Is Croydon the UK's new Hollywood? Why the time is right for the Croydon International Film Festival to take place.

Crollywood!

For decades, Croydon has quietly played a starring role on screens across the world.

Its striking architecture, distinctive skyline, bustling town centre, suburban streets and green spaces have doubled for cities and locations both real and fictional, appearing in blockbuster films, television dramas, music videos and international advertising campaigns.

But today, the conversation is changing.

When The Times recently described Croydon as the UK's answer to Hollywood, affectionately dubbing it 'Crollywood', it recognised something that many filmmakers have known for years: Croydon is far more than just a convenient filming location. It is a borough with a growing creative identity, exceptional talent and the potential to become one of the UK's leading centres for film and television.

That vision has also been championed by Executive Mayor Jason Perry, who has spoken passionately about Croydon's screen industry and the opportunities it presents for local people. His ambition extends beyond attracting productions. It is about creating careers, developing skills, supporting businesses and ensuring that the economic and cultural benefits of filmmaking remain within the borough.

For us at the Croydon International Film Festival, this couldn't come at a more exciting time.

CIFF was founded on the belief that Croydon deserves to be recognised not only as a place where films are made, but as a place where filmmakers are discovered, stories are celebrated and creative careers begin. Our festival aims to bring together emerging filmmakers, established professionals, students, audiences, businesses and community organisations through screenings, workshops, networking events, industry panels and educational programmes.

We believe a successful film ecosystem needs more than cameras rolling through its streets. It needs places where people can meet collaborators, showcase their work, learn from industry professionals and find pathways into employment. It needs investment in young people, opportunities for local businesses and partnerships that strengthen the creative economy throughout the year.

Croydon already possesses many of the ingredients needed to become one of the UK's most exciting screen destinations. Outstanding transport links, diverse communities, remarkable architecture, experienced industry professionals and an ambitious creative sector all provide the foundations for something truly special. Now is the opportunity to connect those strengths into a lasting legacy. 

The question, therefore, is perhaps no longer whether Croydon can become the UK's answer to Hollywood.

The more interesting question is:

What happens when everyone works together to make it happen?

The Croydon International Film Festival is proud to be part of that journey. Through celebrating global stories on the Croydon stage, championing emerging talent and creating meaningful opportunities for our communities, we hope to play our part in helping Croydon realise its full creative potential.

The future of British filmmaking isn't confined to one postcode.

But it may well be taking shape right here in Croydon.

Read more about 'Crollywood' in the Your Croydon article here.