Industry Day

Back for its third year, the Cambridge Film Festival’s Industry Day is the perfect chance for film students, filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, learn and grow. Join us for a day packed with opportunities to network, gain insights from industry experts and create new relationships in the filmmaking world. Whether you're just starting out or are already established in the industry, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

11:00 - 16:15 - CFF SHORTFUSION PREMIERES

We are thrilled to open Industry Day with the premiere of the Cambridge Film Festival's renowned short films strand. ShortFusion showcases a diverse mix of short films from up-and-coming to established filmmakers, offering something for everyone. We welcome the public and filmmakers alike to this exciting event, it is not to be missed!

See here for the ShortFusion programme.

12:45 - 13:45 - CFF'S ANNUAL STATE OF THE INDUSTRY PANEL

CFF’s Annual State of the Industry Panel brings together professionals from across the sector to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the film industry. Moderated by film critic and CFF industry curator Amon Warmann, the panel will address key topics, such as the impact of AI on filmmaking, current trends in cinema and the moviegoing experience, and building a career in the UK film industry. BSL interpretation is available for this talk.

MEET THE PANELISTS

Amon Warmann

Amon Warmann has been a film and TV critic in the UK for the past decade, and became a contributing editor and monthly columnist at Empire magazine in late 2020. He is talkSPORT Radio’s weekly film reviewer, co-host of the Fade to Black podcast, and has written for Variety, British GQ, Daily Mirror, and Heat magazine, amongst others. He also has numerous television appearances to his name across Sky Cinema, BBC News, and Channel 4.

Billie Melissa Rogan

Billie Melissa Rogan is a filmmaker, film journalist and the founder of 54:17, a production company that collaborates with families who have loved ones on death row in the USA to tell their stories through film. 54:17's latest film, Fighting to Live, While Waiting to Die, follows Billie Allen, an innocent man on federal death row. As a film journalist, Billie writes for Men's Journal and has previously written for Film Stories, AwardsWatch, and Offscreen Central.

Hugo Emmerzael

Hugo Emmerzael is an Amsterdam-based film critic and programmer. He’s the editor of the independent Dutch print magazine Filmkrant and a contributor to outlets such as MUBI's Notebook, Senses of Cinema, and Talking Shorts. His curatorial work for film festivals bridges experimental and mainstream cinema, discovering new approaches to programming and engaging with film. He has served on FIPRESCI juries at Cannes, Karlovy Vary, and Venice, amongst others.

Dr Sarah Gibson Yates

Dr Sarah Gibson Yates is a Senior Lecturer in Film, Media and Writing and Course Director for the BA (Hons) Media and Communications within the Cambridge School of Creative Industries, Anglia Ruskin University. Her research reflects an interest in multidisciplinary creative practice and the methodological and conceptual impacts of new technologies on film, writing and creativity. Her most recent research explores the creative impact of generative AI on screenwriting and fiction film narrative.

14:00-15:15 - BFI NETWORK SOUTH EAST: FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN

Taking a script from its first draft to the final film can be a whirlwind of challenges and changes. Join Busayo Ige, writer and lead actor of the BFI NETWORK supported short film Essex Girls, for an insightful talk on her journey from script to screen. The event includes a screening of Essex Girls and a discussion with Busayo on the project's evolution. It is ideal for aspiring filmmakers seeking inspiration and practical advice. BSL interpretation is available for this talk.

15:30–16:30 - BFI NETWORK SOUTH EAST: SHORT FILM SHOWCASE

BFI NETWORK South East presents four of the most recent short films funded by BFI’s Short Film Fund. Discover fresh voices and bold narratives in Monitor (Dir. Margo Roe), O, Glory! (Dir. Joe Williams & Charlie Edwards-Moss), Shoot Your Shot (Dir. Mishaal Memon) and Longing (Dir. Courteney Tan). This programme includes Descriptive Subtitles and BSL interpretation for the introduction.

16:45-17:45 - BFI NETWORK SOUTH EAST: A WRITER’S INTUITION - Q&A WITH NATHAN BRYON

Join BFI NETWORK South East for an insightful session with BAFTA-nominated writer, actor, and bestselling author Nathan Bryon. Explore his journey across various mediums, including co-writing his debut feature, Rye Lane. Nathan will share the secrets behind his success and offer practical insights for aspiring and established filmmakers. Don't miss this chance to gain inspiration and learn from a multi-talented industry professional. Perfect for anyone interested in storytelling across film, television and literature. BSL interpretation is available for this talk.

From 17:45 - NETWORKING DRINKS

Join us for the Industry Day Networking Drinks, the perfect opportunity to relax and chat with your fellow filmmakers and industry professionals in an informal setting. Come and toast the end of another great Industry Day at the Cambridge Film Festival!

Accreditations are available on a 'pay what you can' basis.

Book Your Pass now!

** Also taking place on Industry Day **

11:45-13:45 - BFI FILM ACADEMY SCENE: REWRITING YOUR ROLE - FROM ACTING TO WRITING WITH BUSAYO IGE

For ages 16-25 Gonville Hotel, 2 Gonville Pl, Cambridge CB1 1LY Join us for a BFI FILM ACADEMY SCENE event delivered by Young Film Network South East. Discover how Busayo Ige broke into the industry as an actor before transitioning to the role of writer for her BFI NETWORK-supported short film Essex Girls. With insights, Q&A, and networking with young filmmakers, this is an opportunity to gain new perspectives and connect with peers and industry pros alike!

11:45 - 14:45 - FILM HUB SOUTH EAST FAN Member Training

Gonville Hotel, 2 Gonville Pl, Cambridge CB1 1LY As part of Cambridge Film Festival’s Industry Day, Film Hub South East is organising a training session for hub members within the region. We’ll be joined by Becky Padley (Film Programmer, Independent Cinema Office) to host a session on successfully working with distributors in the current film exhibition climate. This session will also include a case study from the region on how to programme repertory cinema, covering the variety of ways in which you can acquire the license to a film for screening.

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