SCI-FI-LONDON marked its 20th year in spectacular fashion this October, taking audiences back to the cinema at the Picturehouse Stratford in London and showing a diverse mix of genre.
From feature films such as the high-concept anthology Warning on its opening night, to intense explorations into grief with Repeat (read our review here), to dystopian sci-fi thrillers like Night Raiders and sweet tales of unconventional friendship with Moon Heart, there has been plenty to see at this year’s festival.
Combine that with a fantastic foray of short movies (which can be viewed online until 31 October – buy your tickets here), the festival’s infamous 48 Hour Film Challenge (whose past winners include Rogue One’s Gareth Edwards!), various networking events PLUS a free quiz night to put your knowledge to the test and the festival really is a must for genre fans.
It was a tough job for the SFL team to choose their stand-out films of the festival this year given the exceptional entries but here are the winners of this year’s SCI-FI-LONDON…
Best Feature Film – Moon Heart
Directed by Aldo Salvini, Moon Heart is about M, who is alone, almost invisible to society. Not an outcast, just old, poor, homeless and ignored. Her only friend is a lone ant. M’s world is full of nostalgic memories and a dark presence that haunts her. Then one day, a “mechanical angel” arrives to help change her life.
Best Short Film – The Scent Of A Forest
Directed by Servaes Dewispelaere, The Scent Of A Forest tells the story of a young woman who hides that she sold her soul to escape reality in a dystopian world, when her boyfriend realizes this he has to make an impossible choice…
Buy your ticket to watch SFL’s 2021 shorts here.
SCI-FI-LONDON’S 48 Hour Film Challenge
Budding filmmakers had just 48 hours this September to conceive, write and produce a short sci-fi movie over one weekend. Considering the tough restrictions this year due to Covid-19 the turnout was spectacular, so thank you to everyone who took part. All the shortlisted entries can be watched here and without further ado, here are the winners for this year’s challenge…
Winner: Team Big Little Problem – A Dozen Chains
2nd: Team Hurricane – People and Things
3rd: Team Badger Way – The Push
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s festival, all the filmmakers, festival guests, volunteers and the brilliant team at SFL.
Find out more about the SFL festival here.