Beam in to Sci Fi London Film Festival 2023

Science Fiction is certainly becoming a reality, as anyone following the recent discourse on use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) will be aware. Therefore this year’s Sci-Fi London Film Festival is timely, as such films have been predicting A.I dramas for years – The Terminator, we’re looking at you specifically.

The Festival is back for its 23^rd edition, 31st May – 6th June 2023.  With 14 feature films, comprising UK and world premieres, and a shorts programme reflecting climate change amidst a dystopia, there will be something to appeal to all. Films will be screening in several London venues including Picturehouse Central,  Rich Mix, The Garden Cinema and the Prince Charles Cinema. As well as watching films there will also be a 48-hour filmmakers’ challenge via a workshop on microbudget filmmaking with the mission to create a film over the weekend.

The return of an interactive fair, known as Hackstock 7.0, is a multi-dimensional event at Rich Mix embracing cyber culture. It includes a comic art fair with a free panel discussion, launching new graphic novel, The Panharmonion Chronicles.

We attended the festival’s opening last night at Picturehouse Central for the UK premiere of the compelling UFO Sweden. The film explores the investigation of alien abduction from the perspective of a fostered teenager, who enlists the assistance of a UFO society to prove that we are not alone. It’s certainly an entertaining film for the family with intriguing performances, some comedy and also scientific elements, with a great ensemble cast.  The themes of family are reminiscent of Interstellar, and there are several X-Files references too in this nostalgic trip. Despite budget constraints, director Victor Danell leans into the visuals and spotlights environmental issues creating unusual weather patterns in our skies. Inez Dahl Torhaug captivates in the lead role of this enjoyable film.