Next Wave: Independent Film Night

Be part of a live cinema event elevating independent filmmaking!

The second edition of Next Wave is here.

Join us for an evening of award-winning short films showcasing comedy with a sharp edge. This special edition features six outstanding short films, with the filmmakers, directors, writers, and performers behind them in attendance for the screenings and post-show discussions.

While comedy takes centre stage, a darker undercurrent runs throughout the programme, giving each film an extra bite and elevating the laughs through unexpected twists and high-stakes storytelling.

Following the screening, stay for an audience Q&A with the creators and gain insight into the craft of comedy filmmaking, from developing memorable characters to, balancing humour with darker themes. The evening concludes with a networking event, offering the chance to connect with filmmakers, aspiring creatives, and fellow lovers of independent cinema.

Next Wave is a live cinema event celebrating original storytelling and emerging filmmaking talent. Featuring a curated programme of short films, the evening offers more than just a screening, with a live filmmaker Q&A exploring the creative procccess behind the work, followed by a relaxed social where audiences can connect with filmmakers, creatives, and fellow film lovers. Whether you're a regular cinema-goer or simply looking for a different kind of film experience, Next Wave offers an engaging and community-focused night at the movies.

July 8th Short Fiction Programme:

BLONDI:

Can a dog still be man's best friend if that man is the Führer?

Critically acclaimed short film Blondi offers a darkly comic and wholly original view of history through the eyes of Adolf Hitler's beloved German Shepherd. Filmed largely from the dog's perspective using a camera mounted to the animal, the film blends satire, absurdity, and wartime reality to explore the final days of the Third Reich from a uniquely unexpected angle.

Blondi screened in competition at major international festivals including Edinburgh International Film Festival, SXSW Sydney, Fantastic Fest, and London Short Film Festival, and was longlisted for the BAFTA Award for Best British Short Film.

Runtime: 19:00

Genre: Comedy

Director: Jack Salvadori - attending

Uncle Artoo:

In his later years Nosferatu has become a foster carer for children. That seems like a good idea.

The name Nosferatu conjures fear and horror in the hearts of many. But what if the famous vampire wanted to change? A documentary crew follows Nosferatu as he raises foster children, whilst trying not to fall back into old habits.

Runtime: 10:00 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Director and Writer: Zoë Whittaker

Death Wish:

Young Directors Award, Cannes Nominated Best Comedy and Silver Award Winning Short film about a knockoff “Make-A-Wish” foundation that grants a little girl’s dying wish: for her mum to die and join her in heaven.
The only problem? Mum’s got Sally’s hen do coming up and isn’t quite ready to commit to the afterlife.

Runtime: 7:57 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Director and Writer: Ricky Thomas Allen

Lotto Cops:

Produced for the LOCO One Week Film Competition, this short was a huge undertaking. Lotto Cops was created, written, shot, edited, scored, sound mixed and graded in under a week!

Time: 7:19 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Director: Zak Harney

Pushing Up Plastic:

Runtime: 4:45 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Director: Joe McGowan- attending

Marmalade:

Runtime: 10:00 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Director and Writer: Ben Hunter

A meek tutor is pushed to his limits by a particularly demanding young student.

Q&A Film Creator Guests:

Jack Salvadori, Bio:

Jack’s work as a director and writer has been recognised at over 75 international film festivals for its innovative, challenging, and thought-provoking storytelling. His films include The Liar (2018), La Petite Mort (2019), Sed Libera Nos A Malo (2020), Zombie Ninjas From Outer Space (2021), Falling Out (2022), and Blondi (2024). He is currently developing a feature film and a play.

Zoë Whittaker Writer & Director, Bio: 

With more than 20 years of experience in the film industry as a video operator, Zoë has worked alongside some of cinema's most acclaimed filmmakers, including J.J. Abrams, James Mangold, Shawn Levy, and Ron Howard. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he turned his focus to screenwriting, discovering a new creative direction that led to the development of his first short film, Uncle Artoo. She continues to pursue writing and directing projects, with new short and feature-length work currently in development.

Joe McGowan, Director, Bio: 

Joe is a London-born, Essex-raised filmmaker with over a decade of experience directing and editing commercials and branded content. A lifelong comedy enthusiast, he has created award-winning work for clients including Google, Yahoo, Waitrose, and American Express, and has collaborated with figures such as Harry Kane, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. His comedy films have amassed millions of views online, screened at festivals internationally, and been featured on BBC Radio.

Ricky Thomas Allen, Director, Bio:

Zak Harney, Director, Bio: 

Ben Hunter Writer & Director, Bio: Ben Hunter is a Scottish writer-director whose character-led film and television work explores masculinity, intimacy, and human connection with humour and emotional depth. A graduate of the National Film & Television School (MA Directing Fiction, 2019), he is currently developing his debut feature, Puppy, while working across the UK film and television industry.