This Saturday sees the 3^rd SWIFF (South West London International Film Festival) at the award-winning Antelope pub in Tooting!

A wide selection of international films will be screened, including documentaries, fiction and animation. Interludes will be filled with music by different singers and bands during the afternoon and evening, including the mellifluous sounds of Millie Manders, and the amazing Colliers Wood International Ukulele Orchestra, who will dazzle with their musical repertoire spanning different decades.
 

The films will be followed by an award ceremony at 19:30 where directors will be invited to come and collect their awards, including the overall winner who will be honoured with the Golden Leaf Award for Best Film.
 

SWIFF is an independent festival dedicated to providing a wonderful display of international films in South West London, all without sponsorship or donations. The festival is at a crucial time in its development and those attending will be providing vital support by turning up to watch the films and enjoy the music. 

We had a quick word with Laurentiu Huianu (SWIFF Director) to find out more:

What’s so unique about SWIFF?
This is a great opportunity for any aspiring or established film maker to have their film seen by a wide audience, including directors, actors, critics and film lovers – it is South West London's answer to Cannes! All the directors and attendees last year said that it was different to any other festival as it has a warm and friendly atmosphere and has the extra element of having the ukulele band playing during the awards and afterwards, plus the venue is a pub which makes for a very social event!

What kind of people enter the competition?
New aspiring directors and established directors that are not afraid to compete. It is also an opportunity and groovy platform for under 18s to enter the digital era.

What are the categories?
We have all sorts! Documentary, fiction, animation, under 18s, experimental.

What was the inital thinking about SWIFF, and how did it develop?
SWIFF started in 2012. I wanted to create something local and creative for my kids and to keep other youngsters off the streets. There were sceptics who didn’t think it would work in SW19, but the festival has grown and now there are hundreds of people that want to come to the festival. It has been one of the fastest developing festivals in London but is still running without sponsorship. It involves a whole year of work with no financial profit. But hopefully it is bringing something to the South West London community and gives aspiring directors a platform to showcase their work.

What can attendees expect on Saturday? 
A fusion of film and music from around the world in a multicultural, social and trendy location. An event not to be missed!

SWIFF 2014 will take place on Saturday 29th November from 11:00 to 20:30 at The Antelope, 76 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London SW17 9NG. You can visit the SWIFF website here.