I Will Tell International Film Festival Returns for 19th Edition with Headline Conversation on Palestine

Jeremy Corbyn, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Palestinian Journalist Ashira Darwish Join Forces on Opening Night

London, 2 September 2025 — The 19th I Will Tell International Film Festival opens on 19–29 September 2025 across London cinemas with a headline-making conversation on Palestine, following the  premiere of Where Olive Trees Weep. The powerful discussion will feature Jeremy Corbyn, Dr. Gabor Maté, and Palestinian journalist Ashira Darwish.

Amid global conflict, rising anti-immigrant sentiment, and urgent debates on social justice and human rights, the festival’s return feels more vital than ever—spotlighting stories that humanise the “other” and inspire empathy, understanding, and dialogue.

2025 Festival Highlights

This year’s lineup spans stories of forgiveness, resilience, and justice, including:

• Forgiveness — Comedian Chris McGlade tells the story of forgiving his father’s murderer and shares his controversial poem The Right to Hate, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Dr. Robert Beckford exploring race, class, historical injustice, and forgiveness.
• Choeurs Atlantiques — A cinematic exploration of what it means to be Black in a globally interconnected world.
• Shot, the Voice of Freedom — Giving voice to women in Afghanistan.
• The Last Bet — A surreal comedy with a serious edge.
• Collections — Still She Rises, Fragments of Light, and Battlefields and Bridges, exploring gender, memory, reconciliation, resilience, and the power of shared stories.

Other films highlight ordinary Ukrainians putting their lives at risk to protect the next generation, the fight against human trafficking, and the women pioneers leading the charge.

Voices from the Festival

“Despite significant challenges, the festival has returned stronger than ever. The importance of these conversations makes it impossible to stay silent.”

— Jenny Lee, Festival Director

“We are proud to screen this moving and important documentary [Where Olive Trees Weep] in collaboration with I Will Tell.”

— Laura Alvarez, Peace and Justice Project

Filmmakers praise the platform:

• “We were truly delighted to receive the wonderful news that our film has been selected… It is a genuine honor to be part of the event.” — Gloria Halasz (Stars Like Pins on the Sky, Ethiopia, Hungary, Ukraine, Latvia, Russia)
• “Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the festival, especially during a time when dialogue and peace are so vital.” — Prof Amir Har-Gil (Seeds of Peace, Israel)
• “Thank you so much for selecting Soul Tide… I’m excited and grateful to share the film with your audience.” — Carmen Cordelia (USA)

Quick Facts

• Festival Dates: 19–29 September 2025
• Location: Rio Cinema, Genesis Cinema, Forest Cinema and Coldharbour Blue, 4 of the best independent cinemas across London
• Tickets: iwilltell.com/tickets
• Trailers & Film Info: iwilltell.com/video-category/all-films
• Full Programme: iwilltell.com/festival-program

About I Will Tell International Film Festival

Founded in 2007 by Jenny Lee in London, I Will Tell is more than a festival — it’s a movement reshaping the world’s imagination around equity, justice, and human dignity. Now in its 19th year, the festival has expanded to screenings across the UK, USA, and Trinidad & Tobago, showcasing films from more than 50 countries.

Media Contact

admin “at” iwilltell.com

*Press Passes are available for members of the press (print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online media) upon request.

Write To: Press *at* iwilltell.com

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