Monitor Audio provides high-fidelity, immersive sound experience for London’s newest and most innovative film festival, coming to the capital on 7th May 2025 at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel. 

Essex, UK – April 2025: The four-day Cine International Film Festival (CIFF) is a celebration of the best of British independent film, featuring exclusive premieres and screenings, an awards ceremony, panel talks, networking events and more.

Launched in collaboration between DREAMTOWN Entertainment, Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, and Goldfinch - the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning production company - CIFF will showcase the best of international cinema with a stellar jury through carefully curated international partnerships and programs. Audiences can expect an impressive lineup of innovative films, from major premieres to features by emerging filmmakers, along with thought-provoking documentaries and captivating shorts.

As part of Monitor Audio’s ongoing partnership with the Karma Sanctum Soho, the brand’s flagship Cinergy THX Certified Ultra speaker system - a tour-de-force in integrated audio solutions, and state-of-the-art integrated amplification - will deliver the immersive score to every screening, creating a truly memorable performance to match the drama on screen. Festival guests can also enjoy high-fidelity Monitor Audio sound throughout the rest of the hotel as well as the bar and restaurant.

At the heart of CIFF is a mission to give back to the film community. The festival proudly introduces the Goldfinch Academy Bursary, a charitable initiative designed to assist some of the most deserving new voices in filmmaking, providing them with the tools and resources needed to bring their creative visions to life. The festival is also supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust.

After years of budget cuts and underfunding, the festival aims to supercharge support for British cinema and shine a spotlight on its brightest talents. To further amplify its impact, CIFF will partner with international festivals and jurors, bringing a global perspective to London and highlighting the city as a thriving hub for innovative filmmaking.

The festival panel talks will bring together an eclectic mix of voices from across the industry, offering insights into the future of film, AI, financing, distribution, and exclusive ‘in conversation’ Q&As with actors and directors. One of the panels will be hosted by the award-winning and leading female film podcast duo, Girls on Film, bringing their signature blend of expert analysis and engaging discussion to the festival.

The festival’s CIFF Awards will honour exceptional homegrown talent and beyond, celebrating both traditional and cutting-edge achievements in cinema, including a pioneering category for Best AI Production.

CINE FILM FESTIVAL CONFIRMED JURY:

• Asia Argento (Marie Antoinette / The Keeper) - Jury President
• Roger Daltrey (The Who) - On behalf of The Teenage Cancer Trust Award
• Tamer Hassan (Layer Cake / Game of Thrones) - Best of British Award
• Sadie Frost (Quant, Bram Stokers Dracula)
• Susanne Wuest (Goodnight Mummy)
• Shubham Saraf (Shantaram)
• Jordan Bayne (A Stranger In The Kingdom)
• Paul Oakenfold (Perfecto Records)
• Alexa Jago (Board of BAFTA North America)
• Ben Charles Edwards (DREAMTOWN)
• Kirsty Bell (Goldfinch)
• Sarah Poole (Goldfinch)
• Anna Smith (Girls on Film Podcast)
• Nick Sadler (First Flights Short film fund)

CIFF Co-Founder and Director Ben Charles Edwards said:

"CIFF is more than just a film festival—it's a dynamic platform of partnerships celebrating innovation and creativity in the heart of our city, championing the boldest voices in cinema. There’s a clear gap in the market for a forward-thinking festival like CIFF, one that not only showcases cutting-edge films but is also structured to welcome partnerships and to give back to its film community and support charitable causes. CIFF comes at a crucial time for our industry.”

Actor Tamer Hassan, Co-Owner of Karma Sanctum Soho said:

“The festival is a showcase of some of the most promising talent and productions that the UK has to offer. After years of doom and gloom, we want to encourage filmmakers and give them a platform of support to help them thrive.”

Kirsty Bell, Co-Founder of Goldfinch and Dreamtown said:

“Supporting filmmakers has always been at the core of what we do, from financing to production. CIFF takes that a step further through meaningful partnerships. By collaborating with industry leaders like Karma Sanctum Soho and Dreamtown, CIFF not only celebrates British filmmakers but actively invests in their future. Through The Goldfinch Academy Bursary, we’re providing vital financial and mentoring support to emerging talent. CIFF is a testament to the power of collaboration.”

Michael Johnson, Commercial Head, UK & Global Marketing Director, Monitor Audio Group said:

“To be able to sponsor the Cine Film Festival, creative film makers and visionaries to deliver their vision, at every screening - at its sonic best - is something we’re very proud of. To deepen the emotional relationship and connection with the content on screen, through the power of our high-fidelity Cinergy speaker system and amplification is extremely gratifying.”

 

Release ends.

 

For additional information, images, tickets for the events, and for Monitor Audio product information installed at the Karma Sanctum please contact:

Andy Napthine - +44(0)7920 425166 / andy@napthineporter.com

 

About Monitor Audio Group
Monitor Audio Group is an independent, engineering-led British audio company, designing and manufacturing a range of products with a single purpose: to give customers an enhanced listening experience, at every price point. The company has assembled a world-class team of audio engineers, product designers and manufacturing specialists with a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience and backgrounds, who work across the Group’s Monitor Audio, Roksan and Blok brands.

www.monitoraudio.com

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About Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel - https://www.sanctumsoho.com
Tucked away in the heart of London’s west end, Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel is renowned for its fusion of luxury, creativity, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. The hotel offers an eclectic, vibrant space that celebrates artistry, individuality, and the spirit of Soho’s cultural heritage.

About Goldfinch - https://www.goldfinch.co.uk
Academy Award and BAFTA-winning British film production company Goldfinch is a leading independent entertainment financier with a track record that includes direct investments through Goldfinch Finance of over $200M, generating over $500M in gross production value.

Since its inception in 2014, Goldfinch has been involved in the financing of over 300 productions, many of which have gone on to win awards and critical acclaim. Drawing on its finance, creative, legal, and business expertise, the company provides executive and co-production services through Goldfinch Entertainment.

Goldfinch operates an auteur-driven genre production label called DREAMTOWN, formerly known as The Number 44, which focuses on horror, thriller, and sci-fi projects that capture the zeitgeist.