Raindance Film Festival 2025: On the red carpet with the stars at the opening gala
Now entering its 33rd year, Raindance Film Festival is synonymous with embracing independent films and giving novice filmmakers a platform to showcase their work. Set up by founder Elliot Grove, a careful selection of shorts and features, which circle relevant topics like climate change, cultural identity and social migration.
The festival embodies panel talks, workshops and selected categories of film from different genres, with a prestigious gala evening held at the Waldorf Hilton in London, marking the beginning of the programme. Attendees were given the opportunity to see the opening gala film Heavyweight, the debut feature from screenwriter and director Christopher Anthony, which centres around boxing, followed by a celebratory reception with champagne and canapés.
The Upcoming had the pleasure of attending the gala event where we spoke to Grove about what the festival means to him, the filmmaking classes he offers himself and the selection of films for 2025.
The proud recipient of the Icon Award, Celia Imrie spoke about her joy at receiving it, her support for the wonderful Raindance FF and a sneaky snippet about her upcoming appearance on the show Celebrity Traitors.
Twin sisters Melissa and Michelle Macedo spoke to us about their horror feature Thinestra, what it was like filming together on set with all the gore and how they hoped their film would be received amongst audiences and the judges.
Sean Cronin spoke about his upcoming film work and how he champions the importance of Raindance Festival for independent filmmakers.
We had a wonderful chat with Anthony about his film Heavyweight, the casting process and where the story took its inspiration from. He also spoke about opening the gala and the positive response he had received so far for his work.
Pearl Mackie was keen to offer her words of wisdom to aspiring actors, the resilience and determination they need and how invaluable this festival was in supporting and regarding the emerging filmmakers and actors each year.
Bradley James spoke about how brilliant Raindance was for new talent and how it had built legacies. He also chatted about working on a new historical-based film called The Fallow Few and The Constable coming out later in the year.
We spoke to Blake Harrison about his role in the film Heavyweight, the complexities of the world of boxing and the sport itself and the importance of festivals like Raindance for showcasing films like this.
FIlm producer Simon Marriott spoke about being on board with Heavyweight and the amazing feeling of having the film open the festival.
Dougals and Charlie Robb shared their reflections on making movie Loner.
Ezelle Alblas
For more information on Raindance Film Festival 2025, visit their website here.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS