Ben Charles Edwards, CIFF/DREAMTOWN co-founder, said, “CIFF has exceeded all expectations; packed screening rooms, electric energy and a lineup of bold, brilliant voices that reflect exactly what independent cinema needs right now. We set out to champion fearless filmmaking, and we did just that, while also raising vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and launching a new filmmaker bursary to support the next wave of talent. In a time when threats like Trump’s proposed tariffs could further isolate voices and limit creative exchange, festivals like CIFF are more essential than ever. Now is the moment to protect and uplift global storytelling, and we’re proud to be doing exactly that.”
