2017 London International Documentary Festival. Pic. Anders Palm Olesen.

Filmmakers from around the world gathered in Hackney last week for the 10th London International Documentary Festival (LIDF).

With films from more than 45 countries, the festival, held at The Archivist, Haggerston, presented an eclectic mix of long and short films from well-established professionals alongside first-time filmmakers.

Festival Director, Patrick Hazard said: “It’s a provocative and inspiring lineup of films presented in timely strands that are designed to spark debate.”

This year the subject of forced migration and refugees come to the fore. The LIDF dedicated its Sunday screenings to explore this subject alongside contributors from the UN News and Media, Al Jazeera, Action UK and International Alert. These sessions allowed the audience to ask the filmmakers questions.

However, running from Thursday through Sunday, the festival’s packed program offered many more themes and films; from a young woman who explores her sexuality and autonomy through body-performances to a portrait of a motorway rest-stop café.

A college student and aspiring documentary filmmaker, Keturah Cole, found great inspiration in the event: “Looking at films like this is really amazing because then I get to communicate with the people who made them – and see the ideas for myself.”

Hazard explained how the festival connects people engaged with the world around them across professions: “We want to reach out to a diverse audience – those interested in the ideas we’re exploring – as well as to those that are passionate about film.”

2017 London International Documentary Festival from Anders Palm Olesen on Vimeo.

Learn more about LIDF and this year’s program here.