Navigating the Festival Circuit: a Panel Discussion and Networking Evening

The Film Files Club presents an exclusive evening dedicated to film curation and programming. Discover the behind-the-scenes world of film festivals from industry insiders who shape what audiences see on screen. This event is perfect for filmmakers seeking to understand how their work gets selected and showcased at festivals, as well as emerging film programmers and curators who wish to learn more about the industry.

📅 Date: April 3rd, 2025

⏰ Time: 7:00 - 10:00 PM

📍 Location: Close-Up Film Centre, 97 Sclater St, London E1 6HR

Lucy Peters — Writer and curator specialising in experimental and female-focused cinema. Lucy's programming work spans BFI Southbank, University of Sussex, London Short Film Festival 2025, and Creative Non-Fiction Weekend Festival. She is also the co-founder of @electricbluecinema, a film club screening experimental shorts and unusual features in the heart of London and Brighton.

Georgia Hunter — Founder of @siren.screen - a club screening fantastical, esoteric, and cult cinema in the UK - and experienced programmer with Film Hub South East, Georgia's curatorial experience includes BFI Future Film Festival, 'Sustainable Storytelling' panel at BFI Southbank, and jury roles at Lowesoft Film Festival, Brighton Cinecity and WOFFF.

Abiba Coulibaly — Film programmer with a background in Critical Geography, interested in exploring the intersection of ethics and aesthetics. She is the founder of Magnum Photos Film Festival, and has been part of the programming teams for Open City Documentary Festival since 2022 and the most recent edition of Film Africa. Previous positions include Programming and Archives Assistant at the BFI and curator-in-residence at LUX Moving Image. She has recently joined the Royal Academy of Art’s School of Architecture as an Associate Lecturer, continuing to combine her film practice with questions of spatial and civic equity after having founded Brixton Community Cinema and Atlas Cinema, two experiments in what democratising access to cinema—as both space and medium—could look like.

• Inside the Selection Process: Understand what programmers look for when viewing submissions
• Curation Philosophy: Learn how thematic programs are built and films are paired together
• Interactive Discussion: Direct conversation with our guest curators
• Networking Reception: Continue the conversation over drinks with speakers and attendees

This intimate evening offers rare access to programming professionals who shape festival lineups and influence what reaches audiences. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to get programmed or simply curious about how film curation works, this event provides valuable industry perspective.

Join us for an illuminating conversation about the curatorial process and expand your understanding of how films find their audience through festivals.

🎟️ Limited capacity event - secure your place today.

Host or Publisher The Film Files Club