Experience the Best in Independent Cinema at the 2018 London Short Film Festival

The London Short Film Festival is back in its fifteenth year, dishing out hundreds of short motion pictures, each packed with the power and weight of a full-length movie. From January 12 to 21, The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), MOTH Club, Curzon Soho, Regent Street Cinema, Rich Mix, Rio Cinema at Dalston, and BFI Southbank will host the screenings of these short yet nothing-short-of-spectacular flicks. Check out the complete list of films and screening schedule here, or download the official event brochure.

The featured films tackle a plethora of topics, from personal to sociopolitical. One group of short films, “Obsessions” (ICA), explores the wide spectrum of, well, obsession—from blind devotion to boy bands, twisted teenage crushes, to a mother’s dangerously singular love. “Lives in Sign Languages” (BFI Southbank) features films about and especially dedicated to D/deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) audiences. To relax and enjoy, just search for budget hotels near Paddington Station UK to book your stay in London.

“Muslim Punk and the New Subculture” (MOTH Club) presents Pakistani-Canadian film director, producer, and editor Omar Majeed’s documentary “Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam,” plus a panel discussion led by filmmaker Hammad Khan on the emerging Islam punk music subgenre and the influences of class, race, and gender on the Muslim resistance to Trump and Brexit. “International: Based on True Events” (Regent Street Cinema) blurs the fine line between fact and fiction. “New Queer Visions: Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Medium Rare” (ICA) takes us deep into the minds and lives of its queer characters.

All these and more noteworthy screenings are waiting for you and yours to enjoy and treasure—here is the list of venues with their respective addresses as well as links to maps to guide you on your way.

Best Hotels Near Paddington Station:

To save time and relax for a bit before screenings, start your day right at a luxurious bed and breakfast Paddington, and prepare for your trip to the theatres of your choice. Book your stay at The Edward Hotel Paddington—all theatres are easily accessible from here. If you are planning to see various films showing at different theatres, make sure to plot your itinerary—and your list of films to watch—for the nine-day film fest ahead of time.

There’s something for everyone in this year’s London Short Film Festival, so make sure not to miss it! Treat yourself and your loved ones with this cinema feast not only for the eyes but also for the mind and heart.

Bright Winter Days at the Canary Wharf Winter Lights 2018

London shines bright even during winter, especially with the Winter Light Festivals lighting up the city. One of the biggest Light Festivals returns to Canary Wharf this year to enthrall artists, art lovers, and even general spectators with the magic of light technology and art.

Winner of the 2017 Darc Award for Best Creative Lighting Event, the 2018 Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival is back with 30 cutting-edge light art masterpieces created by respected light artists from the UK, across Europe, and Australia. You and your family can revel in this experience which encompasses the whole business district from January 16 to 27, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., all for free.

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ENESS, a multidisciplinary design studio from Australia, brings to the Jubilee Plaza its “Sonic Light Bubble”– a gigantic, interactive light installation that responds with music and light to human presence and touch. Jonas Vorwerk from the Netherlands introduces “Pixels”, a colourful set of illuminated blocks which people can build stuff with to their hearts’ content at the Adams Plaza. Lichtfaktor from Germany invites visitors to unleash their creativity at their “Luma Paint Light Graffiti” installed at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden. UK fashion house Cutecircuit takes fashion up a notch with their Future Fashion wearable technology exhibit at Level 3, Crossrail Plaza. These are but a few of the stunning interactive light installations and light sculptures that await you and your loved ones.

From a cozy hotel next to the Paddington Station, you can witness the Canary Wharf Estate all aglow with the festival’s astounding light art pieces. You can also opt to stay at one of the many luxurious yet affordable bed and breakfast near Paddington Station, where you can sit back and relax before your tour. Book your stay at The Edward Hotel Paddington, from where you can easily get to the Canary Wharf.

Be sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time, whether you plan on going to see selected exhibits for one day or participate in the festival for a couple of days or more, as you’re going to take long walks from one exhibit to another. Download the official event brochure and map here.

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If you or your loved one is sensitive to light, it’s best to consult an ophthalmologist beforehand and have your sunglasses with you on your tour, as some light installations feature flashing lights.

Nothing beats spending bleak winter days with your loved ones basking in the warmth and glow of bright festive lights. Make sure you don’t miss this exciting event!