Raindance bookended by Another Earth and Bonsai

London’s Raindance Film Festival (Sept 28 – Oct 9) will feature 90 UK premieres from 36 countries, and more than 30 international premieres.

The 19th edition of the independent film showcase will open with the UK premiere of Another Earth, Mike Cahill’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning sci-fi drama starring William Mapother and Brit Marling, and close with Chilean drama Bonsai - the second film from director Christian Jimenez.

Highlighting independent British cinema, the programme’s Homegrown strand features ten world premieres including mockumentary Black Pond, starring Chris Langham and stand-up Simon Amstell in his feature debut. The black comedy sees an ordinary family accused of murder when a stranger dies at their dinner table.

Also receiving its world premiere is A Thousand Kisses Deep, starring Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible II), Jodie Whittaker (Venus), Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) and David Warner and directed by Dana Lustig. Caught in a world of passions and betrayals, Mia (Whittaker) searches for the truth behind a mysterious woman’s death.

The festival features strands for documentary, North American independents, Balkan, European and cult Japanese features, films with an LGBT and musical theme as well as 137 shorts.

Most films will screen at the Apollo Cinema in Piccadilly Circus, with the opening night premiere of Another Earth at Cineworld Haymarket.