The Independent and ICA London Launch Film Festival for 40th Anniversary

The Independent and ICA London unveil 'Celebrating Free Thinkers' film festival, featuring exclusive events and documentaries for 40th anniversary.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — The Independent and the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) have unveiled a new film festival to commemorate the newspaper’s 40th anniversary. Titled ‘Celebrating Free Thinkers,’ the event will feature curated screenings, discussions, and special programs designed to honor the paper’s legacy of promoting independent thought and creativity.

The festival will begin with an exclusive gathering for The Independent Members on October 19, where author Helen Fielding will engage in a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig before a screening of *Bridget Jones’s Diary*. The character first appeared in The Independent in 1995, and one of the film’s most memorable scenes was shot at the ICA. The public program will run from October 20 to 25 and include a range of films and discussions that reflect the theme of free thinking.

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A highlight of the festival is the premiere of Greig’s documentary *Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi*, which delves into the political journey of Myanmar’s former leader. Other featured works include *Wombs of Debt*, a documentary exploring the struggles of female sugarcane workers in southern India, and *Orlando* by Sally Potter, accompanied by a Q&A session with an Independent journalist. Additional screenings will include *Arrows of Desire: Peter Wollen* and *Stolen Desire* by Shōhei Imamura, marking the first major UK retrospective of his work in over 25 years.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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