UK Premiere Of '50 Hours Underwater' Opens Collective Film Festival

LONDON, UK - The Collective Film Festival London (CFFL) will make its debut on 18 July 2025, presenting more than 15 films from around the world across three strands. The festival will feature the UK premiere of 50 Hours Underwater, a feature documentary by director Shahrzad Mazloumsaki, and is supported by partnerships with Backstage, Celtx and Little White Lies.

Held in London, CFFL focuses on new voices and cross-cultural storytelling in both fiction and documentary. The festival is led by Anthony Vander (Festival Director), Bethany Taylor-Goh (Deputy Director and Programme Curator), and Laura Battisti (Festival Producer)

“We're building a space where emerging filmmakers can challenge convention and connect with audiences on their own terms,” said Anthony Vander, Festival Director.

The festival's Collective One (In Competition) strand features shorts including An Eighth of Him (Levi Aluede), Cats (Danilo Stanimirović), Ophelia (Frances Loy), and The Nudes (Benjamin Turner). Collective Two follows with My Jerome (Adjani Salmon), The First Time I Never Met You (Eric Kole), and See You in the Dark(Assena Nour).

The Collective Three (Out of Competition) strand includes early work by first-time filmmakers.

“The programme reflects our commitment to platforming risk-taking, community-rooted work that might otherwise go unseen,” said Bethany Taylor-Goh, Deputy Director and Programme Curator.

Alongside screenings, CFFL will host:

• Backstage masterclass on casting, producing, and breaking into the industry

• Networking events, including a festival karaoke night

• Masterclass with Corry Raymond, 2025 Pro Moviemaker's Filmmaker of the Year for Cinematography

• A range of film workshops and keynote speakers

• An awards ceremony honouring creative achievement across the programme

A special recognition award will be presented to Shawdon Smith, founder of Ambitious Academy, for their work at the intersection of education, arts, and community leadership.

Tickets & Press Information

Festival passes and screening tickets are now available. Full programme:

MENAFN23062025003238003268ID1109713127