Afghan filmmaker born in Tehran, 1991
The Independent reports that London hosts The Final Film Festival from August 6–9, offering international premieres and hidden gems in venues from the ICA to Peckham’s The Castle. Organisers say the festival aims to fill a niche between large festivals, welcoming both acclaimed titles and cult favorites.
Venice has faced criticism for including few female directors in its main competition. May el-Toukhys Woman Unknown was the lone woman-led feature in the initial lineup; festival organisers have since added the documentary NAZA. Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal and programmers at London Film Festival have said structural barriers, especially financing, are limiting womens progression to larger films.