Film has long been able to transform lives. Whether through narrative or documentary, cinema engages with challenging social and political subjects, providing a platform for a range of communities, from LGBT+ rights to mental illness and homelessness. York St John University’s panel discussed the risks of filmmaking around social justice, from finding subjects to identifying outlets.

Making your mark and establishing yourself as a director takes ambition. ASFF welcomed back NAHEMI to present a collection of the best works from its members and esteemed organisations. Showcasing shorts from some of the premier film schools in the country, this screening offered an exciting array of genres, whilst joining a conversation about the role of film schools.

Working in media production is a rewarding and multi-faceted profession. Audiences joined Falmouth University’s graduates to hear about the best way to set up a company. The panel answered key questions along the way: how did you launch a company? where do you find clients? How do you grow long-term? These entrepreneurs discussed how to build a successful business.

Do you have something to say? As writers and filmmakers, we have the power to expose different points of view, whilst providing a commentary on social issues such as racial and gender equality, and civil rights. Through factual or fictional narratives, we can question and express our opinions.This showcase highlighted how to find stories that can change the way we see the world.

Genuine collaboration requires productive dialogues between contributors and skilled practitioners. As a strategic partner of the BFI and with connections with the BBC, iFeatures, Creative England and Channel 4, London South Bank University hosted a lively discussion that explored how diverse and creative collaborations act as a cornerstone for new opportunities.

With filmmaking becoming readily more accessible, Manchester School of Art is empowering the next generation to be heard through exciting visual landscapes. In this showcase, Filmmaking and Animation students took back the streets and showcased this new digital revolution through a diverse range of personal, political and poignant stories – discussing how to make an impact.

There are infinite possibilities in the ways that sound and image can help to produce narrative. Every film teaches you how to watch it as it progresses. But the creator must be aware that the audience is a stranger. With a listening session and an interactive edit, this demonstration invited audiences to explore how they perceive sound and image, and the unexpected possibilities of cinema.

Fashion film is a tool for social change. As a genre, it is moving beyond consumerism to discuss big topics in today’s world from the climate crisis to gender and identity equality. It’s no longer just about clothes, it’s a state of mind. This curated programme showcased a breadth of imagination, demonstrating digital and analogue techniques alongside experimental editing processes.

What are the conventions of contemporary filmmaking? University of York presented a showcase of award-winning shorts that both draw from and challenge traditional methods and aesthetics. A panel of academics, writers and filmmakers foregrounds how new developments and ways of accessing media are redefining audience expectation across big and small screens.

What drives the next generation of filmmakers? How do factual, experimental and artist filmmakers find subjects that resonate with them and their audience? How are emerging fiction filmmakers developing their styles and what kind of characters attract them? What grounds are new filmmakers breaking? UCA explored these questions between lecturers, students and the audience.

BFI NETWORK is looking for writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers with the desire to tell exciting original stories with creative approaches. Recognising the need for difference in perspective, talent and recruitment, this showcase of filmmakers based in the North of England highlighted culturally relevant or progressive ideas that are surprising, revelatory or challenging.

What is the future for VFX in the ever-changing landscape of film? As film becomes a billion-pound industry, what does this mean for future skills? How can you be at the top of your game in a highly competitive market? These topics were considered alongside shorts produced at Arts University Bournemouth. The showcase was underpinned by rising digital developments.

Documentary films come in all shapes and sizes. The definition of what is fiction and factual has been constantly blurred. As educators and practitioners, are we too prescriptive in how we define documentary? Based on the changing landscape of cinema, how is the genre breaking new ground whilst informing narrative filmmaking? What are the ethical implications?