SohoLIFF celebrates its fifth edition

The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) marks its 5^th year in style in January 2025, celebrating five years of innovation in independent film with an electrifying line-up of screenings, events and special guests.

Over four days, Soho’s iconic De Lane Lea/Warner Bros Building will host more than 50 films from around the globe, featuring celebrated talents like Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies alongside the emerging stars of the future.  This is a festival for filmmakers and film lovers alike.

SohoLIFF is an independent short film festival that supports filmmakers from around the world.  This year’s festival sees submissions from over 25 countries; filmmakers will compete for 16 awards, culminating in a ceremony that brings everyone together to share their stories and love of the artform.  Filmmakers will also compete for the coveted Audience Choice Award, voted for by the public, where winners receive five hours of primetime exposure on Clear Channel’s big screens in three central London locations.

Submissions for 2025 pushed the festival to the next level with films exploring important themes and issues in unique and exciting ways.  Films include hilarious comedies, impactful documentaries, thought-provoking experimental films and unforgettable dramas. Films from all genres are considered with specific attention paid to those with social and environmental impact.

The festival is judged by an esteemed panel including: writer Selina Armoudon, producer Stephanie Bamberg, national treasure Michelle Collins, actor Joe Ferrera, director Chris Michael Fretwell, actress and producer Kate Magowan, award-winning filmmaker Athena Mandis, esteemed director Neil Marshall, cameraman and cinematography expert Steve Montgomery, BAFTA award-winning actor Jane Perry and producer Daria Polunina.

Described by Londonfy as ‘a beacon of hope and resurgence for the independent film sector’, SohoLIFF is entirely run by volunteers, dedicated to nurturing a global community, crossing cultural, social and gender boundaries.  Alongside screenings, delegates are invited to participate in free daily workshops, masterclasses and industry panels.  Post-screening Q&A sessions allow audiences to go behind the scenes with filmmakers, gaining insight into their creative process as well as hearing all the production gossip.

Director Liz Farahadi comments, We are proud to also be supporting student filmmakers, especially when we see such incredible potential. Screening these brand-new filmmakers of the future next to more seasoned professionals not only helps launch their careers, but gives them great opportunities to share knowledge, ask questions and harness so much support – from each other.

Vanessa Ayiku, Festival Director says, Each year we realise our ultimate goals of bringing people together and shining a light on stories that matter. We also look to engage new audiences, making independent film more accessible both in the UK and abroad.

The festival is once again in partnership with Entertainment Oxygen, offering online streaming that enables film lovers to experience the festival remotely. With options from individual films to full festival passes, online audiences can join the excitement from anywhere in the world.

Enjoying a night at the festival can include a drink at the TWELTH Bar where you can sample the festival’s signature cocktail, The SohoLIFFer created by festival sponsor The King of Soho.