Dominatrix, struggling actor, homeless boy, scandalous screenwriter, ghosts, gangsters, even Leonardo da Vinci—quite the subject spectrum premiering at the 17th Raindance Film Festival spanning from September 30 to October 11. As the two weeks of continuous liveliness approach quickly, excitement and anticipation grow with every passing moment.

Over the past few weeks, my days consist primarily of preparations for the festival spanning from uploading trailers to creating film pages to corresponding with directors. All the work will pay off as I grasp the golden ticket, an all-access pass, in just one short week. Regardless of if I'm working or enjoying the festival, I look forward catching as many films as possible—the trailers have left me with an eagerness to see the full works.

Thus far, each trailer emits such excitement while pulling me into a new realm of creativity. The festival is bound to be a highlight of my time at Raindance TV. A few jump out in my mind, overwhelming my thoughts with continual questions of what will happen. Modern Love is Automatic by Zach Clark spotlights the lives of two starkly different roommates—one, a nurse by day and dominatrix by night and the other, an aspiring model. A glimpse into the world they inhabit makes for a intriguing, fresh film.

Storage by Michael Craft entices me from the moment the trailer begins. When a young new worker finds evidence leading to murder, he vows to solve the mystery. The thriller already has me at the edge of my seat. For more of a psychodrama, take a dip into Gareth Jones' world of Desire where the addition of an au pair into the household of a struggling screenwriter flips their world upside down.

For an inside glimpse into more of films premiering during the festival, check out the promo area on raindance.tv. With 75 features and 150 shorts, certainly something will spark your interest.

In addition to the film premieres, The Raindance Cafe opens its doors for the first time during the festival. Be sure to stop by for lunch, drinks, screenings, and more. For additional information about the new cafe, check out The Guardian's September 2 article Raindance film festival hopes to take London by storm.

With the combination of inventive, insightful films, live music, celebratory parties, and the cafe launch, there is no doubt in my mind that the festival will certainly take London by storm.

Check my blog for daily updates throughout the festival—I will keep you current on all the happenings.