Now in its fourth year, the London International Documentary Festival has expanded remarkably from a one day event to become the UK’s largest documentary festival, spanning 16 days and showcasing more than 130 works from 36 countries.

Sponsored by the London Review of Books, LIDF takes a questioning, critical attitude to the social and political issues of the day, engaging with filmmakers, their subjects and the London audience to create a highly distinct environment for cultural interaction.

Many films are accompanied by debates and discussions with the films’ directors, alongside well-chosen, articulate panellists, to provide insight and context. “We like to show how people use film as an agent of social change,” says LIDF director Patrick Hazard. “The festival is becoming a forum for ideas. Documentary film often provides a primary source of knowledge about the world around us.”

The London International Documentary Festival is a trademark of PocketPictures Ltd.