The Soho Independent Short Film Festival

Shortfilm is the grassroots of cinematography. Short films can be a few minutes to 40 minutes long and provide filmmakers with unparalleled creative freedom as they can push the boundaries on technology and narratives. Short films showcase the art of story telling in its purest form. Bitesize wonders, they act as a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers and actors. And film festivals offer an important platform for these creators to present their work to industry professionals and audiences alike.

The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLiff) is a Short Film Festival based in the heart of Soho in London’s West End. Founded by LIZ FARAHADI, VANESSA AYIKU and ERIK MOORE, the annual SohoLIFF, first launched in 2020. Previous years have showcased numerous famous directors and actors including the Oscar winning director, Guy Nativ; Cannes winner, Molly Manning Walker; plus actors John Simm, Adjoa Andoh (of Bridgerton and Dr Who fame), Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Tom Felton and T’Nia Miller.

The four-day festival is held in January and 50+ independent films are shown. Q&As after each block allow people to hear from the filmmakers themselves. The year’s activities culminate with a live gala awards ceremony as filmmakers are championed and celebrated.

The organisers say: “We love films that could make a difference; that gives a voice to those who have been marginalised. We simply love great films that are engaging, from the dark and gritty to the eccentric and flamboyant. ”

SohoLIFF like The King of Soho is all about community and we are thrilled to be working with the Festival as sponsors for a second year.

So we put on our creatives hats, and made them a cocktail. Taking inspiration from Soho cocktail legend, Dick Bradsell, we created a twist on his classic Bramble, which he invented in 1984 when he was working at Fred’s Club in Soho.

The SohoLIFF Cocktail

35ml The King of Soho Variorum Pink Gin, 25ml Lemon Juice, 20ml Morello Cherry Purée, 10ml Sugar Syrup, 15ml Chambord/Cassis

Shake all ingredients except the Chambord and strain into a tumbler filled with crushed ice. Drizzle with the Chambord and garnish with a cherry. That’s a wrap!