TAG films
The Films That Refused to Be Forgotten
With over 247 films screened at this year’s BFI London Film Festival, only a handful left an enduring resonance—films that confronted grief, reflected our political anxieties, and celebrated cultural identity. From Benedict Cumberbatch’s most powerful performance to a revelatory Hamlet starring Riz Ahmed, this review turns to the films that go beyond awards buzz, speaking instead to the depths of the human experience.
London Film Festival 2025: Must-Watch Films
In this passionate review of the London Film Festival 2025, Bettina Gracias reflects on over twenty films ranging from heart-warming international gems to politically charged dramas and major Oscar frontrunners. She highlights the films that lingered in her memory, exploring themes of tradition, loss, migration and artistic legacy, and reveals which titles are most likely to capture audiences—and awards—over the coming year.
Tribeca 2025: Voices of Identity and Belonging Take Center Stage
The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival reaffirmed its role as a platform for powerful storytelling, spotlighting films that explored identity, belonging, and resilience. Standouts included Rebecca, a portrait of pop star Becky G; Happy Birthday, a moving debut from Egypt’s Sarah Goher; and Runa Simi, a Peruvian documentary about reclaiming Indigenous language through cinema.
HollyShorts 2025
Explore the standout short films of HollyShorts 2025, where hope, humor, and humanity collide. From heartfelt documentaries to bold fiction and animation, this year’s festival delivers unforgettable stories from emerging filmmakers worldwide.
Stories Without Borders: Arab voices
A celebration of Arab creativity, Stories Without Borders explores the highlights of this year’s Safar and Shubbak Festivals in London. From powerful documentaries to surreal cinema and community-led art spaces, this review reflects on how storytelling—through film, food, and conversation—builds bridges across cultures.
Queer East
Queer East returned to the UK for its sixth edition, shining a light on boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, theatre, and art from East and Southeast Asia. From Takeshi Kitano’s epic Kubi to intimate portraits of queer middle age and psychological thrillers, the festival redefines queer storytelling beyond Western borders.
Flare 2025
Flare 2025 returned to London with a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ cinema from around the world. From hilarious comedies to poignant love stories set in conflict zones, the festival offered bold, unforgettable stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of queer lives today.
Holly Shorts
The HollyShorts Film Festival showcases the power of short-form storytelling, offering a platform for underrepresented voices and overlooked narratives. From child labor in India to prison firefighters in California, this year’s standout films deliver bold, thought-provoking stories in compact, emotionally rich packages.