Swindon Independent Film Festival drew to a close on Saturday as the annual Gala Evening took place. The festival took place throughout last week showcasing some brilliant films from the independent film sector. Each evening, throughout the last week, saw independently made films showing at Artsite and the Post Modern where members of the public could go along and see a selection for themselves.

This year’s film festival showed a range of international films that explored different cultures, touched on impactful themes, and most of all left the audience captivated from start to finish. During the festival, the festival was honoured to be able to host exclusive UK premiers for three international films: Maria, José Maria from Portugal; Dublin Crust and Killer Krush, both from Ireland.

The film festival gala evening began at Mam’s Gallery and Total Health Café on Eastcott Hill for a drinks and networking session before moving to Artsite and the Post Modern for the awards ceremony, which was presented by the duo: Festival Director, Bobbie-Leigh Brandybuck, and Comms Director, Clegg Bamber MBE.

Commenting on the gala evening, Bobbie-Leigh Brandybuck, said: “The quality of the films we had submitted this year made judging a really good experience, but at times during the judging process, it ultimately meant tough decisions were made. On behalf of the whole judging panel, I extend my congratulations to all our winners and nominees.”

Clegg Bamber MBE, Communications Director for the film festival, also added: “It was a real privilege to be able to host some brilliant filmmakers at our gala evening. People travelled from across the UK and overseas to be with us for the evening. Independent cinema is so important to the film sector, and the creative industries more widely, and we here at Swindon Independent Film Festival are proud to be able to play a part in bringing independent cinema to life in the town.”

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, also attended the gala evening and gave a speech to the awards ceremony highlighting the creative strength of Swindon and commending the film festival for its success in 2023.

Full details of the 2023 award winners are noted below:

An honourable mention was also given to the animated short film Friendly Fire (directed by Tom Koryto Blumen).

Here is a gallery of some of the photo’s taken during the gala evening. Photo credit: Matthew Perry