From Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27, the Chiswick Cinema hosted the inaugural West London Film Festival, founded and organised by Italian filmmaker and actor Giorgia Cecconi.
The atmosphere was fun and inviting. Upon arriving at the event, I was warmly greeted by Giorgia and another volunteer, who provided us with Richmond merchandise, a pass to enter Screen 2, where the showings took place and coupons for free gelato and hot chocolate from Badiani.
Immediately when I arrived, Giorgia was more than happy for me to speak with her about the event. I could feel the excitement and pride in what she had created. She shared that her intent behind the festival was to showcase international talent from all levels of experience, provide learning and networking opportunities for new and experienced filmmakers, and cultivate a community of filmmakers—all feats she successfully achieved.
She also shared that she wanted the festival “to reflect her dynamic personality” and “to give a voice to new and experienced filmmakers.” Although I only attended Saturday, the West London Film Festival fully captured her personality and enlivened all those who attended.
During our conversation, Giorgia highlighted the importance of establishing local partnerships, including Richmond, to ensure the festival’s success. She stated, “I could not be more grateful for the support I received from Richmond, especially the student volunteers who have been beyond helpful.”
The volunteers were equally excited to participate in the festival. Sebastien Sanchez, a second-year finance student, volunteered because “it seemed like a fun thing to do. It’s always good to immerse yourself and try different things.”
Another volunteer, Adrian Gerdingh, a fourth-year finance student, volunteered because the festival fuelled his creative passions: “Finance is not creative, and I enjoy creative things. I love films, and the festival was a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in something I love.”
The films featured at the festival were from various genres, including dramas, comedies, and other foreign-language films. They covered the vastness of the human experience—the good, the bad, and the complicated. Topics within the movie I saw on Saturday covered issues like grief, love in the newly emerging AI space, immigration, female mental health, and violence against women from a global perspective.
Friday was a day of learning, networking, and film screenings. Filmmakers participated in a pitch competition, presenting their pitches to a panel of experienced industry professionals hoping to shoot their films in Richmond’s state-of-the-art film studio on campus. Additionally, panels of producers, directors, and actors provided advice and insight through various panels, Q&A sessions, and workshops. The night ended with a glamorous red carpet-event.
Sunday was another day full of festivities. Screenings began at 10:30 and continued throughout the day. Several events also occurred, including a workshop at 12:30, a panel of industry women called “Yes She Cannes,” a play on the well-known film festival and awards. Comedian Xhuliano did a brief set before the festival winners were announced at the awards (stay tuned to our news section for a full list).
I had a fantastic experience at the festival. I never thought I would see so many life-changing international short and feature-length films in one theatre over the course of a day. The filmmakers, festival organisers, attendees, and The Chiswick Cinema staff were beyond inviting and supportive throughout the event. I sincerely enjoyed The Goldfish and Agata films, and I left the theatre knowing these stories would never leave me.
When I asked Giorgia what she hoped for next, she expressed her investment in the first festival’s success and promised to let me know how it went after this one concluded. After the festival, Giorgia was excitedly coy about what’s next for her. She plans to return to Italy, where she will work on her next film with a talented Italian director. Like many others who attended, I am eager to see The West London Film Festival’s and Giorgia’s imminent successful futures.
