Slowing down & taking stock

With the shift in seasons, I’m reflecting on a busy summer working on some enriching projects with new clients and collaborators.

I wrapped up work with Sheffield Doc/Fest in early July, having produced the festival’s Talks & Sessions programme. It was a delight to work with such a collaborative creative team; with Clare Stewart at the helm, and reconnect with so many industry colleagues in-person after several years of lockdown-life.

After the festival I took a few weeks off to rest and restore in France & the Netherlands. My enduring love for the Eurostar never falters!

I then had the privilege of working with Everyman Cinema’s on their ambitious schedule of summer events, festivals and pop-up outdoor screenings. 

This included working in collaboration with Somerset House as part of This Bright Land, designed by visionary artists Gareth Pugh and Carson McColl. This is my absolute dream project: community-centred, highly creative, collaborative, innovative and inclusive programming. From outdoor family-friendly screenings & interactive events, to participatory workshops and immersive installations; it was a joy to be in the courtyard this summer, observing how people interacted with the space and the FREE accessible programme.

As part of the wider Everyman programme I worked with a range of fantastic partners including AppleTV, Netflix & many independent filmmakers and artists. A memorable highlight was producing an immersive murder mystery event to launch See How They Run at the iconic art-deco Everyman Muswell Hill, in partnership with Jaguar & Disney Searchlight.

I’ve also been mentoring three young filmmakers, with the Roundhouse Film Fund. I love connecting with emerging talent, listening and learning from them; and being able to share what I’ve garnered along the way so far in my career. Be sure to follow these brilliant rising stars Kevin Muendo, Saoirse Byrne and Yemi Adegbulu.

Now it’s time to slow down and take stock, before beginning a very different project later this month. More on that next time!