David Jonsson’s Gripping Prison Drama ‘Wasteman’ to Open 2026 PictureEast Film Festival Alongside ‘My Father’s Shadow’

Exclusive: PictureEast Film Festival Unveils Star-Studded 2026 Lineup

The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) has just dropped a bombshell: the PictureEast Film Festival is back and bigger than ever. Set to run from January 20 to February 1, 2026, this free East London festival is already generating serious buzz with a lineup that includes the highly anticipated prison drama Wasteman, starring the incomparable David Jonsson, and Akinola Davies Jr.'s critically acclaimed My Father's Shadow.

As documented in Screenshot (550).png, the festival will showcase over 20 feature films, plus shorts and panel discussions, all supported by Film London's Spotlight programme. Priscilla Igwe, Founder and CEO of TNBFC, said the event was 'created to put cinema back at the heart of our communities and provide a supportive base for creatives.'

The Opening Night: David Jonsson’s ‘Wasteman’

David Jonsson, the breakout star from HBO’s Industry and the romantic comedy Rye Lane, takes on a gritty new role in Wasteman. The film, penned by Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran, follows Taylor (Jonsson), a man hoping for a fresh start behind bars—until his new cellmate Dee (played by Blyth) arrives and upends everything. As Dee takes Taylor under his wing, a vicious attack forces Taylor to make a gut-wrenching choice: protect his cellmate or protect his own shot at parole.

Jonsson’s career has been meteoric. After stealing scenes in Industry as the ambitious Gus Sackey, he proved his box-office chops in the award-winning Rye Lane. Now, he’s diving into dark, complex territory. Screenshot (550).png confirms that Jonsson’s performance is already generating early Oscar whispers. The festival will open with a preview of Wasteman followed by a panel discussion.

More Star Power: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ and Akinola Davies Jr.

Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow is another crown jewel of the festival. The film, which led nominations at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), explores family secrets and identity. Davies, a rising force in UK cinema, will participate in a PictureEast: Creative Connections panel before the film’s UK theatrical opening on February 6, distributed by Mubi. The festival’s inclusion of this deeply personal story underscores its commitment to bold, joyful, and challenging narratives—as Igwe put it in Screenshot (550).png.

Davies is also reuniting with Element’s Rachel Dargavel for an upcoming thriller, Delta Force Six, proving his versatility. His ability to weave intimate human drama with global themes makes him one to watch.

Festival Highlights: What to Expect

The festival isn’t just about heavy hitters. PictureEast is a celebration of diversity, comedy, and community. Other can’t-miss events include:

• Closing film: Palestine Comedy Club, a documentary following Palestinian comedians using laughter to fight oppression. The screening includes a live comedy set.
• Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore with a Q&A.
• Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s Dreamers, directed by the East London–raised filmmaker.
• Family fun: The Bad Guys 2 and Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.
• Young Programmers Shorts Showcase and a networking event.

Speakers confirmed include Joelle Mae David of BlueBird Pictures, documentary filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Jessi Gutch, plus Tyra Chuck, Jaha Browne, Timi Akindele-Ajani, and King Simpson.

The Vision Behind the Festival

Priscilla Igwe’s vision for PictureEast is deeply personal. In Screenshot (550).png, she noted that the festival was created at a time when 'local screens are disappearing and divisions are growing louder.' She emphasized that the festival 'brings people together through a powerful line-up of bold, joyful, and challenging stories.' The lineup reflects East London’s creativity, resilience, and global outlook, with special attention to marginalized creatives.

David Jonsson, a Newham-born talent, is a perfect example. His journey from East London to worldwide fame mirrors the festival’s mission. Igwe also highlighted the work of global filmmakers, reinforcing PictureEast as a platform for unheard voices.

Full Festival Highlights List (from Screenshot (550).png)

• Opening Film: WASTEMAN preview and panel
• PictureEast: Creative Connections: Young Programmers Shorts + Networking
• MARLEE MATLIN – NOT ALONE ANYMORE and Q&A
• HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY and panel
• LONDON BOYS and Q&A with director Laura Pavone
• THE BAD GUYS 2 and family activity
• GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE
• URCHIN and Q&A
• SOULEYMANE’S STORY and Q&A
• SAVAGES and Q&A
• THE STAND and Q&A
• I SWEAR and Q&A
• MY FATHER’S SHADOW preview and panel
• LOLLIPOP and Q&A
• HOMEBOUND and Q&A
• BLUE HAS NO BORDERS and Q&A with director Jessi Gutch
• FINDING OPTEL
• Young Programmers Shorts Showcase and Q&A
• NE ZHA 2 and activity
• NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE
• SHORTS – UNCOMMON VOICES and Q&A
• PictureEast Film Festival x One Room local creatives showcase, panel, networking and DJ night
• MOTHER VERA and Q&A with director Cécile Embleton
• DREAMERS and Q&A
• Closing Film: PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB preview and live comedy

Why This Festival Matters

PictureEast is more than a film festival—it’s a cultural lifeline. With free entry, it democratizes access to cinema, especially for communities often sidelined by the industry. The inclusion of prison drama Wasteman and the deeply personal My Father’s Shadow shows a commitment to raw, human storytelling. David Jonsson’s involvement alone signals that this is a festival with international reach and local heart.

As Igwe stated in Screenshot (550).png, the festival 'creates space for marginalised creatives to connect, shine, and thrive.' With 2026 shaping up to be a landmark year for independent film, PictureEast is the place to be.

Get ready, East London. The screens are coming alive.

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