Directors Notes // The Home of Independent Filmmaking

A Nocturnal Predator Stalks a Young Woman in Nikita Kibirev’s Hyper-Stylised Animated Music Video ‘NOIR’

Nikita Kibirev breaks down the process behind the distinct colour-rich visual aesthetic of his promo exploring jealousy, obsession and toxic masculinity.

Live Action

Christian Avilés ‘Daydreaming So Vividly About Our Spanish Holidays’ Elegantly Captures the Tragic Spirit of Brits Abroad

Christian Avilés discusses his use of sun-dappled 16mm images and the mixture of documentary and magic realism to depict the tragic Balconing phenomenon.

Live Action, Premiere

Tiger Ji Brings Humour and Heart to Life’s Final Feast With a Bowl of Noodles in ‘Death & Ramen’

Tiger Ji talks subverting common tropes associated with Asian performers in his deliciously dark comedy where Death and a ramen chef share a bowl of noodles.

Live Action

Beru Tessema’s BIFA Nominated ‘Lions’ Shines a Light on the Disparate Experiences of Poverty in Modern Day Britain

Beru Tessema walks us through giving his actors room to embody the meaning of scenes through improvisation for his short about Britain's dysfunctional systems.

Live Action

A Woman Wonders if Her New Love Is Scamming Her in Lucy McKendrick & Charles Polinger’s ‘Fuck Me, Richard’

Lucy Elizabeth McKendrick & Charles Polinger talk about creating the fantasies a young woman loses herself to in their twisted long distance romance short.

Live Action

Ng Choon Ping & Sam H. Freeman’s ‘Femme’ Exposes the Various Disguises We Use to Protect Our True Selves

Ng Choon Ping & Sam H. Freeman reveal how intimate handheld camera work enhanced the tense dynamism of their neo-noir seduction as revenge thriller.

Live Action, Premiere

A Harrowing Phone Call Leads to an Illegal Immigrant’s Worst Nightmare in Joshua Okwuosa’s Suspensive Short ‘Okem’

Joshua Okwuosa discusses choosing a claustrophobic 4:3 ratio for his tension fuelled film about a Nigerian immigrant faced with a devastating situation.

Live Action

Reality & Fantasy Blur for a Delusional Production Assistant in Thomas May Bailey’s BIFA Nominated Debut ‘The Talent’

Thomas May Bailey speaks to DN about harnessing the metaphorical potential of a VP stage as the setting for his debut short exploring ambition and desire.

Live Action, Premiere

A Knockabout Game of Football Becomes a Playground for Toxic Masculinity in Rumi Kaul’s Coming of Age Drama ‘Cage’

Rumi Kaul breaks down the underlying themes of youth and its progression to toxic masculinity he sought to reckon with in his vibrant playground drama.