Beyond the Lens: Showcasing exceptional talent
It’s important to recognize the talent of the mentee and mentee alumni within our community. We see how hard they work and want to do what we can to share it with the world. On Thursday 1st August, we worked with some of the filmmakers in our mentee community to host a film screening with a Q&A.
Events like this help our community connect, share work, and learn more about the industry. We are very proud of what they have worked on, and so we'd like to introduce you to them!
Discordance (or The Mirror Dancer)
“Tell us about your film in 8 words or less"
Exploring anxiety and self-expression through dance and surrealistic visuals.
What creative themes did you aim to explore when working on this film?
Self-confidence in one’s art form to be able to expose yourself in front of your peers.
Did you get any support during the process?
Myself with 3 others started this journey and established a production company called Amenno. On a mission to break barriers between audience and film, starting from community funding to hosting large scale sold-out shows for our films. The people around us were the biggest support.
My mentor Nikolaj Belzer from okaystudio gave me edit notes on the film, which helped clarify the film but exposed a glaring flaw in the structure, really taking the edge off the project; this we that we didn’t have a solution to until 2 months before showcasing it, and it was through the aforementioned slow shutter-speed shots.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when working on this film?
We were running over schedule for the to the point where we had to get 42 shots done in a day, when we were averaging 12. All laid out quite beautifully by Harry (writer/producer) in this behind the scenes video.
What's a technical aspect to your film you enjoyed utilising?
Slow-shutter speed shots & a delayed reflection in the mirror via simple old school vfx all too convey the themes of the story.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in film?
Find good people that want it as much as you, and just do it. It’s much easier said than done, and you will struggle finding your people, but don’t worry, once you do, you can do anything. Life is a team sport, and film isn’t any different, be kind to those around you, it goes a long way.
Seeking Thomas
Julia Zlotnik
“Tell us about your film in 8 words or less"
A young man struggles with his mental health.
What creative themes did you aim to explore when working on this film?
Hope, movement, mental health.
Did you get any support during the process?
The film was supported by Citi and Mayors Fund for London. After completing the film I was matched with mentor Tamsin Hicks from Biscuit Filmworks who helped me distribute and promote the film.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when working on this film?
Staying within the budget was probably one of the biggest challenges and finding our office space too.
What's a technical aspect to your film you enjoyed utilising?
Using a Steadicam to enhance the movement.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in film?
Make something, anything - whether that’s on your phone or hiring equipment. Watch things - whether that’s film, theatre, music.
Engage with the world around you, develop your taste and make!
KOLAJA
Kaylen Francis
“Tell us about your film in 8 words or less"
KOLAJA: A loner's first encounter with an alien.
What creative themes did you aim to explore when working on this film?
KOLAJA explores the themes of family and connection.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when working on this film?
The responsibility of being an actor, writer, director and producer!
What's a technical aspect to your film you enjoyed utilising?
VFX, sound design and colour grade!
What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in film?
Just go for it! The best way to get better at making films is by making films.
Stand Up, Stand Out
Ronita Awoonor-Gordon
“Tell us about your film in 8 words or less"
This film pays homage to freedom-fighting fashion.
What creative themes did you aim to explore when working on this film?
The key theme for me was exploring the role of fashion in fighting for change and tackling discrimination.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when working on this film?
My biggest challenge was trying to make this film on a tiny budget. This meant a lot of my vision had to be let go of in order to make it work. However, being willing to compromise and working with an amazing team helped us to still pull it off.
What's a technical aspect to your film you enjoyed utilising?
I was able to utilise design in this film which i haven't been able to previously. I think the production and costume design added to this film's narrative in the perfect way.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in film?
I would say try to make the work you see yourself making in future now. If you want to make romcoms, make one now. If you want to do documentaries, make one now. Do what you can with what you have so that when opportunity comes knocking you have something to show.
Funke, Fatima & Madame Bunmi
Christine Ubochi
“Tell us about your film in 8 words or less"
M&Ms winning short film.
What creative themes did you aim to explore when working on this film?
Nigerian culture, self-esteem, coming of age.
Did you get any support during the process?
Yes, I was paired with a mentor from M&Ms called Monique, and also spoke to my previous mentors Amanda and Harry from Creative Mentor Network.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when working on this film?
Timing definitely. I had 6 weeks to create the entire film, including writing the script.
What's a technical aspect to your film you enjoyed utilising?
It was interesting using a Steadicam for the majority of the shots.
What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in film?
To create the stories you want to tell.
If you’re interested in getting into the film industry, you can apply to be a mentee and get all the essential information and support you’d need. Find out more here.
Alternatively, if you’d want to support young people with their creative careers, you can find out more about being a mentor here.
