SCI-FI LONDON takes place from 31st May - 6th June 2023.
Taking place from 31st May to June 6th at Picturehouse Central, Prince Charles Cinema, The Garden Cinema & Rich Mix, SCI-FI LONDON promises a great selection of films from the sci-fi movie world. https://sci-fi-london.com/
Opening this year's SCI-FI LONDON is Swedish sci-fi, UFO SWEDEN.
UFO SWEDEN
PICTUREHOUSE CENTRAL
WED 31 MAY, 7.00PM
Outline: In the year 1996, Norrköping is home to a peculiar bunch of outsiders who dedicate their days to delving into UFO sightings across Sweden. Their tireless efforts result in debunking an impressive 99 percent of the alleged encounters, but it's the remaining one percent that ignites an unyielding flame within them. Among the group is Denise, a spirited teenager whose father is both the founder of their collective and a rumored victim of an alien abduction back in the 1980s. Fueled by her personal connection and an insatiable curiosity, Denise turns to her comrades in search of answers, longing to unravel the enigma surrounding her father's inexplicable disappearance. As they delve into the depths of her father's covert archives, a fresh perspective emerges, casting newfound illumination upon the perplexing puzzle. Yet, they soon encounter formidable opposition from powerful entities determined to conceal this classified knowledge, for reasons yet undisclosed.
Directed by Victor Danell, UFO SWEDEN stars; Inez Dahl Torhaug, Jesper Barkselius, Eva Melander.
Making it's UK Premiere is Bulgarian sci-fi, PHI 1.618
PHI 1.618
PICTUREHOUSE CENTRAL
THU 1 JUNE, 8.45PM
Outline: In a future world characterized by dystopia and punk aesthetics, a courageous woman disrupts the stagnant existence of a new breed of loveless and everlasting men. Amidst these sterile individuals, Krypton, a being meticulously engineered to embody the divine proportion known as the golden ratio, Phi 1.618, exists. However, Krypton harbors a profound desire to liberate herself from Earth's toxic grip, envisioning an audacious escape aboard a colossal spaceship to colonize the vast expanse of the universe. In this peculiar reality, women are deemed obsolete since the immortal men have forsaken procreation, save for a single Sleeping Beauty who remains preserved as a relic of the past.
As Krypton relentlessly eradicates the world's written knowledge, an extraordinary creature known as Gargara emerges, defying logical explanation. Gargara's arrival ignites a spark within Krypton, prompting him to question the validity of his ambitious plan. In a daring act of rebellion, Gargara challenges Krypton to awaken Sleeping Beauty, rescuing the fading remnants of the fairytale from descending into a nightmarish abyss. Together, they embark on a quest to redefine destiny and salvage the essence of the waning magic that once graced their world.
Directed by Theodore Ushev, PHI 1.618 stars; Martina Apostolova, Deyan Donkov, Vasil Duev.
Neil Breen writes, directs, produces, edits and stars in his latest film, CADE: THE TORTURED CROSSING.
CADE: THE TORTURED CROSSING
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
THU 1 JUNE, 6.45PM (Sold Out)
SUN 4 JUNE, 8.45PM
Outline: Neil Breen portrays the role of twin brothers in this compelling narrative. One of the brothers embarks on a mission to restore a long-forgotten and enigmatic mental asylum. Driven by an extraordinary sense of purpose, he delves into the realm of mysticism, taking it upon himself to bestow upon the patients the mystical training needed to become valiant warriors for the betterment of humanity and the pursuit of justice.
Directed by Neil Breen, CADE THE TORTURED CROSSING stars Neil Breen, Judy Lay, Nicole Butler.
DEEP ASTRONOMY AND THE ROMANTIC SCIENCES was developed in part through the Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier Story Lab
DEEP ASTRONOMY AND THE ROMANTIC SCIENCES
THE GARDEN CINEMA
THU 1 JUNE, 8.30PM
Outline: In a bustling nightclub, amidst the crowd, Grace sits alone at a table, her movements betraying an uncanny mechanical precision. Unbeknownst to everyone, she conceals her true nature as a robot. Intrigued by the enigmatic woman, Rudy, a young man, summons the courage to initiate a conversation.
To his surprise, Grace proves to be an abundant well of knowledge rather than a curious seeker. Engaged in a captivating exchange, she delves into the enthralling history of the Romantic Sciences. As an expert and product of this extraordinary field, she regales Rudy with tales of captivating lectures and mesmerizing performances delivered by renowned Romantic Scientists. Their topics span the vast spectrum, encompassing time travel, parallel dimensions, the prospect of interplanetary colonization, and even the intriguing matter of human waste management.
What sets Grace apart is her unique ability to tap into social media and wireless communications, granting her insights into complex concepts such as the dichotomy between truth and fact, the realm of the tangible versus the realm of imagination, and the profound essence of human existence.
This remarkable film has emerged through the creative development nurtured in part by the Sundance Film Festival's esteemed New Frontier Story Lab.
Directed by Cory McAbee, DEEP ASTRONOMY AND THE ROMANTIC SCIENCES stars; Cory McAbee, Rudy Dejesus, Meredith Adelaide, Craig Anton.
OMZA will be celebrating its World premiere
OMZA
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
FRI 2 JUNE, 5.45PM
Outline: After enduring yet another sleepless night plagued by the weight of his wife's absence, Jeff, an insomniac tormented by grief, stumbles upon a peculiar alien creature reminiscent of a jellyfish in the alley adjacent to his residence. Astonishingly, this otherworldly being establishes a telepathic connection with Jeff, imploring him to aid in its concealment from menacing pursuers.
Exploring profound themes of loss, memory, and existential significance, this monochromatic cinematic masterpiece artfully weaves together experimental elements, paying homage to silent films, film noir, and the captivating allure of 1950s B-movies. Its ethereal ambiance transports viewers into a dreamlike realm, further enhanced by the frequent appearances of musicians, who provide a captivating live musical commentary that accentuates the unfolding drama.
Directed by Keith John Adams, OZMA stars; Ferdy Roberts, Eva Magyar, Victoria Moseley, Jun Noh.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE FUTURE: 2121, a subterranean, dystopian, sci-fi from Serpil Altin.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE FUTURE: 2121
PICTUREHOUSE CENTRAL
FRI 2 JUNE, 8.30 PM
Outline: In 1967, a 12-year-old named Clive finds herself engrossed in play within the vast expanse of the New Mexican desert, behind her family's secluded motel. Suddenly, an unexpected visitor by the name of Mann emerges, asserting to be an emissary from a dying planet in search of a new sanctuary for his kind. Aware of the encroaching authorities, Mann entrusts Clive with a luminous orb, urging her to safeguard it and assuring her of his imminent return.
Leap forward 25 years, and Clive is now married, grappling with the daunting task of keeping their once-thriving motel afloat, now in decline. Her husband, Mitch, implores Clive to sell the motel, encouraging them to embark on a fresh start and rekindle their love. As Clive contemplates the course of action to take, Mann resurfaces, seeking the return of his cherished orb. However, there's a predicament: Clive is uncertain of its current whereabouts.
Directed by Serpil Altin, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE FUTURE 2121 stars; Sukeyna Kiliç, Aysenil Samlioglu, Selen Öztürk.
A woman's purpose reshapes as a childhood encounter with a space alien resurfaces.
THE WARM SEASON will be making its UK Premiere.
THE WARM SEASON
THE GARDEN CINEMA
FRI 2 JUNE, 8.30PM
Outline: In the year 1967, young Clive, a twelve-year-old girl, finds herself engrossed in play amidst the vast expanse of the New Mexican desert, which stretches behind her family's secluded motel. It is during one of these solitary adventures that an enigmatic figure named Mann abruptly materializes before her, asserting to hail from a dying planet and on a quest to discover a new sanctuary for his kind. With authorities hot on his trail, Mann entrusts Clive with a luminous orb, urging her to safeguard it and promising his eventual return.
A quarter-century rushes by, and Clive, now a married woman, grapples with the challenges of preserving the motel that has fallen into decline. Her husband, Mitch, implores her to sell the struggling establishment, offering the prospect of a fresh start to rekindle their love and rebuild their lives. As Clive contemplates her options, a surprising development unfolds—Mann resurfaces, fervently desiring the return of his entrusted orb. The predicament lies in Clive's own uncertainty regarding its whereabouts, for its exact location eludes her memory.
Caught between the choices that loom before her, Clive must navigate the complexities of her past and present, while grappling with the enigmatic return of Mann and the quest to recover the elusive orb. Through this intricate web of events, Clive's journey unravels, unveiling the profound impact of hidden truths, elusive memories, and the power of second chances.
Directed by Janet Grillo, THE WARM SEASON stars Carie Kawa, Michael Esparza, Daniel Dorr.
THE GREAT GLITCH / CHILDREN OF PARADISE is a Danish sci-fi from director Søren Peter Langkjær Bojsen.
THE GREAT GLITCH / CHILDREN OF PARADISE
PICTUREHOUSE CENTRA
SAT 3 JUNE, 9.00PM
Outline: During the summer in Copenhagen, two inseparable friends named Ronja and Serb, both in their mid-twenties, find themselves grappling with the complexities of existence. Filled with an insatiable desire for something more, Ronja immerses herself in a clandestine activist network, while Serb becomes captivated by an enigmatic woman, delving into a whirlwind romance. As their lives unfold, a sequence of increasingly improbable occurrences blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Timelines diverge, and unexpected duplicates materialize amidst countless luminous summer nights. In this realm, where everyone relentlessly pursues elation and the quest for significance, the distinction between truth and illusion dissolves.
THE GREAT GLITCH / CHILDREN OF PARADISE stars; Joos Støvelbæk, Lukas Gregory, Leonora Saabye.
THE ELDERLY is a Spanish sci-fi from directors, Raúl Cerezo & Fernando González Gómez
THE ELDERLY
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
SAT 3 JUNE, 6.15PM
Outline: After the tragic loss of Manuel's wife, the burdened octogenarian, now plagued by dementia, finds refuge in the home of his son Mario and his family. As the scorching summer unfolds, the apartment becomes an oppressive space, suffocating and constricting. Within this stifling environment, Manuel unexpectedly utters a chilling proclamation during a family dinner, threatening to bring harm to them all while they sleep.
Amidst the sweltering heat, Lena, Mario's wife, can't shake the sense of impending doom that lingers in the air, fueled by Manuel's disturbing behavior. However, it soon becomes apparent that Manuel is not the sole recipient of this inexplicable transformation. A disconcerting trend emerges among the elderly residents of their building, as a collective unrest stirs within them, manifesting as violent tendencies. And as the relentless heatwave continues to escalate, their unsettling behavior intensifies in tandem.
Trapped in this blistering environment, the characters find themselves entangled in a web of unease and uncertainty, compelled to confront the profound repercussions that unfold as the elderly succumb to the oppressive heat. The inexplicable and alarming changes in behavior not only test the limits of their understanding but also unearth a haunting truth lurking beneath the surface of their community.
Directed by Raúl Cerezo & Fernando González Gómez, THE ELDERLY stars; Zorion Eguileor, Gustavo Salmerón, Paula Gallego.
WINTERTIDE, a post-apocalyptic film from John Barnard.
WINTERTIDE
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
SAT 3 JUNE, 3.30PM
Outline: In a desolate post-apocalyptic city up north, where a majority of the population exists as melancholic, zombie-like beings, Beth, a volunteer watchman, is assigned the duty of reporting sightings of "strays"—captured individuals who are taken to a secure facility. Amidst the bleak and unending winter, Beth seeks her father among the Strays, holding onto hope.
In this harsh environment, where everyone around her succumbs to the encroaching infection, Beth finds solace in a series of transient intimate encounters. However, as the illness spreads, she discovers a peculiar ability: entering an alternate dimension through her post-coital dreams, she manages to ward off the affliction. But for how long can she sustain this respite?
WINTERTIDE emerges as a blend of allegory, reflecting upon the pandemic; a contemplation on depression; and a commentary on an overly medicated society, all within its haunting narrative.
WINTERTIDE stars Naimh Carolan, Solange Sookram & Jeremy Walmsley.
THE EYE AND THE WALL, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi from Guatemala
THE EYE AND THE WALL
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
SUN 4 JUNE, 6.00PM
Outline: In the late 2030s, in an undisclosed location within Latin America, Gabhán City crumbles under the weight of an oppressive and totalitarian regime. Its inhabitants endure lives of destitution, trapped within the confines of a towering and formidable wall encircling the city.
Amidst this bleak reality, young Alba dedicates herself to a covert network providing essential hospital care, food, and water to the most desperate. Lucre, driven by a desperate desire to rescue Alba, attempts to persuade her to leave Gabhán City by enlisting the aid of illicit smugglers who transport people across the wall.
Initially adamant about staying to serve in the hospital, Alba's resolve weakens when Lucre resorts to deceit. Unaware of Lucre's deception, Alba sets off on a perilous journey, unprepared for the life-altering consequences that await her.
Directed by Javier del Cid, THE EYE AND THE WALL stars Juan Pablo Olyslager, Álvaro Sagone, Alexander Alzat
Okwui Okpokwasili as Unoaku
REMOTE: Quarantined in her sealed apartment, a woman dives into an inexplicable interactive game with women worldwide.
REMOTE
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
MON 5 JUNE, 8.30PM
Outline: In a captivatingly believable future world, where solar-punk ideals prevail, we find Unoaku, a skilled architect residing in a cozy Kuala Lumpur apartment. In this picturesque haven, saturated with vivid hues, flourishing flora, and virtual screens, Unoaku immerses herself in the wonders of her surroundings. However, her true fascination lies in the daily spectacles presented by a renowned South Korean dog-groomer, which captivate her to no end.
Intriguingly, Unoaku finds solace in the companionship of like-minded friends who, just like her, are enthralled by the dog-groomer's enchanting performances. Through their shared passion, an extraordinary revelation unfolds: each of these women possesses hidden portals concealed within their homes. A sense of interconnection emerges, prompting them to embark on a journey brimming with mysteries and questions waiting to be unraveled.
Guided by the portals, they bridge the physical distance between them, delving into uncharted territories that reveal a breathtaking phenomenon with the potential to reshape the very fabric of the universe itself. As their quest progresses, the consequences of their discoveries grow increasingly profound, as they come face to face with the awe-inspiring power that lies within these interdimensional gateways.
Directed by Mika Rottenberg & Mahyad Tousi, REMOTE stars; Okwui Okopkwasili, Joony Kim, Nikita Tewani.
Experience an awe-inspiring and spine-chilling double feature of nuclear realities and fictional tales, presented in collaboration with Mondo Nights, the ultimate destination for the strangest films in world cinema.
THE WAR GAME (1966) Peter Watkins
THE BUNKER OF THE LAST GUNSHOTS (1993) Marc Caro & Jean-Pierre Jeunet
THE GARDEN CINEMA
MON 5 JUNE, 6.15PM
Outline: THE WAR GAME: Step into a thought-provoking docudrama envisioning a hypothetical nuclear assault on Britain.
THE BUNKER OF THE LAST GUNSHOTS: In an undisclosed future, a military unit finds themselves confined within a bunker, anxiously anticipating the arrival of an elusive enemy. However, the revelation of a mysterious project unleashes a series of catastrophic events, driving the men to turn against one another in a deadly struggle.
However hard you try, shit happens!
THE BYSTANDERS will be the closing film of SCI-FI LONDON 2023.
THE BYSTANDERS
TUE 6 JUNE, 8.15PM & 8.30PM
RICH MIX CINEMA
Outline: Have you ever pondered why unfortunate events occur in your life despite your utmost efforts? Well, it's possible that The Bystanders are behind it all, playing with your fate out of sheer boredom. The Bystanders are ethereal beings, invisible and immortal, who are meant to serve as guardian angels. However, these Bystanders have been plucked from the human realm, comprising mostly of disillusioned individuals lacking companionship—a collection of outcasts and loners.
Enter Pete, a fresh recruit thrust into this peculiar existence. His seasoned mentor, Frank, weary from his experiences, finds little amusement in their assigned humans. In a lighthearted moment, Frank suggests the whimsical idea of swapping their charges, adding a touch of levity to their otherwise exasperating duties.
Directed by Gabriel Foster Prior, THE BYSTANDERS, stars Seann Walsh, Scott Haran, Georgia Mabel Clarke.
