The South London Film Festival will return to Picturehouse Ritzy in Brixton for its sixth edition, running from September 12 to 27, 2026, with a diverse programme of independent cinema, UK premieres, awards and industry panels.
The festival opens with an awards showcase featuring 15 short films, including works executive produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Academy Award winner Aneil Karia. The opening weekend also includes a live Q&A and the launch of the inaugural South London Icon Award to recognise significant contributions to the creative industries.
A central focus of this year’s schedule is the Behind the Smile strand, developed in partnership with The Film and TV Charity. This programme explores mental health, grief, contemporary working pressures and more through 10 films, including projects narrated by Sir Michael Caine and featuring Ashley Thomas.
Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion led by festival director Kyriakos Georgiou and charity CEO Marcus Ryder regarding sustainable working environments within the screen sector.
The closing night features the return of She Owns the Scene, a dedicated programme amplifying female filmmakers and talent both in front of and behind the camera. Highlights include works executive produced by Idris and Sabrina Elba alongside productions backed by Wunmi Mosaku.
Georgiou, who is also festival founder and managing director, noted that the event continues to champion diverse voices and provide a platform for emerging talent alongside established industry figures. The event follows a successful 2025 outing that hosted the directorial debut of Letitia Wright. Tickets and full programme schedules are currently available via the official festival website here.