Raindance Film Festival 2023: On the red carpet for the opening gala

Established in 1992 by founder Elliot Grove, and now in its 31^st year, Raindance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the UK, championing filmmakers on a limited budget. The festival showcases a multitude of shorts and features from around the world and celebrates these artists through numerous showcases and awards, as well as providing a platform for networking and fostering relationships within the creative industry.

The Upcoming was invited to the opening gala at The Waldorf Hotel, London following the premiere of the opening film Day of the Fight by Jack Huston in his directorial debut. Filmmakers and industry professionals mingled at the star-studded red carpet event in celebration of the Raindance Festival 2023, where a jury panel made their selections of best films across eight separate categories and an award ceremony championed their incredible talents.

We spoke to award-winning director David Yates about receiving the ICON Award for his prolific work across the Harry Potter franchise and what it means to be at this year’s Raindance Festival celebrating the work of independent filmmakers.

Director Jermain Julien spoke to us about this year’s festival, the significance of supporting festivals like this and what they provide as a platform for creatives and filmmakers.

Timothy Spall spoke to us about being there to present ICON award to the director David Yates after such a long-standing working relationship, and the importance of the festival for highlighting independent filmmakers.

Actress Vinette Robinson chatted about what it means to her to partake in the selection process of films that have been entered this year and her excitement at watching a selection of such brilliant and varied entries.

We spoke to Celyn Jones about what the Raindance Festival means to him, being part of the panel of jurors this year, and how it shaped his earlier career when he took part in the extensive programmes on offer. He also spoke about his new film coming out called Chuck Chuck Baby and what it was like working with visionary director Janis Pugh.

Cristo Fernandez spoke about championing independent filmmakers, Ted Lasso and moving towards producing and directing, too. He also told us about forming a production company of his own and working towards producing independent films like Sisters, which will have a screening at this year’s Raindance Festival.

Award-winning director Chris Overton spoke about what festivals like Raindance mean to filmmakers, the importance of giving a platform to independent projects and taking part in the event this year.

Filmmaker Katherine Propper spoke about attending the festival and showcasing her film Lost Soulz and what that feature is about. 

We had a chance to speak to actor Jack Huston about his directorial debut feature Day of the Fight, the approach to making the film black and white in texture and how it was for him to reunite with his fellow Boardwalk Empire co-star Michael Pitt who stars in the film and having it premiere at the Raindance opening Gala.

Ezelle Alblas

For more information about Raindance Film Festival, visit here.