Industry Insight Series
We have some great panel discussions for you at our festival this year.
Take a look below to find out more.
Inclusion on Set - 10am
Filming: The Art of Pitching - 11.30am
The Draft That Changes Everything - 13.00pm
BFI: Films and Q&A - 14.15pm
INCLUSION ON SET
Sarah Leigh is a writer-director and founder of Inclusivity Films - a company committed to at least 50% of cast and crew identifying as d/Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent on every production.
Creating an inclusive film set isn’t just about policy, it’s about building stronger collaborations, better storytelling, and healthier creative environments. This talk explores how filmmakers, crews, and performers can work together with greater respect, communication, and understanding to create spaces where everyone can do their best work. Join us for an open and practical discussion on inclusion in the industry, and how small changes on set can lead to more powerful and authentic filmmaking.
Rehearsal Room
BFI: FILMS Q+A
BFI short films will be screened followed by a Q&A with fund winners who are are set to discuss their experience working with the BFI.
Host: Angela Wilson
Cinema
FUNDING: THE ART OF PITCHING
KINO FILM FUND
Dustin Curtis Murphy is a multi-disciplined Oscar qualified short and feature narrative filmmaker.Dustin Curtis Murphy is a multi-disciplined Oscar qualified short and feature narrative filmmaker.
Join us for a practical and honest conversation about the art of pitching your film to major funding bodies. We’ll explore what makes a project stand out in a crowded submissions pile, how to communicate your vision with clarity and confidence, and what funders are really looking for beyond a great idea. Whether you’re developing your first short or preparing a feature application, this talk will offer valuable insight into turning passion into a pitch that gets noticed.
The Reheasal Room
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Stamford On Film
Ruth and Rachel set up Stamford Sights and Secrets Tours to offer tours and talks to locals and visitors all about their lovely town of Stamford.
Stamford is a quintessentially English town and the perfect backdrop for historical dramas. Come and discover how the town became the focus of filming for movies and TV. Visit locations across town, hear about your local friends as they rubbed shoulders with famous actors and film stars, your tour guides on set and even a chance meeting with a famous film Director.
The Ballroom
The Draft That Changes Everything
Kerri Davenport Burton is a British filmmaker, screenwriter, and creative consultant whose work spans documentary, fiction, and story development. Alongside her work as a writer and director, is a multi faceted film consultant having worked on major film productions, including Back to Black.
Sometimes the most important draft is the one shaped by a fresh perspective. This talk explores the value of bringing a creative consultant into the development process; someone who can challenge assumptions, uncover missed opportunities, and help writers, directors, and producers see their story through a new lens. From strengthening character and theme to refining structure and emotional impact, the right feedback can transform not just the next draft, but the future of the entire film. Through real-world examples and practical insights, this session reveals how the right collaboration at the right moment can change everything.
The Rehearsal Room