From 29 August to 7 September, the Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival is returning for its 16th year, bringing free entertainment to the SE15 community.
With 18 films over 10 days, the films are screened at numerous indoor and outdoor venues across the area. Completely volunteer-led, all events are completely free to attend, championing the ethos that there should never be a barrier to discovering new films or revisiting old favourites.
Neal Browne, co-chair of the Festival, says: “We’ve got a packed schedule of films on offer – from Hollywood blockbusters to horror, from family friendly animation to compelling documentaries, and much more.”
The lineup is truly a diverse mix, with events, workshops and screenings. On 27 August, there is a pre-festival movie night quiz at the Ivy House in Nunhead, designed to test your cinematic knowledge.
Films include Phantom of the Open, the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, an optimist who gained entry to the British Open Golf Championship despite being a complete novice, screened at Aquarius Golf Club.
On 3 September at Peckhamplex Cinema, there will be a short film night, designed to showcase local and independent talent, with a diverse programme of themes.
The 2023 adaptation of The Colour Purple, a love story of resilience based on the novel and Broadway musical and a tale of one woman’s journey to independence, shows on 5 September at the Copleston Centre.
If you are feeling brave, Nosferatu (2024), a dark reimagining of the original film is being screened outside at Nunhead Cemetery. This unusual outside venue is a fan-favourite amongst festival-goers, with this year’s film chosen by the public back in May.
It’s not just screenings that are free, either. On 30 August, there is a One Minute Film Challenge workshop at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, open to all ages and experiences. Budding filmmakers can film a sequence based on a given theme, edit and narrate it for an audience.
Relatedarticles
“Not only are we returning to some of our favourite regular venues – such as Peckham Palms, SET Social, the Feminist Library, Peckham Pelican, The Ivy House and the Clifton Estate,” Neal tells us, “We’re showing films for the first time at the Aquarius Golf Club, Peckham Arches and the Livesey Exchange, and introducing a new late-night cult movie event at Beer Rebellion.”
Due to the success of the Peckham and Nunhead Festival, the Free Film Festivals network was born. The group helps to organise free film festivals in other areas, sharing tips, projection equipment and ideas.
Alongside the flagship event in Peckham, the festivals are now in Herne Hill, Catford, Camberwell, Streatham, Ealing, West Norwood and even as far away as Glasgow.
If you are interested in getting involved, email: [email protected] or speak to a volunteer at one of the screenings.
https://freefilmfestivals.org/filmfestival/peckham-nunhead
