Though you're probably still hibernating and waiting for some sign that the world will one day wake up, movies are always a good answer for getting through a frosty February. And there's a bunch of cool festivals this month to sweep you away. So here's our run-down of what's happening where, plus our pick from each programme.
And The Oscar Goes To… BFI, 5-25 February
It’s been a controversial year for the Academy Awards, but that doesn’t mean the films that have been nominated aren’t worth a look. The BFI will showcase all the key movies from Spotlight to Son Of Saul, plus all the documentaries and short films too.
Highlight: Asif Kapadia’s Amy — documenting the story of Camden's tragic singer/songwriter.
Kids Kino Club, Regent Street Cinema, Friday 6-27 February
Saturday mornings are given over to a rambunctious Studio Ghibli Season featuring four animated classics including the delightful fantasy My Neighbour Totoro.
Highlight: Tickets are a bargaintastic £1.75 for younger viewers.
Ealing Music And Film Festival, 10-14 February
The fourth edition of this festival in one of the great filmmaking areas of London has a Valentine's theme. Classic films from Ealing Studios will be screened including The Lavender Hill Mob and lesser known The Proud Valley. There’s also a night of recent work made by local people alongside a variety of musical events from classical recitals to rock gigs.
Highlight: Bride & Prejudice in Ealing Town Hall, 12 February, £7
Virtual Reality UK Festival, Greenwich Peninsula, 10-11 February
Not strictly speaking a film fest, but VR is the future of movie-making so get with the programme and see what’s at the virtual cutting edge with this two-dayer in Greenwich.
Highlight: Watching people with headsets looking as silly as this prize wally.
BFI Future Film Festival, 17-21 February
Aimed at 15 to 25-year-olds, this five-day event offers screenings and workshops to inspire and kickstart new filmmaking careers. There are masterclasses about making documentaries, screenwriting, how to tackle different formats, and also Q&As on technical skills including cinematography, sound recording and production design.
Highlight: Being able to pitch your ideas to industry professionals.
Punk Doc Festival, Regent Street Cinema, 19-21 February
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of punk rock, eight documentaries will screen along with Q&As to probe a bit deeper than the average safety pin.
Highlight: Two films about Clash frontman Joe Strummer — I Need A Dodge and The Future Is Uncertain.
Asia House Film Festival, 22 February-5 March
There’s a bunch of premieres in the programme for this excellent festival dedicated to the wider world view, and the theme of Breaking Boundaries. There are 19 films in total coming from as far afield as Kazakhstan, Myanmar and Afghanistan.
Highlight: The final weekend sees a special one-day retrospective at the Cinema Museum called Singaporeana, featuring British and American films shot in Singapore during the 1960s and 1970s.
VFX Festival, 23-25 February, The O2
One for tech fans and filmmakers, this eye-popping festival will see the biggest names in visual effects gather to explain how they do what they do. Work being discussed in detail will include The Martian, Spectre and Pan.
Highlight: A talk with ILM about how they made Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Imperial War Museum’s Short Film Festival, 26 February-7 March
26 shortlisted films inspired by the museum’s collection will be screened over 11 days. The topics explored range from terrorism and drone warfare, to refugees and post-traumatic stress disorder referencing conflicts from the first world war to Iraq. The programme is free to attend.
Highlight: See the films then immerse yourself in the museum's powerful range of exhibits.