The most reputed among film-based London events is the East End Film Festival which is into its eight year of running in 2009. This is the most happening of social events that East London plays host to and in 2009 the convergence of world cinema and Britain’s own domestic movie talents will again provide the most unbelievable experience to audiences. The East End Film Festival is now regarded as the ultimate among Britain film shows that showcase the best and breakthrough domestic filmmakers irrespective of their commercial reputation or movie-making pedigree. It is believed that it also serves as the most useful of film-focussed networking events as it witnesses movie-makers from Britain and the best names from European cinema analyse the best of upcoming movie talents. Film shows that cater to the small-scale movie makers often find it difficult to arrange for audiences for first-time movie-makers but the East End Film Festival is known for scheduling independent releases along with showcasing some of the more prominent films that were made during the year. It has now progressed on to become one of the most sought-after of London’s social events simply due to the multitude of film talents that congregate as a part of this film festival.

Like most other film shows, the East End Film Festival too will mark its grand opening ceremony with the screening of a film. However, what makes it different from other movie-centric London events is the fact that the opening movie, called ‘The End’, is not from a noted production house but from a debutant filmmaker. Scheduled at the Genesis Cinema, East End Film Festival’s opening night is an opportunity of window for home-grown British filmmakers. There are a plethora of other noted movies, some relatively unknown, that will be screened as a part of the Festival, making this event a must-attend for any film junkie or those who are on the lookout for watching movies outside the realm of the conventional or the mainstream. It is hard to think of any other film shows that are able to pack-in so many feature film screenings, particularly those that have been developed entirely in Britain and a few with that have sought international collaboration. The East End Festival is now being counted among London’s rare culturally diverse social events, as the emphasis is also on making people realize the cultural diversity that the city has to offer. Just to substantiate this point — the Festival will screen films such as the ‘Four Chapters’. It was shot in collaboration with Indian filmmakers and is about the life of an affluent Hindu family in London that is trying to make the social transition at the turn of the 20th century. Similarly, not many film shows would showcase movies like the ‘Park’ that has an amazingly different or non-conventional theme — it is about the not-so-known green spaces in the London’s landscape.

The East End Film Festival is among those rare London events that cater to ethnic populations that the nation has. It features a special event that applauds the efforts of the black filmmakers that reside in the UK. It is hard to come-up with the name of other social events that boast of special panels and evenings dedicated to discussions regarding the themes and the film representation of issues that are endemic to the city. What further makes it the most comprehensive of film shows is the screening of feature films from the silent cinema genre, including the screening of the classic ‘Nosferatu’. The Festival 2009 is one of those unique London events that have a specially-themed closing event. After the week-long festivities, the closing night will witness the screening of the documentary titled ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. Venues for this event are spread throughout London and the availability of tickets could be a major issue, so ensure checking the local listings and booking your seat in advance.