Raindance returns to London’s West End for 31st edition

For its 31st edition, Raindance returns to the heart of London’s West End, the spiritual home of cinema in the UK. Running from 25 Oct– 4 Nov, host cinemas include Vue Piccadilly, Curzon Soho, Curzon Mayfair and the Garden Cinema, with The House of Raindance industry hub and the Raindance Immersive VR Showcase hosted this year at Wonderville on Haymarket – all located an arrow-shot from the iconic Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus. Further films will be screened at Genesis Cinema in east London.

Raindance celebrates this West End return with a programme of fresh, relevant, and radical premieres of must-see titles. A champion of new and vibrant voices in cinema, this year’s selection altogether prioritises the work of first, second, and third-time filmmakers across the entire feature programme, re-enforcing the Raindance mandate as a place to discover and be discovered. This year, over 75% of the films are debut features, with 14% being second or third features.

“When Raindance first launched back in 1993 with the world premiere of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, the festival found itself at home in London’s iconic West End, championing indie film in cinemas more accustomed to playing Hollywood blockbusters,” says Raindance founder Elliot Grove. “Year after year, Raindance proved that the West End could be a home to film of every budget and genre. In our most recent editions, Raindance embraced local neighbourhood cinemas across London. Now for this, our 31st edition, we are wholeheartedly back in London’s West End, the beating heart of cinema in the UK. And we will continue to champion new filmmakers and the edgy, under-the-radar films that we at Raindance love so much. Join us in 2023, in the shadow of Eros in the heart of London – and maybe with a little help from Eros’s mythical arrows, we’ll all fall just a bit in love with independent film.”

OPENING GALA: DAY OF THE FIGHT (dir. Jack Huston, Canada)

UK premiere. Debut feature. Award-winning British actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, American Hustle, House of Gucci) makes his directorial debut with this story of a once-renowned boxer who takes a redemptive journey through his past and present, on the day of his first fight since he left prison. This formidable drama stars Michael Pitt alongside a cast including Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, and a cameo from Steve Buscemi. Director Jack Huston will take part in a post-screening Q&A, followed by a gala opening party at the Waldorf Hilton.

CLOSING GALA: UN AMOR (dir. Isabel Coixet, Spain/Catalonia)

UK Premiere. Based on Sara Mesa’s bestselling novel, award-winning actress Laia Costa (nominated for the 2017 BAFTA EE Rising Star award for Victoria) plays a young woman who escapes her stressful life in the city and relocates to rural Spain. When she accepts a disturbing sexual proposal, it gives rise to an all-consuming and obsessive passion. Nominated for the Golden Seashell at San Sebastián Film Festival, it’s a striking account of existential doubt and the transformative power of carnal desire.

SPECIAL GUEST FOCUS: CATALONIA

Closing gala Un Amor is presented as part of this special focus in partnership with Catalan Films, along with the UK Premieres of Upon Entry, Tender Metalheads and La Singla (more details below). A dedicated Shorts Programme Catalan Collection will further showcase the vision, ambition, and vibrancy of Catalan filmmakers. Special sessions during Raindance’s Industry Programme will also champion Catalonia’s film industry.

Explore the full festival line-up here.