The 15th Chapter of London Rolling Film Festival
- Cristina Sandu
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Fifteen Editions. Countless Stories. One Rolling Celebration.
The London Rolling Film Festival (LRFF) is celebrating its 15th edition this September, marking a milestone year filled with fresh energy, bold programming, and a brand-new award designed to celebrate stories that inspire change. What started as a grassroots celebration of indie cinema has now grown into one of London’s most vibrant platforms for emerging and established filmmakers alike.
With Festival Director Alida Pantone and Festival Coordinator Valentina Puggioni leading the charge, this year’s festival promises not only unforgettable screenings but also engaging panels, networking opportunities, and community-driven events that keep the spirit of cinema alive long after the credits roll.
“This year feels different,” Pantone says. “We’re launching the True Spark Award, something I’ve been wanting for a long time. It celebrates inspirational, uplifting films. Our way of supporting stories that have the power to make the world a better place.”
For Valentina Puggioni, who recently joined the LRFF team, the magic lies in teamwork. “When you find like-minded people who want the same goal, the result will be one hundred percent better,” she says. “And we also have amazing filmmakers who put their heart into their movies, and we can’t wait to show them to all of you.”
A lineup that reflects the times
Festivals often mirror the cultural mood of their moment, and LRFF 2025 is no exception. Expect a lineup that ranges from a short film on parental alienation to a Taiwanese animation about climate disasters, alongside films exploring love, beauty, and talent. “The selection really captures the emotional and social complexity of our times,” Pantone says.
Puggioni points out that the True Spark Award is especially inclusive: “Filmmakers don’t need to attend the festival to be considered. This award recognizes films that inspire, uplift, and drive positive change. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that powerful and inspiring stories receive the recognition they deserve.”
How the films are chosen
London Rolling Film Festival is known for its intimate, hands-on selection process. Pantone personally watches every submission. “I flag the ones that stand out: original, emotionally impactful, or technically inventive,” she explains. “Then I bring in trusted industry professionals to give feedback. Final decisions are based on what we feel can best inspire positive reflection, spark conversation, and create connections between filmmakers, all strictly present, as per our rule.”
Puggioni adds that the team also weighs in: “We watched them individually and then came together to discuss the ones that left the strongest impression.”
Films close to the heart
While Pantone insists every filmmaker is equally important, “It wouldn’t be fair or professional to single one out as they all bring something meaningful to the table.” Puggioni admits she was especially moved by YuFeng Chiu’s animation "The Light in the Dark." “I love animation,” she says. “YuFeng Chiu’s storytelling is so strong. It’s one of the shorts that makes me emotional the most,” Puggioni adds.
More than a film festival
Screenings are only part of the story. London Rolling Film Festival has built its reputation on networking and dialogue, with events at Vue Cinema, The Queens Head pub, and signature sessions like Pitch Corner and “A Coffee With…”
This year’s program features standout moments, including "A Coffee With… Marcia Kimpton" on September 7, the Pitch Corner networking session on September 6, and a VIP party exclusively for filmmakers and their guests. Beyond the festival weekend, the London Rolling Film Festival continues to foster collaboration and creativity through industry panels and networking events, including the YesSheCannes partnership, ongoing "A Coffee With…" sessions with guests like Elliot Grove as well as international editions at Berlinale and the Cannes Film Festival, the Re-Setting Retreat, a creative seaside getaway in Italy held in September and May, and seasonal gatherings such as the Rolling Christmas Party.
But as Pantone stresses, the connections don’t end in September. “We host panels, networking parties, creative retreats, and seasonal gatherings all year round. That’s what makes London Rolling Film Festival truly rolling,” she says.
Defining success
At its core, Alida Pantone and Valentina Puggioni believe that success cannot be measured by spreadsheets or counted by ticket stubs. It's not about numbers at all; it's about something much less tangible, but infinitely more powerful. What motivates them is the pulse of passion, the spark of creativity, and the invisible thread of human connection that binds artists and audiences.
Regarding Pantone, success isn’t measured in numbers but in energy. “Every year, I reach a point of exhaustion where I tell myself it’s the last time. But during the event, the heartfelt feedback from the filmmakers recharges me completely. That’s my definition of success,” she adds.
In Puggioni’s view, it’s all about connection. “The greatest satisfaction is being able to connect filmmakers with people in the industry. This is what the festival does: it connects, brings together, and allows people to work together as they should.”
Memorable Moments and Looking Ahead
Like any festival, London Rolling Film Festival has had its share of behind-the-scenes drama. Pantone recalls a mishap with humour: “There was that unforgettable moment we read out the wrong winner… but if the Oscars survived it, so can we,” she chuckles.
And if they had to name this year’s edition as a film? Pantone goes with “Rolling Bigger, Bolder, Brighter.” Puggioni laughs and says, “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
Before signing off, Pantone takes a moment to reflect on the incredible network of supporters who make the London Rolling Film Festival possible. From the filmmakers and volunteers to the audiences who turn out year after year, every contribution helps keep independent cinema thriving:
“Just a heartfelt thank you to everyone who believes in what we’re building with the London Rolling Film Festival and supports independent cinema, whether through memberships, tickets, donations, or simply showing up. Your presence means everything. This year, I’d like to especially thank our Executive Circle donor, Nazmun Nesa, whose generosity made this edition possible”
Fifteen editions in, London Rolling Film Festival shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s rolling stronger than ever: bigger, bolder, and brighter.
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