The Independent and the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) have announced a new film festival, "Celebrating Free Thinkers," as part of the newspaper's 40th-anniversary celebrations. The partnership will see a series of curated events and screenings at the ICA from 20-25 October.
An exclusive event for Independent Members is scheduled for 19 October, featuring author Helen Fielding in conversation with Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig, followed by a screening of Bridget Jones’s Diary. The character of Bridget Jones originated in The Independent in 1995.
The festival's public programme includes the premiere of Greig’s documentary Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi and Wombs of Debt, a new 25-minute documentary. Other screenings include Sally Potter’s Orlando, Jean-Luc Godard’s Final Films, and Peter Wollen’s Friendship’s Death. Japanese filmmaker Shōhei Imamura’s debut feature, Stolen Desire, will also be shown, opening the ICA’s Long Takes retrospective.
Geordie Greig stated that the partnership offers an opportunity to bring the spirit of free thought and fearless ideas to life through film and culture. Bengi Ünsal, Director of ICA London, expressed delight in partnering for a season that aligns with the ICA's commitment to artistic freedom and independent voices.