Shuffle, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Shuffle, the community film festival brainchild of director Danny Boyle, returns for a third outing this July in Mile End.

Previously based in a former psychiatric hospital, for 2014 atmospheric Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park will host the eclectic collection of music, film and food pop-ups.

The venue is styled as a miniature festival, including two outdoor screens for films, a music and comedy tent, food and more contributing to the carnival atmosphere- but the main focus is on cinema.  

As well as screenings of classic and contemporary films including Boyle’s own 28 Days Later (with a live Q&A with the director) and Nicolas Roeg’s film Walkabout (also featuring a director’s Q&A), there is a short film competition.

A team of directors including Boyle, Clio Barnard (director of The Selfish Giant) and Sally El Hosaini personally vet the entrants to the competition, with the finalists’ films being shown alongside the works of established directors.

Boyle’s aim with the project was to bring a greater sense of community to the area, so the build up to the festival has also seen several urban projects organised in conjunction with Shuffle, including an open invitation for residents to work together in painting an entire street pink on 2 July.

With a feel-good mix of outdoor cinema, music and community events, Shuffle should be a highlight of the East End’s cultural calendar this summer.

The event will run from 30 July until 3 August, with festivities beginning at 6pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends.