Movie magic lands in the borough this weekend with the return of the highly popular Kingston International Film Festival.

Following the outstanding success of its inaugural success in 2022, KIFF2023 launches today running until Sunday, 25 June.

The exciting programme has something for everyone - from film buffs and families to industry professionals and aspiring film-makers. 

Across three days, the festival will showcase feature films, documentaries, shorts programmes, industry workshops, panels and pitching events. 

The programme, which includes world and UK premiers, also focuses on up-and-coming talent from around the world. Screenings will be held at venues across Kingston, including the Odeon and Curzon cinemas, Rose Theatre and Kingston University's award-winning Townhouse.

There will be a special outdoor screening of Sir Alan Parker's kids' classic, Bugsy Malone at Canbury Gardens on Saturday and a Gala Awards ceremony on the closing night.

The programme, which includes world and UK premiers, also focuses on up-and-coming talent from around the world. Screenings will be held at venues across Kingston, including the Odeon and Curzon cinemas, Rose Theatre and Kingston University's award-winning Townhouse

Awards up for grabs for young entrees include camera equipment, cash prizes, mentoring on screenplays and even opportunities to bring films to life through the Page to Screen award. 

The festival also hopes to support aspiring directors, cinematographers, writers, producers and editors, through its workshops.

This year, some of the workshops will be run by organisations working in the industry including media accountants Alliotts, virtual production studio Arri Stage London and digital platform My Smash Media. 

KIFF is supported by a number of high-profile individuals within the industry and counts Four Weddings and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Director Mike Newell, Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and The Gentleman and Dungeons and Dragons star Jason Wong among its patrons. 

Speaking to the Evening Standard, KIFF's Director David Cunningham said: "After the overwhelming success of last year, we are proud to return to Kingston with an even bigger and more exciting programme of events and screenings.

"Our ambition is for this second edition of KIFF to continue to have an authoritative voice capable of making a difference in the film industry, as well as providing a weekend of entertainment for film lovers and Londoners." 

For more information on KIFF2023's programme, and to purchase your tickets now, visit the event's website here.