London Film School Opens Doors to Public with Free Screenings

In a bid to connect with the wider community, the London Film School is hosting a month-long series of student film screenings open to all.

14 June 2025 at 17:33 • By Leila Karim, The Angle Watch

This summer, the London Film School is throwing open its doors to the public with a series of free student film screenings aimed at fostering greater community engagement. The initiative, dubbed 'Reel Access', runs through August and features works by emerging UK filmmakers.

Each screening is followed by a Q&A session with the student directors, offering insights into the filmmaking process and the stories behind the scenes. Genres range from social realism to sci-fi, with themes often rooted in modern British life.

The school’s campus in Covent Garden has converted two lecture halls into temporary micro-cinemas, complete with projection equipment, surround sound, and concession stands stocked with locally made snacks. All events are free, though reservations are required via the LFS website.

Programme coordinator Mark Lindsay said the idea stemmed from feedback during lockdown, when many students felt disconnected from live audiences. 'We wanted to rebuild that bond by bringing their work back to the people—not just fellow filmmakers.'

Community groups from Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and Camden have already attended early sessions, with special programming offered for youth clubs and retirement homes. For many attendees, it’s their first time visiting a film school environment.

So far, the screenings have drawn full houses and strong praise. Local resident Elaine Parkes said, 'It was inspiring. You could feel the passion behind each film—and seeing new talent up close gave it an energy mainstream cinemas can’t match.'

As the screenings continue, the school plans to record select Q&A sessions and release them as a podcast series. There’s also talk of making 'Reel Access' a recurring summer tradition, opening up the world of independent film to more UK communities.