The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) champions the daring and innovative spirit of independent cinema. Set in the heart of London’s creative hub, the festival shines a spotlight on emerging talent and groundbreaking storytelling across a rich variety of genres. Now in its fourth year, SohoLIFF continues to be a dynamic platform where filmmakers connect, inspire, and shape the future of the industry. Ahead of this year’s event, we spoke with some of the filmmakers to uncover what’s in store.
Sigrid Sortland’s filmmaking journey started out rather unconventionally, originally pursuing a nursing degree in Norway, she discovered her true calling during her thesis work, realizing a lifelong passion for storytelling and visual arts. A pivotal encounter with her sister’s friend inspired her to leap into filmmaking, leading her to an MA program in London, which she completed in August. The SohoLIFF festival has been an important part in Sigrids Filmmaking since her move to London. After being introduced to SohoLiff during her MA program and volunteering with the festival for a year, the experience showed her the importance of film festivals and inspired her to submit her own work to this one and many others. Her master’s thesis project, Seas of Change (2024), reflects her deep connection to nature and sustainability.
The documentary, filmed over two trips to a remote island near Bodø, Northern Norway, highlights the innovative work of Kelpinor, a startup transforming the agricultural industry with cultivated kelp-based bio-stimulants. Sigrid immersed herself in this unique environment, capturing the dedication of young entrepreneurs who left urban comforts for rural innovation. Her film beautifully illustrates their mission to shift the market from environmentally harmful wild kelp harvesting to sustainable kelp cultivation. The passion towards the project, combined with the stunning backdrop of Norwegian landscapes, serves as both an environmental wake-up call and a tribute to human ingenuity.
For Sigrid, documentary filmmaking is more than a medium; it’s a way to inspire and evoke profound emotions. The midnight sun and serene vistas during her shoots reaffirmed her commitment to capturing moments that words cannot convey. Back in Norway, Sigrid continues her creative journey, driven by a desire to showcase stories that matter. Seas of Change not only earned acclaim from those involved, who plan to use it for investor pitches, but also highlights Sigrid’s career in filmmaking, blending her love for nature with impactful storytelling.
Gavin Stewart and Lauren Pouchly’s collaboration on The Making of Us (2024) is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of storytelling and community. With a shared passion for filmmaking, their journey is deeply intertwined with Acting in Impulse, a family run charity that has been going for 17 years. The charity provides marginalized individuals the opportunity to star in professionally produced films, offering them a platform to rediscover hope and feel seen.
Lauren, whose filmmaking career began with a short film project involving homeless individuals, used her experience to build a charity that merges creativity and social impact. Gavin, with a background at the BBC and a passion for documentaries, joined her early on, lending his expertise to elevate the organization’s vision. Together, they crafted The Making of Us, a poignant documentary marking the charity’s closure while encapsulating its legacy.
Filmed over several months, the documentary follows the participants as they navigate the charity’s final year, from workshops to a professional film premiere. Gavin and Lauren’s dedication shines through as they balance the emotional weight of the charity’s closure with the technical demands of filmmaking. With professional- editing, sound, and visuals, the film not only celebrates the participants’ achievements but also poses critical questions about the role of the arts in society. Can creativity be a necessity rather than a luxury, especially during times of hardship?
The Making of Us has already begun to inspire others to carry forward Acting in Impulse’s mission, showcasing the enduring impact of the arts. For Gavin and Lauren, this project represents a culmination of their growth as filmmakers and a powerful example of how storytelling can bridge worlds, empower individuals, and leave an indelible mark on communities.
Alba Morera’s artistic journey is as inspiring as the stories she tells through her films. A native of Barcelona, Alba spent 20 years in Los Angeles, honing her craft in filmmaking before returning to her roots. Her work is deeply personal, grounded in emotional authenticity, and driven by a commitment to social change. With a background in theatre, audiovisual communication and a passion for directing, Alba’s storytelling transcends mediums, connecting with audiences on a visceral level.
Her short film We Are Here (2024) is an exploration of inclusion and diversity, celebrating the work of Associació Hi Som which, through different projects, integrates people with varied capacities. Shot with minimal resources, the film captures the raw beauty of its subjects’ emotions, aiming to give them a voice rather than impose a narrative. It serves as a catalyst for dialogue, challenging societal norms about inclusion and inspiring communities to embrace diversity in everyday life. The short’s intimate, spontaneous style reflects Alba’s belief in cinema as a tool for human connection.
Alba’s return to Barcelona was triggered by a desire to create meaningful work in a more supportive environment for women filmmakers. Her feature film, Marta Carrasco, delves into themes of vulnerability and strength, highlighting the duality of a celebrated dancer’s public and private struggles. This feminist perspective underpins Alba’s creative vision, which seeks to amplify women’s voices and confront systemic inequalities in the film industry.
For Alba, filmmaking is a deeply collaborative process, one that invites audiences to participate and reflect. Her films resonate because they are not just watched but felt—leaving a mark long after the credits roll. With We Are Here screening at SohoLIFF and the International Human Rights Festival in Barcelona, Alba continues to inspire through her unwavering commitment to storytelling that matters.
Zahra Mojahed and Anna Kadzik are an impressive duo shining a spotlight on the lives of Afghan women defying immense odds. Zahra, an emerging filmmaker and refugee, collaborates with Anna, an educator and activist, to tell stories that amplify marginalized voices. Voiceless captures the journey of a young Afghan girl who defies the Taliban’s education ban by secretly attending online classes.
Anna’s tireless efforts laid the foundation for this story. After the Taliban banned girls from education (amongst many other things), Anna mobilized her network to establish virtual classrooms. Operating from Ireland, she collaborated with universities to create tailored courses, enabling over 2,500 Afghan girls to continue learning. These initiatives prioritize security, with strict measures to protect participants’ identities. Anna’s dedication extends to fostering local leadership, ensuring Afghan educators play a pivotal role in shaping these programs.
Zahra’s film, inspired by one of Anna’s students, showcases the resilience of a girl determined to pursue her dreams despite overwhelming obstacles. Working remotely, Zahra coordinated with contacts in Afghanistan to film the story under challenging circumstances. Equipment shortages, secrecy, and the constant threat of exposure underscored the bravery required to bring this narrative to life.
For Zahra, the film represents more than just storytelling—it is an act of advocacy. As a refugee herself, Zahra brings authenticity and empathy to her work, offering audiences a glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of Afghan women. “It’s about giving them a voice,” she says, echoing the mission that drives both her and Anna.
Together, Zahra and Anna exemplify the power of collaboration. Their work not only sheds light on untold stories but also inspires action, reminding us of the strength in solidarity and the transformative power of education and art.
Vaida Nairn’s journey into filmmaking is a testament to the power of perseverance and storytelling. A Lithuanian photographer now based in Newfoundland, Canada, Vaida began her career in photojournalism and documentary photography. Her path to directing films, however, was shaped by a childhood dream and the realization of its potential later in life.
Growing up in Lithuania, Vaida admired the solitary example of a female filmmaker in her country, though the idea of entering the field felt out of reach. Instead, she pursued photography, a medium through which she honed her storytelling skills. It wasn’t until Vaida moved to Newfoundland, a place with a small but vibrant film community, that her filmmaking ambitions came to life. Inspired by the supportive environment, she transitioned from still photography to directing her first narrative short film, Fishbowl (2022)
The seeds for Fishbowl were planted years earlier during her MA in photojournalism and documentary photography at the University of the Arts in London. Vaida’s graduation project explored the often-invisible scars of emotional domestic abuse, using abstract photography to convey the intangible. That experience stayed with her, sparking the desire to create a narrative film that could further illuminate this subject.
Through Newfoundland’s Independent Filmmakers Co-op (NIFCO), Vaida secured funding and professional guidance to bring Fishbowl to life. The film is a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of emotional domestic abuse, blending research and personal interviews to craft a narrative that educates and resonates. Vaida’s commitment to the project is evident in her attention to detail and passion for using storytelling as a tool for awareness.
As Vaida continues to grow her filmmaking repertoire, her dedication to meaningful storytelling underscores her work, proving that art rooted in personal experience can inspire profound connections and change.
Don’t miss the chance to experience an extraordinary lineup of films including everything mentioned above at the Soho London Independent Film Festival! From the 23rd to the 26th of January, immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and independent cinema that will leave you inspired. Secure your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable cinematic journey!
Find out more here: https://soholiff.co.uk
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