We love shining a blinding, often static-powered (save the whales) torch on lesser known film events. What kind of a world would it be if we got all our cinematic jollies from the Odeon Machine? A terrible one indeed. It’d be the film equivalent of buying all your clothes from GAP, back in the workhouse lovin’ 90s.

With that in mind, we’re happy to educate you in the ways of Across The Street, Around The World; a three week festival celebrating the cultural diversity and artistic output of the communities within Kensington and Chelsea, with lectures, DJ sets, classical music, film screenings and art exhibitions.

Running from Monday 4th October- Saturday 23rd October, the festival ties into this October’s Black History Month and, via a series of 15 commissioned events, it will examine and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural and artistic heritage of west London. The prices range from free to about 10 quid – so its not going to break the bank. Have a looksie at the full schedule here and see what grabs you.

Some of the events we’re checking out include –

The New Blaxploitation – Screening and Q&A

Date: Wednesday 6 October

Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Venue: The Coronet, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB

Details: Kunle Olulode leads a screening and panel discussion about film and youth culture. Despite the financial success of gritty new urban films by black filmmakers, such as Adulthood and Shank, the issue of black representation is never far away. Film industry experts discuss if this work should be championed by the black film community or criticised for portrayal of negative black stereotypes. Live panel debate with Henry Bonsu, Lawrence Coke (film maker), Pikki (producer, Dead Man Running) and Linsday Johns

Price: £5/£4 conc.

Booking details: 0844 477 1000 or www.rbkc.gov.uk/acrossthestreet

Title: Best of the West at Across the Street

Date: Thursday 14 October

Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Venue: The Coronet, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB

Details: West London has a rich history of film development and production and its streets have provided the backdrop for many pivotal films looking at race, including Sapphire and Flame in the Streets. Horace Ové, producer of the first full-length black feature film will screen and discuss his 1986 film Playing Away with award-winning director Koltan Lee.
Price: £5/£4 conc.

Booking details: 0844 477 1000 or www.rbkc.gov.uk/acrossthestreet

Portobello Film Festival

Date: Thursday 21 October

Time: 7pm-11pm

Venue: Inn on the Green, 3-5 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL
Details: An exclusive screening of highlights and award winners from Portobello Film Festival 2010 featuring films from Germany, Holland, Spain, Africa, Caribbean, USA, Iran, Ireland and the UK. Seeing the picks of the Portobello fest will be great fun, we can’t wait!

Price: Free

Booking details: 0844 477 1000 or www.rbkc.gov.uk/acrossthestreet

Get involved over the next couple of weeks and munch down on film goodies you’d never usually order from your cinematic menu. Find out more about the Across The Street, Around The World festival here