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Alison was initially employed as festival producer by Tower Hamlets Council in 2008, but after a funding shortfall, Alison took on the role of festival director and established the festival as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, overseeing its growth to become the second largest film festival in London.

Voted amongst the top 10 best festivals in the world by Reuters, the festival introduced many initiatives including a youth festival, Cutting East, a music festival, East End Live and a fringe festival, CineEast, and welcomed multiple guests from the world of film, music and culture, including: Ron Perlman, Riz Ahmed, Andrea Riseborough, Aleksei Balabanov, The Libertines, Ken Russell, Danny Boyle, Lee Scratch Perry, Jerry Hall, Rupert Murdoch and Hugh Grant. The festival closed its doors at the start of the 2020 Covid lockdown

Alison is a rare-breed indeed: possessing a unique ability to match commercial acumen with creative thinking. Her festival has become a ‘must-attend’ event as a result. Her drive and commitment has unquestionably put the festival ‘on the map’. I would recommend her without reservation.

Paul Willey, Commercial Executive, Prime Focus

Alison is a wonderful festival director and producer and manages all her projects (Vault which I was also involved in), with dedication, humour and clear outcomes. She is great at working WITH people, at all levels and isn’t afraid to delegate and also tackle problems upfront herself. She is an asset to the London film world and to Tower Hamlets – I would work with her again at any time.

Anita Lewton, Director Corazon Films