London’s newest film event is set to inspire the next generation of storytellers. On Friday 18th July 2025, the inaugural Collective Film Festival London (CFFL) opens its doors at the Collective Arts Community Trust, offering premieres, masterclasses, and a dedicated platform for underrepresented voices.
“I created CFFL as a response to the ongoing challenges facing the UK film and TV industry—from the impact of COVID and the strikes to the continued lack of representation across the sector,” says Festival Director Anthony Vander. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between emerging and established filmmakers. In five years, I’d love to see our first-time filmmakers establish themselves with new shorts or their first feature, maintaining a strong network and community.”
A project of the Collective Arts Community Trust, a UK-registered charity, CFFL advances arts education for underrepresented young people. Its wider mission includes organising accessible public screenings and workshops, and offering mentorship and skills development to nurture long-term careers.
Festival highlights include the UK premiere of Big Picture Film Club’s environmental dive documentary 50 Hours Underwater, chronicling Maldivian diver Shaff Naeem’s record-setting 50-hour descent to raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution. Alongside screenings, CFFL features hands-on workshops in iPhone filmmaking, budgeting, and scriptwriting, led by industry experts.
With ambitions to become a BAFTA-qualifying festival, CFFL not only showcases exceptional talent but also fosters the networks and skills that can disrupt the industry for the better. Watch the launch video below and secure your tickets to CFFL 2025.
