James Wren, director of the Unrestricted View Film Festival, joined Shay Kaur Grewal on BBC Radio London to talk about the festival, now in it's 11th year, and why London is popular with filmmakers.
Unrestricted View Film Festival 2026
27th April - 3rd May
A 7 day celebration independent film. Discover some of the most innovative voices in indie film, and a diverse programme of screenings and events at some of London’s most exciting venues.
🎟️ Tickets and full programme available via the link in our bio.
#UVFF #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmFestival #UnrestrictedViewFilmFestival
We told you this was our biggest year yet, and we weren’t kidding. We’re over the moon to be being hosted by 6 incredible venues, two of which are new to us this year. Fancy a tour?
#unrestrictedviewfilmfestival #uvff #bifa #filmfestivallondon #indiefilmfestival @genesiscinema@curzonhoxton@everymancinema@odeoncinemas@thehenandchickenstheatre
Very honoured to that our film was recognised by @bifa_film qualifying festival @uviewff - winning Best Documentary Director and being nominated for Best Short Documentary.
Our film began with friendship, love and solidarity and grew with the careful tending of dedicated collaborators, friends and comrades. I'm very grateful it continues to find audiences and grow its own friendship circle.
❤️💚🖤
I had a brilliant time last Friday at @uviewff here with Felicity Wren, and chatting with some of the other filmmakers and organisers.
Here i am rocking the merch too. One of the areas we are pivoting into with the film.
Many thanks to Unrestricted View for having us, our 4th BIFA-qualifying festival. From the sounds of it we just missed out on best doc too, congrats to @humanehancock
Photo credit @caimgphotography
The wheels are ALREADY in motion for UVFF 2027 (yes, we know…), and we have yet another batch of big plans. So get your films over to us via @filmfreeway ! What are you waiting for?!
#unrestrictedviewfilmfestival #uvff
It was an absolute pleasure to represent our film, WHERE YOU AT, at the @bifa_film qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival last week. To be a part of the official selection of films and to be nominated as a director for the “One to Watch Award” was a real honour. Thank you again for having us @uviewff !
📸 @caimgphotography
#unrestrictedviewfilmfestival #uvff2026
We are so grateful to receive the award for Best Actress in a Short Film at this year's BIFA-qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival.
Sending a huge congratulations おめでとう to @hanakofootman !
Thank you to the team at @uviewff 🖤
What an incredibly fun week we had last week, celebrating SELF+TAPE’s World Premiere at @bifa_film -Qualifying @uviewff ! A huge shout out to our amazing cast, crew and friends who attended in huge numbers!
As for the festival itself, every day I got to meet new and exciting filmmakers showcase their fantastic films, and got to discuss each others’ work in a relaxed and friendly setting. I really look forward to catching up with many of you again on the festival circuit this year.
Personally, I am incredibly thankful as always to @jamesrwren , @felicitywren555 , @boolsjackson , @marklyminster , @mellorfilm along with the selection committee for including us in this year’s stellar lineup. I really enjoyed the industry session you put on too. Thanks also to @caimgphotography for these wonderful photos!
Having won Best Comedy here with MAFIA last year, it was such a joy to return so quickly and thanks for another brilliant festival experience. I hope to return again with another project soon 🙏❤️
WE WON At @uviewff !!!
BEST DIRECTOR @matt.chandler.films
BEST EDITING @andre_with_an_accent
PLUS Nominations for…
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY @ola_shoyinka_
BEST ACTOR @ty__tennant
Thank you Unrestricted View for starting our in-competition festival run with a really beautiful festival and awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the other films - we’re in great company!
UVFF Awards 2026, part 2 🏆
Thank you so much to everyone who has joined us this week, it’s been beyond a joy.
A final thank you to the brilliant @caimgphotography for capturing the week so beautifully. All photos will be uploaded to our website soon 📸
