The Crystal Palace International Film Festival gets underway this Friday, with movies from around the world and offering “great food, drink and amazing vibe in ace venues”.

The organisers say, “CPIFF is a London film festival showcasing of some of the world’s best independent films, Crystal Palace International Film Festival is one of the coolest events in London’s cultural calendar. A film extravaganza incorporating incredible quality films from nine categories, held in unusual venues with gourmet food. Films include World, European and UK premieres.

“The nights sell out well in advance, guaranteeing a big audience and wonderful atmosphere. Film makers who attend many festivals comment on the stand out nature of CPIFF.”

The festival runs from Friday, November 6, until November 28, using Stanley Halls, South Norwood, where the launch night party is being staged, and the under-threat St John’s Church, where the final evening gala awards event will be staged, offering cinema-goers G&Ts, gourmet canapes and comedian Mark Steel to present the awards.

Tickets are modestly priced, from £5, and just £2 for some children’s films. There are extra charges for some events where food is available. For evening screenings, doors open 6.45pm-7pm, with the film beginning at 7.45pm. Many of the feature films are accompanied by clips and a programme of short films.

Mike Reiss reveals the secrets of The Simpsons

Some nights have already sold out.

Sunday night’s event at the Stanley Halls see The Simpsons screenwriter Mike Reiss reveal the secrets behind the long-running cartoon comedy.

There’s also a special animation and documentary nights – indeed, on one night there’s screenings at both venues, so you’re spoiled for choice – and there’s a Friday 13th horror night, where people are encouraged to come along in fancy dress.

Nov 6: Launch Night: SuperBob & How Murray Saved Christmas
Stanley Halls SE25 6AB
2 hilarious films! Q & A with Mike Reiss & Jon Drever

Nov 7: Family Matinee: Disney’s Meet The Robinsons (1.30pm)
St John’s Church SE19 2RX
A Disney classic that girls, boys, mums and dads will love!

Nov 7: Short Film & Palace Spice Curry Night
SOLD OUT

Nov 8: Mike Reiss presents: The Secrets of The Simpsons
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
The Simpsons’ writer flies in from LA to give his brilliantly entertaining presentation of inside stories and rare clips.

Nov 10: Feature Film: Emulsion + Shorts
St John’s Church, SE19 2RX
Short films: In the Corner with Bluebells, World will break your Heart and Lucky Numbers

Nov 11: Feature Film: Everlasting + Shorts
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
Short films: Precious Stone, Chub and Emigrant

Nov 13: Friday 13th Horror and Sci-Fi Night
St John’s Church, SE19 2RX
Always incredibly popular and great fun, come in fancy dress!

Nov 14: Animation Night
Stanley Halls SE25 6AB
The ever popular screening of 18 fantastic, eclectic animations from all over the world. Always a visual treat.

Nov 15: Documentary Night
St John’s Church.
Forgotten and Ladies of Science, the Extraordinary Story of Mary Rosse and Mary Ward

Nov 17: Feature Film: Two Down + Shorts
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
Short films: Silver Girl, Power State, Silent Film

Nov 19: Short Film Night 2
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
A selection of fabulous short films

Nov 22: International Film
St John’s Church SE19 2RX
A Selection of films from around the world

Nov 24: Documentary Night 2/ Screen 1
St John’s Church, SE19 2RX
Youth and Black Roses: The Killing of Sophia Lancaster

Nov 24: Documentary Night 2/ Screen 2
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
Out of Focus, Spirit in Motion and Knit Me Some Happiness

Nov 25: Feature Film: Meet Pursuit Delange
Stanley Halls, SE25 6AB
Three old school friends who are forced by circumstance to live together.

Nov 26: Short Film 3
Stanley Halls SE25 6AB
A great selection of films from all over the world.

Nov 28: Gala Finale, Comedy Films and Awards Evening
St John’s Church, SE19 2RX
A welcome Bloom Gin and Tonic, gourmet canapes served, musical act and Mark Steel presenting the awards.

• For the full schedule and more details of each of the nights’ presentations, and to book tickets, click here

• Inside Croydon Events: for dates and links to what’s happening in and around Croydon, updated daily

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