s ambassadors and patrons including BAFTA award-winning Mike Newell, Mission Impossible star Dougray Scott, and Jason Wong from Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman, gathered with the founder and festival director, David Cunningham, and Artistic Director at Rose Theatre, Christopher Haydon, to outline KIFF’s mission to showcase the best of independent and emerging British talent on an international stage.  

The announcement follows BFI figures revealing that investment into the independent film industry in the UK has fallen by 45% and that just twenty-two blockbuster films account for 78% of UK film production spend.1 The stars called on both business and government to do more to ensure that the important contribution that independent British cinema makes to the nation’s cultural landscape isn’t lost.  

Born out of a 50:50 partnership between Blue Elephant Films and Rose Theatre, KIFF aims to bring about a solution to the declining independent film industry by providing a supportive new platform for emerging talent and creating opportunities that link new filmmakers with leading industry experts to drive forward their careers.  

David Cunningham, Festival Director of KIFF says, “Prior to Covid-19 the UK independent film industry was already seeing a decline in investment. In March 2018 qualifying for funding through the Enterprise Initiative Scheme (EIS) was drastically changed by HMRC, eliminating any incentives for investors to support lower budget films. This has had a devasting effect on small independent film companies.   

“That’s what inspired us to launch the Kingston International Film Festival, which we hope to turn into an internationally recognised event that showcases the work of leading independent filmmakers, as well as becoming a vanguard in scouting and launching new talent. Film Festivals have played a crucial part in launching the careers of some of our most celebrated independent directors, producers and acting talent. Without intervention we risk missing out on discovering the next Danny Boyle, who has contributed so much to our cultural landscape.”  

By working with local communities in Kingston, creating an open and accessible submission process and teaming up with industry leads, KIFF hopes to inspire a new generation of filmmakers to submit their films to the festival, get guidance and funding to make their films and ultimately showcase their work on an international stage. 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Four Weddings and a Funeral director and festival patron, Mike Newell, said: “KIFF is a more practical, a more solidly founded and optimistic way of going forward for the film industry than the often-ostentatious approach of other film festivals. The industry is crying out for a festival such as this, that is passionate about championing emerging independent talent, particularly those starting out in the industry, to help create opportunities for talent that is too often overlooked.” 

Taking place from 24-26 June 2022, the inaugural Film Festival has also received early support from Academy Award winning actor Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Star Trek actor Marina Sirtis. The festival will showcase winning and shortlisted films across 7 award categories with an emphasis on emerging talent, including under 18s short film, first feature film, student short film and under 25 short screenplay. The awards are open to international filmmakers, with a category dedicated to UK filmmakers.  

Actor best known for his role in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman and festival ambassador Jason Wong, said: “It’s fundamental to engage emerging talent, from all walks of life, to bring fresh ideas and perspectives into the independent film industry to help it thrive. KIFF is a fantastic opportunity to not only discover new talent and support them through their careers but to also raise concerns over the lack of funding for the sector. Without film festivals such as this one, and the right support, we may never discover the next rising star.” 

To find out more about the festival and the programme visit https://kiffest.uk/