So Independent International Film Festival (SIFFA-2025)

London | 20–28 November 2025 | Vue Cinema Piccadilly & Mayfair

LONDON, UK — The So Independent International Film Festival (SIFFA) proudly announces its 15th edition, taking place from 20 to 28 November 2025 in the heart of London, at Vue Cinema Piccadilly (19 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4LR), with the Closing Ceremony and Awards Gala in Mayfair.

This year marks a double celebration — SIFFA’s 15th edition and its 10th anniversary — uniting filmmakers, artists, and thinkers from around the world under the guiding theme:

“Cinema of Higher Values — Beyond Differences, Towards Genuine Dialogue”.

The 2025 edition is inspired by the works of the distinguished Chilean philosopher Dario Salas Sommer, who devoted his life to the pursuit of a more harmonious and conscious path for humanity.

Festival Programme will include:

  • Feature and short film competitions

  • International documentary section

  • Masterclasses and industry panels

  • Special screenings

  • Awards Ceremony honouring excellence in independent filmmaking

Festival Prologue: Masterclass on Documentary Filmmaking

🗓 3 November 2025, 17:30

📍 10A Craven Street, London WC2N 5PE

🔸 Admission strictly by invitation and pre-registration only

As a prologue to the festival, SIFFA will host an exclusive Masterclass on Documentary Filmmaking led by Richard Belfield, the award-winning British director and journalist, known for his powerful investigative documentaries with millions of views on leading international networks such as Al Jazeera, Channel 4, the BBC, and Discovery Channel. The session will explore creative approaches to real-life storytelling and the process of turning lived experience into cinematic narrative.

Press Conference & Special Screening

🗓 Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 18:30–20:30

📍 The Castle Cinema (Screen 2, 27 seats) First Floor, 64–66 Brooksby’s Walk, Hackney, London E9 6DA

The festival press conference will be followed by a special screening of the documentary epigraph “Temptation by Civilisation” inspired by the philosophy of Dario Salas Sommer - a cinematic reflection on this year’s festival theme: Cinema of Higher Values — Beyond Differences, Towards Genuine Dialogue.

In memory of the men and women who gave their lives in the service of light, mutual respect, understanding, and the peaceful coexistence of cultures and civilisations, the special screening session within the SIFFA-2025 programme is dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Fascism in World War II, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and moral resilience of those who defended humanity against tyranny.

🏆 Awards Ceremony & Closing Gala

🗓 Friday, 28 November 2025

📍 Mayfair, London (venue details to be announced)

The SIFFA-2025 Awards Ceremony will bring together members of the international jury, honoured guests, filmmakers, and cultural partners to celebrate outstanding achievements in independent cinema and the enduring spirit of creative dialogue.

Distinguished Guests & Contributors

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ISSAM HIJJAWI

Issam Hijjawi is a Jordanian producer and founder of his production company, established in Amman in 2000. With more than two decades of experience in the Arab film and television industry, he has collaborated with some of the region’s most notable directors, including Najdat Anzour, Omar Al-Qattan, and Mohamed Azizia. His company has produced acclaimed feature films such as An Oriental Story as well as a wide range of television dramas, historical series, documentaries, and children’s programming, contributing significantly to the growth of Jordanian and Arab content. Through his work, Hijjawi has built a reputation for supporting ambitious projects that reflect regional culture while reaching international audiences.

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YVETTE HOYLE

Yvette Hoyle is a British film producer with over two decades of experience in media and business. She is the founder of Golden Apple Films, established in 2019 to develop original features, biopics, and comedies with a strong focus on human rights and social impact. Hoyle has collaborated with renowned actor Armand Assante and producer Ciro Orsini, and her credits span documentaries and feature films including Obama’s Irish Roots, Yulia, Patrick (Disney), and For Love or Money. In addition to her production work, she serves as a trustee of the Armand & Ciro Foundation – Help Children Now, where she spearheaded the campaign to rescue Afghan female cyclists, leading to her upcoming documentary The Warriors: Cycling for Freedom.

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ISABELLA MARCHESE RAGONA

Isabella Marchese Ragona is a producer, director, and writer with over 25 years of experience across film, television, and media. She is the founder and CEO of Moving Pictures Media and currently serves as Head of Content and Development for BritAsia TV. Her screen credits include the Lionsgate-released multi-award-winning documentary McQueen, the western Forsaken starring Kiefer and Donald Sutherland and Demi Moore, The Recall with Wesley Snipes, Stranded with Christian Slater, and the documentary Shay Cullen: A Life Story featuring Martin Sheen and the music of Bono. With an extensive background working with global networks such as BBC, HBO, MTV, NBC, and Discovery Channel, Ragona continues to shape bold international projects that bridge independent cinema with mainstream audiences.

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JOEL VAN DER MOLEN

Joel van der Molen is a British filmmaker and actor best known for his award-winning documentary Gypsy Billionaire, which reached No. 1 on Amazon Prime. A graduate of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, he began his career in theatre and television before expanding into producing and directing through Vandercom Films. His screen work includes thought-provoking projects such as Fans Only: The Human Side of Porn, alongside a range of independent features and documentaries that explore complex social themes. Combining his background as a performer with his eye for impactful storytelling, van der Molen has established himself as a versatile creative voice in contemporary cinema.

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SIMON DANCZUK

Simon Danczuk is an author and former Member of Parliament. He writes non-fiction and first book, 'Smile for the Camera: The Double Life of Cyril Smith', was The Sunday Times political book of the year. His second book is 'Scandal at Dolphin Square: A Notorious History', and was nominated for a Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger Award. He's currently working on his third book about a 1980s London serial killer.

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NIVIN EL-GAMAL

Duchess Nivin El-Gamal is an Egyptian-born philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate based in the United Kingdom. Trained in fine arts and interior design in London, she built a career in creative industries and authored four books and championed projects that blend art, culture, and humanitarian advocacy. She is the founder of SSAMAC Charity and Duchess Prestige Cosmetics, and serves as a Patron and Ambassador of the Universal Peace Federation. Nivin El-Gamal has been recognised internationally for her leadership and commitment to peace, cultural dialogue, and social justice.

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NIKOLAI LEBEDEV

Nikolai Lebedev is a Russian film director, screenwriter, and producer celebrated for his emotionally powerful and visually striking storytelling. His passion for cinema began in childhood, when he made his first short film at the age of ten using a borrowed camera. He started his career in documentary and television before moving into feature filmmaking, earning acclaim for titles such as The Snake’s Spring (1997), The Star (2002), Wolfhound of the Grey Hound Clan (2006), Legend No. 17 (2013), Flight Crew (2016), and the historical drama Nuremberg (2023). His latest film, Kraken (2025), released in mid-spring, became one of the leading titles in both theatrical and home video distribution. Known for blending human depth with cinematic spectacle, Lebedev is regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary Russian cinema.

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LEMBIT ÖPIK

Lembit Öpik is a British TV Producer and cultural commentator of Estonian heritage. After serving as a Member of Parliament, he established a second career in broadcasting and the arts, becoming a familiar face on television and radio. He has appeared on Have I Got News for You, Question Time, and a wide range of current affairs and entertainment programmes, and has worked as a presenter for BBC Radio and GB News. Öpik has also been active on the live circuit as a stand-up comedian, using wit and storytelling to bridge politics and performance. With his blend of humour, public engagement, and cultural advocacy, he has built a profile that connects media, the arts, and social commentary, bringing a unique perspective to the festival jury.

About SIFFA

An international jury composed of distinguished filmmakers, writers, and cultural figures from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will be officially announced soon. Founded in 2016, SIFFA has become one of the most dynamic and artistically driven independent film festivals in the UK, with past collaborations including the BAFTA, British Film Institute (BFI), the Raindance Film Festival, the Westminster City Council, and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

"Our mission has always been to create a space where cinema becomes a bridge — between cultures, between values, and between people,” says Dr. Luba Balagova-Kandour, Founder and President of SIFFA. Follow festival updates on www.siffa.media and official social media channels: #SIFFA2025 #CinemaOfHigherValues #LondonFilmFestival #BeyondDifferences