Filmmaker Insights Panel Discussions

Aesthetica celebrated 10 years of outstanding filmmaking talent in 2020, providing a vital platform for conversations about the craft. Our intimate Filmmaker Insights panels offered a soapbox to creatives from the Official Selection to speak about cinema.

Covering a range of topics, from Establishing Your Unique Style to Presenting the Facts to Financing Your Film, Filmmaker Insights are essential for discovering new work, fresh perspectives and to learn from creative peers.

Original Viewpoints:
Establishing Your Unique Style

Hosted By
MarBelle, Directors Notes

Directing is about far more than telling stories. Audiences demand fresh ideas delivered in unique and inspiring ways. For filmmakers, developing a distinctive and individual style is fundamental in connecting with audiences and funders. Directors from our Official Selection discuss the importance and essence of directorial flare.

Panelists
  • Ryushi Lindsay, Idol
  • Camille My Giang, The Vahine
  • Dominique van Olm, A Void
  • Mitch McGlocklin, Forever

Animated Dreams:
Challenging Perspectives

Hosted By
Richard Jacobs

Animation is a form that truly allows the creator to become an explorer, limited only by their own imagination. It’s a form that doesn’t restrict storytelling, opening us up to entirely new viewpoints, whether fantasised or rooted in reality. Join a panel of bold animators as they explore technique, inspiration and motivation.

Panelists
  • Camrus Johnson, Grab My hand: A Letter to My Dad
  • Allison Brownmoore, The Amazing Adventures of Awesome
  • Adekemi Roluga, Fragments
  • Szymon Ruczynski, Reason

Cinema for Change:
Making Films with Impact

Hosted By
Martin Hall, York St John University

Cinema is a powerful tool. Filmmakers are playing a crucial role in today’s changing world. They are visionaries who are calling for action to change how we live, addressing the climate crisis, human rights issues and global inequalities. In this vital discussion, filmmakers discuss the importance of film in bringing about positive change.

Panelists
  • Richard Pierre, An Uninvited Guest
  • Daniel Rehder, Hotel Paraíso
  • Nora Mariana, Alina
  • Janet Marret, Clearing

Funding Models:
Financing Your Film

Hosted By
Martin Hall, York St John University

Financing a film is tricky. Filmmakers face a constant battle to get their work made. Whether you’re applying to screen agencies or investors, it’s crucial that your vision is portrayed clearly and effectively in the process. Join ambitious filmmakers as they discuss applying for funds and working with, rather than against, budgets.

Panelists
  • Anne Hollowday, Physical Thoughts
  • Carlos J Matos, 2091
  • Greg Schroeder, Progeny
  • Joshua Robertson, Dad Joke

Presenting the Facts:
Documentary Filmmaking

Hosted By
MarBelle, Directors Notes

What are the challenges of capturing real life stories? Documentary filmmaking, especially in the short form, is the process of condensing countless hours of footage into a succinct story. Join a panel of documentarians as they explore ethics and truth telling in a genre that is becoming ever more cinematic, and influenced by the narrative form.

Panelists
  • Jessica Bishopp, Pampas
  • Rosie Morris, Heart Eyes and a World
  • Caleb Yule, Time and Tide
  • Farah Abou Kharroub, The Seven Villages

From Idea to Reality:
Bringing a Vision to Life

Hosted By
Steve Rawle, York St John University

A great idea is just the first step in the filmmaking process. What does it really take to realise a vision on the big screen? Bringing a wealth of experience, filmmakers, animators and documentarians explore the processes of idea generation, development and production, considering individual approaches to the art of filmmaking.

Panelists
  • Nuno Serrão, We Are All On The Same Bus
  • Sima Gonsai, Suspended Motion
  • Stacy Cochran, Heartbeat of Squirrels
  • Robert dos Santos, The Dreamer