U.K. Next Wave Genre Lab: A new era for British genre filmmaking
A fresh initiative for emerging talent
The U.K. Next Wave Genre Lab has officially launched, marking a significant milestone for the British film industry. This innovative program, founded by Film Constellation, Mason Fantastic Film Festival, and Tatino Films, aims to nurture and develop the next generation of genre filmmakers from the U.K.
A competitive selection process
Following an open call that attracted hundreds of applications, 12 feature film projects have been selected to participate in the lab. The selection process was overseen by industry veterans Myriam Sassine, Evrim Ersoy, and Edward Parodi, ensuring that the chosen projects represent the best of British genre storytelling.
Masterclasses from industry leaders
Participants in the lab will benefit from masterclasses led by some of the world’s most renowned genre filmmakers. The lineup includes Mike Flanagan (known for The Haunting of Hill House), Jessica Hausner (Little Joe), and Tea Shop Productions (The Surfer, Fall, 47 Meters Down). These sessions will provide invaluable insights and guidance, helping emerging filmmakers refine their craft and navigate the complexities of the industry.
A comprehensive development program
The U.K. Next Wave Genre Lab is supported by the BFI Creative Challenge fund, which provides National Lottery Funding. The program is designed to support participants over a seven-month period, combining online masterclasses and consultations with an onsite workshop in Cardiff and writers’ residencies abroad. This holistic approach ensures that filmmakers receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Diverse and ambitious projects
The selected projects cover a wide range of genres, from horror to fantasy, and tackle themes such as identity crisis, toxic masculinity, crime, and revenge. Notably, the lab has brought together some successful filmmaking teams for new, ambitious projects. For instance, Joy Wilkinson and Cassandra Sigsgaard are collaborating on Don’t Go Back, while Sasha Nathwani, Helen Simmons, and Campbell Beaton are working on Confidence Man.
The selected projects
Here is a closer look at the 12 projects selected for the inaugural edition of the U.K. Next Wave Genre Lab:
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Don’t Go Back
- Written and directed by Joy Wilkinson
- Produced by Cassandra Sigsgaard (Jeva Films)
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Enclave
- Written and directed by Federico Barni
- Produced by Priya Palak (Ansible Studio Ltd)
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Mauled by a Dog
- Directed by Sion Thomas
- Written by Owen Davies, Oliver Gabe
- Produced by Oskar Pimlott, Rik Green (Pulse Films)
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Plastic
- Directed by Margarita Milne
- Written by Xiao Tang
- Produced by Victoria Bavister (Two Birds Entertainment)
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The Pigeon Heart
- Written and directed by Em Gilbertson
- Produced by Michelle Brøndum (Jante Films)
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Little Bird
- Written and directed by Faye Jackson
- Produced by Carley Armstrong (True Moon Pictures)
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Arkadia
- Directed by Rebekah Fortune
- Written by Rosy Deacon
- Produced by Hannah Tookey (This Little Rock Ltd)
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A Man at the Window
- Written and directed by Lucy Rose
- Produced by Maria Caruana Galizia (Candle & Bell Limited)
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They Came from Below
- Written and directed by Max Ward
- Produced by Will Butters (Qualia Films Co, Ltd)
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Leech
- Written by Omar Khan
- Produced by Fozia O’Dowd (Public Display of Affection Films)
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Befriender
- Written and directed by Elize Du Toit
- Produced by Becket Pennington Legh, Jacob Thomas (Aries Films and Ngauruhoe Film)
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Confidence Man
- Directed by Sasha Nathwani
- Written by Helen Simmons
- Produced by Campbell Beaton (Pablo & Zeus Ltd)
A personal reflection on the future of genre filmmaking
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s thrilling to see such a dedicated effort to support and elevate genre filmmaking in the U.K. The diversity of the selected projects promises a rich tapestry of stories that will push the boundaries of traditional genre narratives. The inclusion of masterclasses from industry leaders is particularly exciting, as it provides emerging filmmakers with the opportunity to learn from the best and apply those lessons to their own work.
For those interested in exploring these projects further, I highly recommend checking out the trailers and information pages for each film. Here are a few links to get you started:
- Don’t Go Back
- Enclave
- Mauled by a Dog
- Plastic
- The Pigeon Heart
- Little Bird
- Arkadia
- A Man at the Window
- They Came from Below
- Leech
- Befriender
- Confidence Man
This initiative not only highlights the incredible talent emerging from the U.K. but also sets a precedent for how genre filmmaking can be supported and developed on an international scale. The future of British genre cinema looks incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to see these projects come to life.