March might hold the most important retrospective celebration in film – a little thing called The Oscars – but we are also looking forward to what’s new, and this month features a host of great film festivals in London and across the UK which give you the chance to catch early previews of what promise to be the hottest film releases of the year.

We’ve picked out five festivals we have earmarked, including Italian and Polish-focused showcases and the BFI’s LGBTQ celebration.

Cinema Made In Italy

Ciné Lumière has again teamed up with Cinecittà and the Italian Cultural Institute in London to present the 14th edition of Cinema Made in Italy. The festival features the most anticipated films from Italy, including Q&As with directors and members of the cast. 

We’re especially excited for La Chimera, starring Josh O’Connor as a lovesick Englishman who gets caught up with a gang of Etruscan artefact thieves in 1980s Tuscany. Co-starring the legendary Isabella Rossilini, this is one of a number of Italian gems on the bill. when: 

when: 20.03.2024 – 24.03.2024

website: institut-francais.co.uk

BFI Flare

The BFI’s traditional springtime celebration of queer cinema, the largest in the UK, is back for another year. Over ten days some of the best new LGBTQ films from across the world will be showcased, from archive-footage documentaries to a celebration of 70s Hollywood Disco

This year features a Q&A with Elliot Page, who will talk about his career and latest film, the Special Presentation feature Close to You.

when: 13.03.24 – 24.03.24

website: bfi.org.uk

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

Recently marking its 30th Anniversary and now screening films in over 15 cities around the world, the Human Rights Watch Film Festival (HRWFF) aims to bear witness to human rights violations in direct storytelling and exposé form by creating a forum for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to empower audiences. 

Featuring films from across the world including an art heist thriller from Iran, a student Film Club in Nigeria, and a Summer Camp in Canada, these range from challenging to heart-warming. 

when: 18.03.2024 – 24.03.2024

website: hrw.org

Kinoteka Polish Film Festival

Organised by the Polish Cultural Institute the Kinoteka Polish Film Festival will be featured in a host of London’s best arthouse cinemas this month, including the Barbican, Southbank Centre, and The Institue of Contemporary Arts as it undertakes its 22nd edition. 

It will showcase a diverse range of films from Documentaries, New Polish Cinema, Polish Cinema Classics, and even animation. Highlights include the Oscar-shortlisted In the Rearview and a special screening of The Peasants featuring a musical accompaniment from live musicians, followed by an immersive dinner inspired by the film. 

when: 06.03.2024 – 28.03.2024

website: kinoteka.org.uk

Manchester Film Festival

Outside of London, the Manchester Film Festival is back for a tenth year and includes a great line-up of shorts, features, premiers, Q&As, and a red carpet. 

Highlights include the UK premiere of The Convert, starring Guy Pearce, which will be kicking off the festival, Queen of Bones starring Martin Freeman, and the latest Rose Glass film, Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kirsten Stewart, Katy O’Brian and Ed Harris. 

when: 15.03.2024 – 24.03.2024

website: manchesterfilmfestival.com

Culture

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