Mansfield Town Film Festival 2024 Festival Guide

Festival Guide 2024

26 - 28 JULY

MANSFIELD PALACE THEATRE

mansfieldtownfilmfestival.com

Welcome to Mansfield!

for the Mansfield Film Awards from 7:45PM onwards on Sunday 28th. The best part? Free fizz!

Most importantly of all, make sure to get yourself down to our favourite watering hole The Garrison just a short walk from the Palace Theatre for a pint of our exclusively brewed pale ale!

across Nottinghamshire. Growing up here, and living in Mansfield all my life, I know the lack of access working class children have to the arts, with MTFF future generations will have a diverse platform to look to which will hopefully inspire them to pick up a camera themselves one day, and tell their own story.

As we continue to build MTFF into one of the largest film festivals in the East Midlands, It is my honest belief that what we have here is the potential to inspire future generations of creatives

Remember to tag us on socials throughout the festival, and let us know how much fun you’re having using hashtags; #MansfieldLovesFilm #MTFF #MTFF24

Festival Team:

It is such an honour to welcome you to Mansfield Town Film Festival 2024, hosted in the jewel of Mansfield, at the beautiful and historic Mansfield Palace Theatre. Over the next three days, you’ll laugh, cry, gasp, and be inspired by the over 100 films on display, immerse yourself in our live screenings, workshops, Q&A, and celebrate it all at the second annual Mansfield Film Awards!

MTFF is a festival born of an ethos to promote diverse, working-class talent from around the world, and myself and the team are so proud to be one of the very few film festivals in the UK promoting working class voices and raising these filmmakers above the noise!

We’re all about promoting new talent here at MTFF, no matter who you are, and so we’ve also made a bold statement by championing LGBTQIA+ voices, women’s voices, and for our second edition we are ecstatic to

introduce our Neurodiverse and Disabled voices strand to MTFF for the very first time.

Our programming team has been working tirelessly to not only select a carefully considered programme for you to enjoy, from documentaries, to music videos, to animation, and much more, we also have an incredible selection of breakout sessions for you to explore the varied world of filmmaking in all its forms! Each breakout session is completely free to our guests, and we highly encourage you to jump in at the deep end and experience these in between sessions!

We have filmmakers who have travelled far and wide to be here with us over this exciting weekend, as well as industry experts, and local cultural leaders, please make the most of this weekend and make those contacts! Be sure not to miss out on our opening night ceremony from 6:45PM on Friday 27th, and remember your bowties and frocks

Jay Martin Festival Director

Sophie Walley Head of Programming

Ciaran Shea Assistant Festival Director

Leah McEwan Graphic Designer

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS MTFF would not be possible without the generous support of amazing local sponsors such as the organisations and businesses listed below.

26th July • Day 1

27th July • Day 2

28th July • Day 3

09:00 AM 09:30 AM 10:00 AM

Coffee Morning

10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM

International Shorts

Sunday Morning Variety Pack

BREAK

BREAK

BREAK

Breakout Session - Celebrating Nottingham’s BAFTA Winning Television Workshop

Breakout Session Festival Formula

Breakout Session Neurodiverse/Disabled Voices Panel

BREAK

BREAK

BREAK

Student Shorts

BREAK

Breakout Session Linney Workshop

Working Class Voices

BREAK

Neurodiverse / Disabled Voices

BREAK

Narrative Shorts

BREAK

Award Nominees Panel BREAK

BREAK

Documentary Shorts

Sunday Evening Variety Pack Women’s Voices

7:00 PM 7:30 PM

LGBTQIA+ Voices

Opening Ceremony Drinks Reception

8:00 PM

BREAK

MTFF ‘24 Drinks Reception

8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM

Opening Night Variety Pack

Saturday Night Variety Pack

Mansfield Film Awards 2024

FRIDAY JULY 26TH • DAY 1 • 10:15AM - 11:45AM

International Shorts

Wasted Seed 17:25

Mug 06:34

Directed by: Eric Larson

Directed by: Nino Mancuso

Directed by: Yegor Bugayenko

After clogging the only toilet at a party, a man must do everything he can to stop tensions from rising further.

A couple’s desire to have a child sets them on a journey that will test the threshold of their love and connection.

This is a “semi-finished film”. The main character experiences a deep disappointment about what has happened, but the viewer doesn’t know exactly what occurred.

The Clogging 04:15 Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

The Two of Us 14:48

Murdrum 05:00 Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project

Directed by: Joseph Job Gailey

Directed by: Conor Struan Forrest

A man wakes to find a second version of himself, but he can’t stop his consciousness from being split, unless he tries something desperate.

11-year-old Jerry is a regular kid with an “evil” big sister, Madison, and pretty ordinary parents. He starts to develop a crush on a girl and in the process becomes confused by the relationships around him.

Cults 15:00

Directed by: David Padilla Catholic boarding school, 1970. Father De Monval is supervising a film projection when a young schoolboy sees something that will turn his life upside down…

Celebrating Nottingham’s BAFTA Winning Television Workshop Friday July 26th Mansfield Palace Theatre 12:15PM - 1:15PM Ever wondered where the likes of Bella Ramsey (Game Of Thrones, The Last Of Us), Vicky McClure (Line Of Duty, This Is England) and Samantha Morton (The Whale, Minority Report) trained?

Cycles 14:25 Directed by: William Darbyshire When a dinner with the new neighbours goes awry, an antisocial and severely codependent couple reignite the spark in their relationship by covering their tracks.

All learnt their craft at the world famous Television Workshop!

Doorway 09:46

The Visit 06:10

Directed by: Siddharth Gautam

Directed by: Sean Patrick Folster

Within the fractures of family bonds, a doorway materializes, propelling Stephen through a life-altering odyssey that reshapes his existence and weaves an indelible tapestry of change for his loved ones.

A man. A woman. An afternoon that could make all the difference.

The TV Workshop is a BAFTA award winning drama group and TV casting resource with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Founded in 1983, and a registered charity since 2012, the group is based in Nottingham.

Join Alison Rashley Workshop’s Executive Artistic Director for an in-depth conversation on Britain’s leading drama group.

FRIDAY JULY 26TH • DAY 1 • 1:45PM - 3:15PM

Student Shorts

Good Friday 09:11 Directed by: Clea Reeder

Chords of Conflict 08:00

Bittersweet 13:00

Directed by: Tom Holden

Directed by: Raiyan Chinoy

Harry, who struggles with conflict, enlists the help of his ukulele duo partner to help him end things with his girlfriend, Becca.

“I love you mum...” After Hadi’s mother falls terminally ill, he finds himself lost in a liminal maze, haunted by grief and regret.

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

Rickshaw 08:20

What Am I To Do - Seth Ling 05:11

Paul and his family are going for a fun rickshaw ride when a sudden encounter stops them on their way back home.

Music video

Directed by: Raphaël Hernandez

Directed by: Dan Griggs

In the wake of a tragedy, three friends spend a pivotal night together struggling to learn where they can place their faith.

Fly-Tipping 09:42

Directed by: Gareth Malone Margo contemplates her future after losing her baby.

Long Way From Home 13:00

CoD and Chips 05:00

Directed by: Laura Martin

Directed by: Francesca Rae Cross Hall

After graduating from university Maya still does not know what to do in her future. Frustrated with society’s expectations towards young adults, she decides to move to a different city with the hope of a fresh start. When an old friend offers to give her a lift, the car ride is spent rekindling the friendship, remembering the past, and contemplating the future.

Following the passing of his wife, Steven cooks dinner for his teenage son, Oscar, every night but ends up eating alone due to Oscar’s video game fixation. After appearing to have forgotten his father’s birthday, Oscar attempts to make it up to his father by buying him a present that has the power to unite them.

Making It In Mansfield With Linney Create Friday July 26th | Mansfield Palace Theatre | 3:45PM - 4:45PM

My Gray Face 10:00

Secondary Strobe 07:55

A failed writer fights his fading memories in a surreal, parallel world while his neglected family comes back to haunt him.

In Great Britain deaf athletes currently receive no funding to compete at high level competitions. This film follows Libby Gotta, a competitive swimmer and member of the Great British Deaf Swimming Club. Follow her on the pursuit of world championship qualification while she faces a lack of Funding and recognition.

Directed by: Gustav Arthur Simon

Directed by: Maddie Barnes

In this captivating and informative technical talk, delve into the dynamic world of corporate filmmaking and the innovative use of CGI/VFX technology to create the latest advert for Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream. Join Linney as they guide you through the fascinating journey of turning ice cream into an art form and creating those delicious scoops in CGI for the renowned brand, Ben & Jerry’s.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge about film, VFX, and the intricate workings of the industry, while uncovering the secrets behind crafting high-end, professional corporate films.

FRIDAY JULY 26TH • DAY 1 • 5:15PM - 6:45PM

Documentary Shorts

Opening Night Drinks Friday July 26th | Groucho’s Bar @ Mansfield Palace Theatre 6:45PM - 7:45PM

Road to Tram Line Spot 16:35

A Dumpling Story 02:45

Directed by: Georgianna Scurfield

Directed by: Carl Woods

This film documents the years of work from Nottingham’s skateboarders and their allies to create a multi-use, community designed public space in the heart of the city.

Step into Blowwater Cafe in Kings Heath, Birmingham, and take a journey across memory and food with Sabrina, a creative from Hong Kong who finds community and friendship in a new city.

Join us from 6:45PM as we officially open MTFF24! Our opening ceremony will begin with drinks in Groucho’s Bar where you’ll have a chance to meet the team behind Mansfield Town Film Festival.

Be sure to grab a seat in the Theatre by 7:45PM as MTFF introduces you to the festival. We have curated an incredible variety pack to send our festival into full swing. From documentaries, to narrative shorts, international films to working class stories, there’s something for everyone during our opening night!

#MTFF24 #MansfieldLovesFilm

Unconditional 15:33 Directed by: Theo Gee

I am Kanaka 15:00 Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

In this captivating 15-minute short documentary ‘Unleashed’ delves into the incredible story of renowned canine behaviorist Will Atherton, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his dog becomes his saviour after a period of dark depression and a suicide attempt, revealing the extraordinary power of love and resilience in the face of despair.

Directed by: Genevieve Sulway A local Hawaiian hero fights to save his culture by teaching traditions, sustainability and life skills to disadvantaged indigenous kids.

Your Feedback Mansfield Town Film Festival is brought to you by a mixture of funding streams, with our primary funding being provided by Arts Council England via Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services team.

Direct feedback from our audience is so important to our continued success and growth.

Please take 5-minutes out of your time at MTFF to complete the below survey.

The House of Culture 14:10

Fabulous Femininities 20:00

The House of Culture used to be the centre of community in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. After years of neglect, it is now in decay and ruin. We follow the building’s history through the Miková family’s memories.

Fabulous Femininities is a feature documentary that explores the lives and journeys of six unique burlesque performers across the UK.

Directed by: Becky Miková

Directed by: Jonothon Lees

FRIDAY JULY 26TH • DAY 1 • 8:00PM - 10:00PM

Opening Night Variety Pack

An Ordinary Day in Mansfield 06:29

Art 13:56 Created by Andi Nur Abdillah Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project from the Noun Project

Crusts 10:52

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Directed by: Ben Kernow

Directed by: Alfie Dale

An animated film co-created by children and young people on the autistic spectrum about their home town.

Life at the end of the line has always been tough. With the cost of living going up and pressure to cash in on their now quaint fishing cottage’s financial potential, Biddy and Rob find themselves at the end of the line in more ways than one.

Words and sandwiches are shared round a grave as an Irish family tries to grieve the untimely death of a loved one. Dark Comedy-Drama.

Come Closer 02:59

Exchange Rate 08:25

Colours Set 03:38

Directed by: Sophie Johnson-Hill

Directed by: Harry Tomlin

Created by Andi Nur Abdillah from the Noun Project

Directed by: Emma Stansfield

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

You’re a Psychopath, I Love You. 09:59 Directed by: Ben Sapir John is leaving for university, sending him and his partner Kelsey back into a long-distance relationship. Not willing to say goodbye, Kelsey tries to get him to enjoy their last moments together.

Monitor 16:18

Directed by: Yufei Du

Directed by: Margo Roe Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

A single-take journey through a summer garden party.

Navigating social anxiety in crowded spaces and how friendship can often be the antidote.

A mother struggling to make ends meet, details the incremental sacrifices she will make to give her daughter a brighter future.

Set in a world without sunlight, our protagonist, with a blurred head, seeks definition through various light sources, mirroring the human quest to understand light.

Jenna and Fi have decided to start a family, and are undertaking the fitness-to-parent trial required by the state: three months under observation with a robot ‘baby’.

Twinkleberry 12:20

Blyth 05:00

Nerd 03:10

Beyond the Sea 25:00

Directed by: Daisy Ifama

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

“The story of my super gay school year that had 30+ queer students in one year group during 2005 to 2012, in a small town on the border of the Midlands and the West Country in England, UK.”

Directed by: Tom Dream This short film music video hybrid is an exploration of the witch burnings and the dancing plagues of the 16th Century which swept across Europe like wildfire.

Directed by: Gustavo Andres Menese Nerd is a conceptual animation about realizing what we truly are. It tells the story of Gus, a kid following his path to understanding reality through science. Each frame of this animation has been painted digitally, totaling 2213 individual paintings created over 3 years.

Directed by: Hippolyte Leibovici

Created by Andi Nur Abdillah from the Noun Project

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

Lady Casca, a drag queen in her sixties, is about to go on stage at her cabaret for the last time. The next day, retirement by the sea awaits her. But her son Thomas, whom she has not seen for a long time, interrupts the festivities. He has sad news to tell her.

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 10:15AM - 11:45AM

LGBTQIA+ Voices Coffee Morning

Where Are All the Gay Superheroes? 14:55

Sally Leapt Out Of A Window Last Night 19:47

After saving the world (again), two closeted gay superheroes meet in secret to discuss their relationship.

Ireland 1778. Two women flout convention and scandalise society to escape the fate their families plan for them.

They elope. Based upon the true story of the legendary “Ladies of Llangollen.”

Directed by: Tom Paul Martin

Saturday July 27th | Groucho’s Bar @ Mansfield Palace Theatre | 9:15AM - 10:15AM Join us for an inclusive coffee morning at this year’s festival! Celebrate community and connection with film enthusiasts, local residents, and filmmakers. Enjoy a relaxed environment to discuss films, share stories, and make new friends.

Directed by: Tracy Spottiswoode

Ticker 09:10

Directed by: Thom Petty Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

Making Up 15:00

Howard drives his partner Joseph to hospital to undergo a high-risk operation, and the intimacy of the car, alongside a long forgotten mix tape, sees the masculinity of their forty year relationship start to yield.

Sweet Forty 15:00

Directed by: Ryan Paige

Directed by: Annlin Chao

Making Up is set in the late 1980s, framed within the gritty drag scene of London’s east end.

Sweet Forty is a drama-comedy short film based on a true story, addressing the family relationships and an incredible journey of a 39-years-old closeted gay woman, on the lead up to her 40th birthday.

Festival Formula Saturday July 27th | Mansfield Palace Theatre | 12:15PM - 1:15PM Festival Formula is an agency committed to helping filmmakers from around the world navigate the international film festival circuit.

Stonewall Postal Action Network 12:00

Directed by: Sarah Elizabeth Drummond Stonewall Postal Action Network (SPAN), is a short documentary, telling the story of Austin’s activism, his letter writing campaign and the packing up of his life work for an archive as he contemplates his legacy from his new home in rural Wales.

Pillow Chocolate 09:25

Directed by: Charlie Tidmas

Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

For transman Jamie, a one-night stand is more than just sex, it’s a question of self-worth.

To filmmakers, we offer bespoke festival strategy and submission services, matching their work with the film festivals most likely to appreciate it.

To festivals, we offer talks, masterclasses and panel moderating at events – as well as sending them films that we feel are a fit for their screening programmes.

Want to be as prepared as possible for your next festival run? Get in touch!

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 1:45PM - 3:15PM

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 3:45PM - 5:15PM

Working Class Voices

Neurodiverse / Disabled Voices

Innapropriate 17:30

The Drop 15:00

Hedgehog 17:41

Directed by: Adam Smethurst

Directed by: Jack Dixon

When a volunteer turns up for his shift to help guide a young offender through the process of his arrest, he gets more than he bargained for.

In a gripping slow-burning crime thriller, the lives of two police officers, two drug traffickers, and a dealer converge within three cars. As their journeys intertwine, the lines between law and crime blur, unveiling their shared humanity and complex desires.

Poised between adolescence and adulthood and living with the challenges of NF1, Josie’s only connection with the world is a love of Shakespeare. When new girl Ash shows up at drama class, Josie seizes the chance to change her story.

In 2020, I contracted a viral infection in my brain. In this short documentary I use the medium of film to depict what it was like inside my head at a time I couldn’t speak for myself.

Tomorrow 11:05

It’s Not All That Bad 20:00

Sunday Morning, Sunday Evening 10:38

Pen Pals 12:30

Directed by: Jonathan Blagrove

Directed by: Thomas Elliott Griffiths

Directed by: Jack Parr

Directed by: Nicolas Novak

Directed by: Euan Pollock Foulis

Three siblings reunite on the eve of their mother’s funeral.

A snack bar, an online date, Teddy and Alicia, both in their twenties. One of them has a secret…

A Father and Son day out causes a tragic realisation from eight year old Lewis.

Inside Turn 07:03

Ill Fares The Land 18:15

A Perfect Balance of Absolute Chaos 10:24

Directed by: James Cookson Whilst trying to steal from a sick pensioner, to impress a gang, a lonely teenager finds something unexpected and altogether more valuable.

Directed by: Patrick Ireland

Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

Mermaids. Migrants. And the Far Right.

A young boy finds a mermaid washed up on the shores of his seaside home while his older brother is swept up in the rising tide of far-right nationalism.

Directed by: Carl Woods

A journey into the mind of Paralympian and British number 1, Rob Oliver, delving into his obsessive desire for podium glory and the personal impact of being milliseconds from success.

This Prison I Built You 04:24

Directed by: Lucas Frison A young man with Down syndrome pursues a romantic relationship with his pen pal.

Darwin the Dreamer 04:32 Directed by: Don Dixon

Darwin the Dreamer tells the tale of a blind child who uses his imagination to see. The film is a lesson on how to manifest ones destiny and explores the power of imagination and turning your dreams into reality, while in the face of adversity.

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 3:45PM - 5:15PM

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 5:45PM - 7:15PM

Neurodiverse / Disabled Voices

Women’s Voices

In Your Hands 11:38

Directed by: Luigi Sibona Late evening in a London barbershop, an awkward stranger becomes enamoured with a charming barber. An unlikely attraction sparks between them and after a lifechanging shave for The Stranger, the two go for a drink.

Safe 09:53

Directed by: Debbie Howard

Bienvenidos a Los Angeles 17:00

Directed by: Anne-Marie Scragg A young girl who is deaf, living in a rural fishing village with her widower Dad and Grandad, sees her life turned upside down when she is left with an increasingly abusive stepmother. A story of resilience against adversity.

Anne an office cleaner, finishes work late one evening to be pursued and harassed by a man at the bus stop.

Oscar Shortlisted & inspired by true events, “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles” was filmed at LAX airport and tells the story of Imani, a Nigerian single mother living in Los Angeles, who offers to help a perfect stranger reunite with her son. In doing so, Imani learns this simple act of kindness threatens to jeopardize her path to citizenship.

Homemaker 09:00

Grass On Your Class 24:30

Firefly 16:00

Created by Andi Nur Abdillah from the Noun Project

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Directed by: Ciara Kerr

Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project

Directed by: Lisa Cole

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Directed by: Claire Barrault

Renee loses herself in a controlling relationship and the abuse she suffers gets worse until she is utterly trapped.

At the Victor Hugo High School, French teacher Leila Al Bachir has called a disciplinary hearing for one of her students: Simon Petit. In her quest to find a fair sanction for Simon, she realises her workplace is in serious trouble…

No experience needed, as our fantastic guides, Jen and Shel, will lead you through a simple yet impactful creative process. Swing by the bar area on Saturday to take part.

What If 18:00

Over Her Shoulder 15:10

Directed by: Yanghuixiao Gao

Directed by: Izzy Thompson

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special!

During a short trip back home for a memorial ceremony for her recently departed grandmother, YILIN confronts a sore point between her and her mother.

Carrie navigates an unexpected visit from her volatile partner: troubling her housemates and challenging the extent to which she can ignore her intuition.

Notts Voices Unleash your creative spirit and make a difference with Get Wise. Join our inspiring community project, helping us create a multimedia artwork celebrating the authentic memories of Nottinghamshire people. Enjoy your own digital copy and see your contribution displayed at getwise.world before being showcased at exhibition spaces throughout Nottinghamshire in the new year.

Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 7:45PM - 9:45PM

Saturday Night Variety Pack

Runaway 17:00

Wider Than The Sky 10:58

Directed by: Ciaran James Shea

Directed by: Philip Taylor

Directed by: Laurie Barraclough

A queer thriller set on the streets of Nottingham. When Sally accepts Alex’s offer to go for a late night drive, she’s unaware that she’ll end the night on the run.

Jenny’s father has been diagnosed with Cancer. To cope, this deeply creative child makes scenes inside shoeboxes into which she escapes. One day a chance encounter with a seemingly ordinary cafe owner provides the catalyst for a truly magical happening.

Cam is brought back to her childhood home with three things to reckon with: her father’s heart attack, her estranged mother and the giant dragon following her around.

What You Sorry For? 03:00

Area Boys 10:00

Horologist 06:14

Directed by: Harry Tomlin

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Directed by: Bruno Atkinson, Toye Oladinni

A Reflection 13:59

Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project

Directed by: Jared Lee

Running through London, chasing after an ex, belting out a pop banger never looked like so much fun. Kat Penkin puts her detective hat on and follows her ex as he appears to have already moved on. As the realisation sinks in, she brushes it off and asks What You Sorry For?

Two cousins smash a footbridge in South-East London and extort passersby for the privilege of crossing.

Disconnect 07:30

Pink Elderflower Moon - Falling Apart 05:20

Here HE (27) is. A disappointment! As he observes himself in the gloomy light of his living room mirror, the young man starts to hear intensifying voices from his past.

Directed by: Frederick Willatt

Directed by: Tony Hipwell

“In this video we explore themes of addiction, mental health and overcoming our darkness that lies within each of us.”

Late at night, a lone fisherman discovers he is not the only one hoping to hook something.

Directed by: Teymour Tehrani

Obsessed with time, Sand found a way to sell time itself.

While his rich customers stay young, they never question Sand’s discovery and the source of their youth. Find out in ‘Horologist’.

The Lure 01:28

SATURDAY JULY 27TH • DAY 2 • 7:45PM - 9:45PM

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 10:15AM - 12:15PM

Saturday Night Variety Pack

Sunday Morning Variety Pack

Blind Spot 13:18

The Limits of Light and Sound 16:34

Car Sick 15:33

Directed by: Benjamin Wadsworth

Directed by: Shivam Pota

Directed by: David Hayman Jr

In this coming-of-age parable, an overconfident father imparts his unfounded wisdom on his sulking teenage daughter as they drive around the city.

Created by an ex-miner and an aspiring filmmaker that met in a pub. A Pop anthem for the East Midlands of England, featuring the true key to everyone’s heart - the splendid the fantastic, fish and chips.

Taking place over the course of an evening two strangers meet at an empty film screening for a film deemed a failure, they soon realise they both harbour a deep connection to the film.

Inspired by true events - A woman living in her car on hospital grounds during the coldest Scottish winter in years ignores the growing concerns of others, but she must come to accept what is holding her there or face the inevitable consequences.

The Space You Once Were 03:00

Skewered 16:36

Bunun Adi Şam 03:14

Catwalk 15:00

It’s a visual storytelling journey in which Şam recounts his life’s evolution, weaving a narrative that bridges his past and present. The music video serves as a captivating visual companion, enhancing his stories with metaphors and wordplay, creating an engaging and vivid experience.

In a dystopian fashion contest, an aspiring designer orchestrates a revolution after being betrayed by her best friend, a former competitor. Relying on a new ally to impress society’s elite and escape together, she discovers the toxicity of success.

Directed by: Soph Webberley Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

Directed by: Jasper Sekhar Banerjee

Three intertwining short vignettes explore how modern loneliness interacts with technology; and how that interacts with distance, performative masculinity and social anxiety.

Fish & Chips 03:03

Directed by: Nick Ray Rutter Opposing sexual appetites and dietary ethics bring a stagnant relationship to a theatrical and surprising crescendo as a heartfelt revelation confronts the elephant in the room.

Directed by: Emir Yener

Directed by: Maria Michael

Post Festival Club After an exciting day at the Mansfield Town Film Festival, unwind at our Post Festival Club at The Garrison Micropub. Enjoy a pint of our exclusive ‘Reel Ale,’ brewed specially for the festival weekend! It’s the perfect place to mingle with filmmakers, share your thoughts on the films, and soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere.

The Post Festival Club offers a relaxed setting to continue the cinematic conversations and make lasting connections. Don’t miss out on this unique experience! Join us at The Garrison Micropub and raise a glass to great films and great company!

Ariane’s Baby 23:00

You’ll Make It Home 03:54

Directed by: Mahée Merica

Directed by: Sheryl Jenkins

Ariane is a single and lonely woman who craves love after a history of abusive relationships. The birth of her child represents a chance to start everything anew and form her own happy family, but she worries about not being up to the task.

You’ll Make It Home is an animated music video using traditional, frame by frame drawn animation accompanying the track from Newcastle based acoustic band, Brick.

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 10:15AM - 12:15PM

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 2:15PM - 3:45PM

Sunday Morning Variety Pack

Narrative Shorts Neurodiverse/Disabled Voices Panel Sunday July 28th | Mansfield Palace Theatre | 12:45PM - 1:45PM This panel discussion will feature the directors behind some of the most powerful films in our Neurodiverse/Disabled Voices strand.

Beautiful Meadow 13:37

The Virtual Llama 09:49

Directed by: Laurence Mason-Guetta

Directed by: Tom Cozens

Roman Clark, a holiday cottage host, finds his guests triggering bad memories and radical ideology, leading to vicious repercussions.

A call with her newly virtual sister, Francis, convinces Emily that her sister no longer really exists. Flashbacks reveal Francis choosing to upload her mind to ease global overpopulation, leaving her body and sister behind with their childhood toy llamas.

Fell Reigns 05:20

The Walk 11:38

The Scottish witch god of winter (the Cailleach) dragging the physical incarnations of storms from the graves to herald the start of winter.

Pilgrimage or purgatory? Every Wednesday Amar endures a 24-mile round trip on foot to the JobCentre and back to sign on. Today the walk is particularly gruelling as he grapples with the recent death of his father, avoiding a phone call he’s too ashamed to face.

Directed by: David Gregory

Directed by: Michael Jobling

Gain insight into their creative processes, challenges, and the stories that inspire their work. This is a unique opportunity to engage with filmmakers who are reshaping the narrative around neurodiversity and disability in cinema. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that champions diverse perspectives in filmmaking.

Under the Blue 15:00

Bridge 15:55

Directed by: Linda Ludwig, James Curle

Directed by: Tara Aghdashloo

Bruised, hungry and only halfway through her late shift, a lonely and disillusioned police officer forms an unlikely connection with an appreciative and thankful criminal.

BRIDGE, a young receptionist working at a healthcare practice, grapples with heartbreak, motherhood and a crumbling healthcare system.

Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

The Soldier on Smithdown Road 12:30 Directed by: Barney Pell Scholes, Thomas Harnett O’Meara

Light of My Life 02:01

Directed by: Benjamin Dodds Two candle flames flicker to life and experience life and loss upon a windowsill.

Liverpool, 1947. Two British soldiers are kidnapped and murdered in Mandate Palestine. In the aftermath of the so-called ‘Sergeants Affair’, a wave of antisemitic riots sweep across the UK. Louis Scholnick, a British-Jewish World War Two veteran, is forced to defend his family’s shop from a violent mob.

Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project

Better the Neville You Know 16:00

Directed by: Paul Stainthorpe

Following a personal tragedy, Neville is ready to face the world again. He inadvertently gets embroiled in a situation that leads to another but with devastating consequences.

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 2:15PM - 3:45PM

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 5:45PM - 7:45PM

Narrative Shorts

Sunday Evening Variety Pack Award Nominees Panel Sunday July 28th | Mansfield Palace Theatre | 4:15PM - 5:15PM

Hollywood Nights 19:00

Directed by: Liam Sanderson Nick Hollywood is a young school boy who works at his Uncle’s video shop. He pirates the tapes and sells them at school to staff and fellow pupils. When one of his customers turns up dead and another disappears Nick finds himself at the centre of a murder mystery with a starring role.

Join us for this fan favourite panel where you can meet the creative minds behind this year’s most celebrated films. This engaging session offers a unique opportunity to hear from the filmmakers themselves as they discuss their inspirations, challenges, and the journey to becoming award nominees.

Gomorrah 16:40

Directed by: Aaron J McIntyre Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

‘A recovering addict relapses in the rough industrial estates of Glasgow, Loving every second until it all becomes horrifyingly unfunny’

Gain insights into their storytelling processes and get a behind-the-scenes look at their craft. Don’t miss this chance to interact with the visionaries shaping the future of cinema!

Gomorrah is mean spirited exploration of addiction and the physical and mental consequences of chronic selfindulgent neglect.

Tunnels 13:08

Dog Days 08:50 Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

Directed by: Paul Bloomfield

Directed by: Carlotta Beck Peccoz

Rosie suffers from an undiagnosed case of Papilledema a condition in which increased pressure around the brain causes visual blackouts and affects a person’s judgment.

Adele is a young girl who struggles with confidence in her body. When she’s challenged by a group of kids during an afternoon at the swimming pool, Adele is forced to confront her insecurities and decide whether she will fit in or not.

To Have and To Hold 15:05

Buzz 09:48

Suddenly left alone in the aftermath of an attack, a woman attempts to escape from the home she is trapped in while her partner constantly calls her as he makes his way back to her.

On a prairie millions of miles from home, a grumpy space farmer is having trouble with one of her hive: a robot bee called Buzz that keeps going rogue. After failing to reprogram the mischievous bee she follows him into the belly of a volcano and discovers something that will change life on Mars forever.

The Granada Exhibition 2023 marked 50 years since the Granada Mansfield closed its doors for the final time and to celebrate the milestone a three day long FREE mini-exhibition has been opened exclusively at Mansfield Town Film Festival.

The much-loved Granada, on West Gate, was originally a cinema and later also became a music venue in the late 1950s and 1960s. Top of the charts of the famous music names to have appeared at the Granada were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Visitors to MTFF24 can check out this fantastic history exhibit throughout the festival in the main foyer, be sure to grab a picture with the incredible Granada projection camera and immerse yourself in the history of film in Mansfield.

Directed by: Jess Moore

Directed by: Bryn Chainey, Andrew Brand

SUNDAY JULY 28TH • DAY 3 • 5:45PM - 7:15PM

Sunday Evening Variety Pack

Joni 14:30

Cakes! 02:20

A daughter struggles with her Mothers young on-set dementia.

A grieving woman follows a singing cake into a magical world within her oven.

Directed by: Gregory Nice, Jack Stanton

Directed by: Johnny Herbin

Mansfield Film Awards 2024 Sunday July 28th | Mansfield Palace Theatre 7:45PM - 11:00PM

Harvest 19:57

The Friendship of Fish 03:25

Directed by: Sophia Seymour

Directed by: Sherice Griffiths

Conflicted about Motherhood, the director addresses the taboo subject of not wanting children with women at their local swimming pool. All whilst undergoing the gruelling emotional process of freezing her eggs to insure against the risk of changing her mind.

Animal lover Warren finds himself transporting a goldfish through a city park in a plastic bag. What should (literally) have been a walk in the park turns into a disaster when the bag starts leaking!

MTFF24 concludes with a lavish in-person awards evening, celebrating all the incredible talent shown at MTFF24, and rewarding the chosen few, selected by our jury panel of industry veterans and local stars, with the soon to be converted ‘Mansfield Film Award’, or ‘Manny’.

Have your photograph taken on the red carpet, grab a glass of bubbly and get ready to celebrate our amazing filmmakers! Remember, lot’s of cheering!

Categories include; The Heart Of Mansfield Award (Best In Festival), Working Class Voices Award, LGBTQIA+ Voices Award, Women’s Voices Award, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Short, Best Student Short, Best International Short, Best Music Video, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Performance In A Leading Role

A Positive Contribution 11:55 Directed by: Nuri Moseinco

In the near future, criminals are given a choice - go to prison or get their memories wiped and replaced with fictional ones so they can make a positive contribution to society.

Sherbet 23:00

Directed by: Danny Gibbons Created by Andi Nur Abdillah from the Noun Project

Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Set entirely inside the confines of an taxi cab, on what seems like just another late-night taxi fare, this particular trip is anything but, altering the course of the lives of both driver and rider forever.

The ‘Heart Of Mansfield Award’, is a prize awarded to the best in the festival which personifies our founding principles, and not only moves our jury, but our live audiences too.

Groucho’s Bar will remain open all night long, and you’ll have time to top up your glasses during our twenty-minute interval half way through the awards!

Mansfield Film Awards 2024: Nominees Best International Short

Working Class Voices

Music Video

Best Editing

Mug - Directed By: Yegor Bugayenko The Clogging - Directed By: Eric Larson The Two of Us - Directed By: Conor Struan Forrest CULTS - Directed By: David Padilla

Sherbet - Directed By: Danny Gibbons Inside Turn - Directed By: James Cookson The Drop - Directed By: Jack Parr Monitor - Directed By: Margo Roe

What You Sorry For? By Kat Penkin Directed By: Harry Tomlin Bunun Adi Sam - By Şam Directed By: Emir Yener Falling Apart - By Pink Elderflower Moon Directed By: Frederick Willatt Colours Set - By Lucas Clements - Directed By: Yufei Du

Tunnels - Paul Bloomfield Blind Spot - Rachel Franks Gomorrah - Alex D.B Cormack Ill Fares The Land - Michael Pentney Unconditional - Theo Gee

Created by muhamad afiffudin from Noun Project

Best Student Short BITTERSWEET - Directed By: Raiyan Chinoy My Gray Face - Directed By: Gustav Arthur Simon Cod and Chips - Directed By: Francesca Rae Cross Hall Fly-Tipping - Directed By: Gareth Malone

Best Documentary Twinkleberry - Directed By: Daisy Ifama A Perfect Balance Of Absolute Chaos Directed By: Carl Woods Unconditional - Directed By: Theo Gee Harvest - Directed By: Sophia Seymour

LGBTQIA+ Voices Pillow Chocolate - Directed By: Charlie Tidmas Twinkleberry - Directed By: Daisy Ifama Ticker - Directed By: Thom Petty Beyond The Sea - Directed By: Hippolyte Leibovici

Women’s Voices Exchange Rate - Directed By: Emma Stansfield Blind Spot - Directed By: Soph Webberley What If - Directed By: Yanghuixiao Gao Grass On Your Class - Directed By: Claire Barrault

Best Narrative Art - Directed By: Ben Kernow Skewered - Directed By: Nick Ray Rutter Gomorrah - Directed By: Aaron J McIntyre Under The Blue - Directed By: Linda Ludwig, James Curle

Disabled/Neuro-diverse Voices An Ordinary Day In Mansfield - Directed By: Sophie Johnson-Hill Firefly - Directed By: Anne-Marie Scragg A Perfect Balance Of Absolute Chaos Directed By: Carl Woods Hedgehog - Directed By: Adam Smethurst

Best Animated Horologist - Directed By: Jared Lee Buzz - Directed By: Bryn Chainey, Andrew Brand Homemaker - Directed By: Ciara Kerr An Ordinary Day In Mansfield - Directed By: Sophie Johnson-Hill

Best Director Created by Andi Nur Abdillah from the Noun Project

Exchange Rate - Emma Stansfield Art - Ben Kernow Beyond The Sea - Hippolyte Leibovici Firefly - Anne-Marie Scragg Sherbet - Danny Gibbons

Best Cinematography Created by Creative Mahira from the Noun Project

Bridge - Kia Fern Little Gomorrah - Alex Cormack Bittersweet - Raiyan Chinoy A Reflection - Ruaraid Achilleos Sarll Ticker - Barbara Van Schaik

Original Score Created by Vectorstall from the Noun Project

Homemaker - Catherine Hillier Art - Chris Baker Bridge - Hollie Buhaclar Murdrum - Francesco Coia and Alessandro De Fusco A Reflection - Zoe Mead

Best Performance Created by Rank Sol from the Noun Project

Sherbet - India Brown Beyond The Sea - Jean-Michel Vovk Over Her Shoulder - Anastasia Martin Monitor - Emily Stott Pillow Chocolate - Pete MacHale

Heart of Mansfield Award

Created by Nur Lita from Noun Project

Homemaker - Directed By: Ciara Kerr Firefly - Directed By: Anne-Marie Scragg Beyond The Sea - Directed By: Hippolyte Leibovici The Clogging - Directed By: Eric Larson Bittersweet - Directed By: Raiyan Chinoy Twinkleberry - Directed By: Daisy Ifama Exchange Rate - Directed By: Emma Stansfield Art - Directed By: Ben Kernow Sherbet - Danny Gibbons What You Sorry For? By Kat Penkin Directed By: Harry Tomlin

Autographs

Notes

WHAT’S ON AT MTFF ‘24

Variety Packs

Narrative Shorts

Women’s Voices

Neurodiverse / Disabled Voices

Working Class Voices

LGBTQIA+ Voices

Documentary Shorts

Student Shorts

International Shorts

Music Videos

Animations

Breakout Sessions

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Scan QR code or visit mansfieldtownfilmfestival.com

mansfieldtownfilmfestival Mansfield Town Film Festival MnsfildFilmFest Mansfield Town Film Festival