Brixton’s Ritzy cinema rolls out the red carpet on Friday (5 December) to celebrate the best and brightest talent among local young filmmakers.
Organised by the Ascension Agency and other local production companies and film collectives, the young stars will be competing for Best Feature, Best Short Film and Best Documentary in the Festival.
“And the nominees are …” Hot on the heels of its world premiere, best feature is 3 Cold Dishes a story of revenge, survival and sisterhood, directed by Asurf Oluseyi and supported by Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy.
Best Feature goes to Surviving South London, a grittty four-part docuseries shot in Peckham and Brixton, featuring real-life stories of young people navigating crime, poverty and hardship.
Familiar local faces with powerful stories to tell include talk show host Honestly Trina and Brixton Soup Kitchen’s Solomon Smith.
Reload is the best short film; a budding DJ gets her big break but, when it all goes wrong, should she fight for her dreams or cave in to the pressure. Directed by McKenzie Alexander and Delilah McFarlane-Martin, it features Top Boy leading-man, Ashley Walters, as the club owner.
“These filmmakers bring fresh perspectives, genuine passion and a strong work ethic,” comments festival director, Emil Collins. “They don’t just meet expectations,” says founder Natasha Preville of Ascension, “they redefine what’s possible”.
In true BAFTA tradition, the festival also gives a Lifetime Achievement Award to 90-year-old Dr Christine Houston, the legendary writer of American TV sitcom 227, which was rooted in her own experience growing up in Chicago’s Black neighbourhood Bronzeville.
Now in its second year, the 2025 Festival has expanded to link up with African indie filmmakers, making cultural connections across continents.
You can brave the flashbulbs and see it all at The Ritzy, Friday 5 December, 5pm-11pm. Tickets from Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/tbff2025
For more information:
thebrixtonfilmfestival.co.uk
@thebrixton.filmfestival
