Beyond The Lens: Showcasing The Creative Behind The Film is an event dedicated to celebrating the artistry and innovation of filmmakers, all from the Creative Mentor Network mentee and alumni community.

The evening features a carefully curated selection of five films spanning various genres, from the stylistic and visually driven fashion films to the imaginative narratives of science fiction. Each film reflects the unique vision and creativity of its director, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences.

The event includes a brief Q&A session, allowing attendees to gain insight into the filmmakers' creative processes, inspirations, and the challenges they faced during production. This interactive segment provides a deeper understanding of the stories behind the films and fosters a dialogue between the audience and the creators.

In addition to the screenings and Q&A, the night offers ample opportunities for networking. Attendees can engage with the filmmakers, connect with fellow film enthusiasts, and exchange ideas with industry professionals in a relaxed environment. This aspect of the event encourages collaboration and community building within the film industry.

"Beyond The Lens" is an evening designed to inspire, entertain, and connect individuals passionate about the art of filmmaking, providing a platform to appreciate and discuss the innovative work of emerging filmmakers.

Agenda

6.30pm - 6.40pm: Arrive & Welcome Drinks

6.45pm - 8:00pm: Screening

Discordance (or The Mirror Dancer) - Aum Patel
We meet Sam, a dancer battling his crippling anxiety, and Cathy, a dance teacher trying to push the right buttons. Will Sam be able to bloom into the dancer that he desires to be with Cathy's help? Discordance (or The Mirror Dancer) is a labour of love and an achievement of community support. This was a crowdfunded project created through the collaboration of a diverse group of individuals early in their narrative filmmaking journeys. We are exploring the power of self-expression through dance. Its surrealistic visuals and emotive storytelling offer viewers a chance to reflect on their own journeys. The idea and themes were influenced by films about obsession to achieve a dream, most notably ‘Whiplash’ (2014) and ‘Black Swan’ (2010).

Seeking Thomas - Julia Zlotnick
A young man struggles with his mental health in this visceral dance film. Based on Thomas Bosseli and the life-changing work of Progetto Itaca.

KOLAJA - Kaylen Francis
KOLAJA follows the story of Joseph, a brooding, teenage loner who often feels like an "alien" in his own family. Since the absence of his brother, Joseph spends most of his time alone is his room with his head buried in a pillow or a physics textbook (or on occasion even both). One night Joseph's world slips off its axis when Rehe, a young humanoid alien comes crashing into his backyard. Wary of one another on the first encounter, the pair slowly drop their guard and eventually learn to communicate despite the language barrier. Through this understanding Joseph realises that Rehe wants to return home… but home for her isn’t a location you can tap into Google Maps - it’s another planet. Using the small lexicon he can remember from Rehe’s ramblings, Joseph pledges to help track her steps and get her home, and in doing so, just might appreciate the value his own home has on him.

Stand Up, Stand Out - Ronita Awoonor-Gordon
When people take to the streets to protest discriminatory and oppressive systems, they often use their bodies to make a statement. To stand up for themselves. This goes beyond just bodies on the streets at protests. The way these people choose to style themselves often drives their cause even further. It often helps them become etched in our memories. While not always immediately obvious or always the focus of our attention when we speak about activism and protests, fashion and styling have a big part to play.

Funke, Fatima & Madame Bunmi - Christine Ubochi
Two best friends, Funke and Fatima, take a trip to a traditional witch doctor in hopes to obtain their dream body by their 18th birthday party.

8:00pm - 8:30pm: Q&A & Networking

For any questions about the event, please get in touch here.