The London Short Film Festival opened this week, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and minds of some of the most remarkable filmmakers this country has to offer. Over ten days London is transformed once again into a kind of celluloid Mecca for anyone interested in film. As well as the shorts, there’s also a selection of events and talks aimed at those wanting to break into the industry. Dazed managed to wrestle director, programmer and all round good chap Philip Ilson away from a hectic schedule to talk about the evolution of the festival, VHS, and just how short a piece of film is.

The festival runs until January 17th 2010