What if you gathered some of the UK's most passionate film critics and asked them to explore the subject of London and cinema?
BIG SMOKE, BIG SCREEN features 20 original essays blending film analysis, history, and personal reflection. Through fresh perspectives, discover how London’s cinematic legacy shapes our perception of the city – on-screen and in real life.
From deep dives on institutions like the Prince Charles Cinema and the London Underground, to spirited reflections on Palmers Green and Hampstead Heath, these writings map the city’s influence on filmmakers and audiences alike.
This collection also grapples with iconic films, such as Blow-Up, Children of Men, and Paddington, and features personal musings that touch on themes of identity, memory, and grief.
Go behind the scenes in interviews with TfL Film Office’s Kate Reston, ArtHouse Crouch End owner Sam Neophytou, Gay’s the Word bookshop manager Jim MacSweeney, and Prince Charles Cinema’s head of programming, Paul Vickery.
Alongside the essays, explore over 200 curated recommendations of London-set films, from the best LGBTQ+ movies to a canon of films that depict London at the end of the world.
BIG SMOKE, BIG SCREEN is edited by WeLoveCinema’s Tom Barnard and features essays by some of the most talented writers in the UK.
Contributors include: Ella Kemp, Hannah Strong, Emily Maskell, Adam Solomons, Steph Green, Yasmin Omar, Lillian Crawford, Leila Latif, Fedor Tot, Lilia Pavin-Franks, Rory Doherty, Savina Petkova, Manuela Lazić, Jasmine Valentine, Ben Flanagan, Rafa Sales Ross, Anna McKibbin, Jack Blackwell, and Laura Venning.
Designed by Rejane Dal Bello / Produced by Juanjo Barreda
BIG SMOKE, BIG SCREEN is published by Walloh, who ran the celebrated film listings and editorial website WeLoveCinema from 2017–2023. WeLoveCinema was born with a very basic purpose – to help our fellow cinema-goers navigate London’s thriving and often overwhelming cinema scene. As the website grew, so did our ambitions, allowing us to cover global festivals and extend our team of passionate film lovers.
As we move into publishing, BIG SMOKE, BIG SCREEN acts as a physical keepsake of our legacy and our passion for cinema and the city of London.