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The Crystal Palace International Film Festival, a beloved fixture in London's cultural calendar, is facing a precarious future. Organisers are locked in a tense battle with two local borough councils who are insisting on reviewing and rating every film before it's screened – a demand that threatens the festival’s financial viability and its very survival.

For years, the Crystal Palace International Film Festival has provided a platform for independent filmmakers, showcasing diverse cinematic voices and engaging audiences across South London and beyond. It's a celebration of storytelling, a hub for creative exchange, and a vital contributor to the local economy. However, this year’s edition is under serious threat.

The unexpected and stringent demands from the councils – Bromley and Lambeth – stipulate that each film must be pre-screened and assessed by council representatives. This process comes with a significant cost, potentially running into tens of thousands of pounds. Organisers argue that the financial burden is unsustainable, particularly for a festival that relies heavily on grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

“We’re incredibly disappointed and frankly, quite shocked by these demands,