LOCO’s London Comedy Film Festival returns to the BFI Southbank this May, marking its 6th year. The non-profit organisation is praised for discovering, developing and screening the world’s most original comedy filmmakers. LOCO prides Britain on its sense of humour, and its tradition of comedy. This makes it so much more exciting to announce that this year, SP’rs are filling out the shorts section and appearing with features all throughout the festival.

Mercedes Grower’s directorial debut, Brakes, will screen at LOCO this year. In this improv-based dark comedy, Grower explores the love stories of 9 couples across London. Grower explains that “the phenomenon of falling in-and-out of love fascinates” her, and was the main inspiration for the feature. As director, producer and writer of the feature, SP’r Mercedes Grower truly shines as a triple threat at this year’s festival. Brakes will screen on Saturday, May 6th at the BFI Southbank at 18:10. The screening will include a Q&A with director, Grower as well as the cast of the film.

SP’r Blanche McIntyre teamed up with director, John Jencks for their feature, The Hippopotamus. The plot follows disgraced poet, Ted Wallace, who turns detective to investigate strange events at a country house. McIntyre’s screenplay is brought to life by Roger Allam’s outstanding performance as Wallace. While McIntyre has been directing theatre for over a decade, The Hippopotamus marks the start of her screenwriting career. The provocative black comedy will screen on Thursday, May 4th at 20:30. This feature will also include a Q&A with director, John Jencks. and the cast of the film.

Ian Aryeh and Ava Charles team up for their comedic short, Exit Route, in which a wide-eyed ticket stub collector must quickly learn what it takes as she battles for a life-changing career opportunity. SP’r Ian Aryeh has previously directed both series of The Wembley Cup which has clocked over 80 million views on YouTube. In 2016, he was nominated by Broadcast Magazine as a Hotshot Director for his comedy and performance work. Exit Route also marks the beginning of Ava Charles‘ writing and producing career. Exit Route will screen as part of the Shorts Programme 1 section of LOCO on Sunday, May 7th.

Next up is Den Sniffe, which explores the world of Ian, as he repeatedly visits his local gym to fulfil his most repulsive fetish. Filmmakers and SP’rs, Matthew Nesbeth and Matty Groves explore the meanings of arousal and disgust simultaneously in their new short comedy. Director Nesbeth is a strong believer that media can inspire and change the way we think about things. He collaborated with screenwriter and SP’r Matty Groves to bring Den Sniffe to life. The short will also screen as part of Shorts Programme 1.

SP’r and World Leader in Comedy Violence, Ben Mallaby returns with his short film, The Temp. The short follows an East End gangster as he tries to find cover. The BAFTA nominated comedy director’s previous works include While You Were Away, Milk! and Island Queen, which won the El Rey Award at the Barcelona International Film Festival. The Temp will screen as part of Shorts Programme 2, on Sunday May 7th at 18:00

Writer and director, Charlotte Regan shares the story of two cops who share the same cramped office space in her short film, Standby. As time passes, their relationship evolves, and an emotional rollercoaster ride ensues during which, comedic thugs and criminals fill the backseat. The SP’r currently works as a music video director for local artists, but hopes to move into features in the future. Her short film, Standby, previously premiered at TIFF and screened at the London Short Film Festival in January of this year. It will screen during Shorts Programme 3, on Sunday May 7th at 20:30.

The London LOCO London Comedy Film Festival will take place from 04-07 May. Grab your tickets starting April 11, and make sure to catch a laugh with some filmmakers and SP’rs next month at the BFI Southbank.