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It's always an exciting start to the year: ten days of the most impressive short films from around the world, handily divided into categories (we always recommend the 'Funny Shit' and 'Midnight Madness' programmes) and dotted with talks, filmmaking workshops and the odd party. And the London Short Film Festival always features plenty of classic shorts too, often focusing on art and music.
Our eye was caught by David Bowie: Sound and Vision, a three-part tribute to the rock icon on the anniversary of his death, featuring a rare chance to catch his early mime film 'The Image' alongside excellent Alan Yentob doc 'Cracked Actor' and the original full-length promo film 'Jazzin' for Blue Jean', in which Bowie plays both himself and a crazed fan.
We'd also heartily recommend the two-part Youth Decades event at the ICA – featuring shorts through the ages including the timeless 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot' – or the film-and-discussion event celebrating the legacy of the Riot Grrrl movement. But wherever you dip in, you're bound to find something remarkable: the LSFF know their shorts better than just about anyone else, and they've had an entire year to round up the very best of them. You won't be disappointed.
The London Short Film Festival runs January 6 to 15 – and remember to check out Time Out Film for all the latest reviews and interviews, as well as the best film pop-ups in London.