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Articles by Hannah Taylor
Celebrated director, Sofia Coppola gifts viewers an insight into her mother’s filmmaking archives. In Making Marie Antoinette (2026), Sofia completes her mother, Eleanor Coppola’s wish. Serving as a producer and finishing her mother’s film, after her passing aged 87 in 2024. The film premiered at Telluride Film Festival in September and pieces together over 80 hours of archival footage, shot through the female gaze of Eleanor’s camera. This is a documentary through Eleanor’s eyes.
Molly (2026) Review: A Bittersweet Love Story
Molly (2026) is a dreamy exploration of love at first sight. Written and directed by Darius Shu, this short film will take you on a journey from the heights of love to the obstacles romance forces upon the fragile path along the way. A close-up shot of a mini aquarium in the laundrette’s washing machines straight away tells us this isn’t going to be an ordinary love story. Likeable laundry worker, Vinnie (Hiroki Berrecloth) becomes smitten by the enticingly eye-catching Ryan (Frank Kauer).
These Violent Delights (2026) Review: The Scottish Ballet Company Brings Elegance to the Big Screen
They’re bringing Shakespeare and dance to the big screen. Based on the novel of the same name, These Violent Delights by New Zealand novelist, Chloe Gong, the film showcases the power of movement through storytelling. Co-directed by Christopher Hampson and Oscar Sansom, These Violent Delights saw its World Premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 14th August 2026.
Blessing of the animals brings together faith and furry friends
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The Drive (2025) Review: A Powerfully Emotional Historical Drama
Set in 1960s America, writer-director David Arrow does everything just right in the historical drama short, The Drive (2025) by 4 A Films. Amber Paul leads the story as Liz, a suburban mother and housemaker. But for Liz, this one sunny afternoon in November is just part of her normal weekly carpool to drive the kids. Or so she thinks. This 2027 Oscar-qualified film opens with scenic exterior shots of Washington D.C. Immediately it’s clear this film is well-shot and beautifully made.
Last Minute (2025) Review: A Heart-warming Story Of Mother And Son
Set in 1989, Last Minute (2025) by writer-director Michael Cusumano follows mother Jackie (Charity Schubert) and 12-year-old son Jason (Espyn Doughty) as they try to work out a way to complete a major homework assignment. Time is ticking and the page is blank. The 2027 Oscar-qualified film, Last Minute focuses on a horrifically universal moment when you realise there’s much more to your homework assignment than you originally thought.
Last Minute (2025) Review: A Heartwarming Story Of Mother And Son
Set in 1989, Last Minute (2025) by writer-director Michael Cusumano follows mother Jackie (Charity Schubert) and 12-year-old son Jason (Espyn Doughty) as they try to work out a way to complete a major homework assignment. Time is ticking and the page is blank. The 2027 Oscar-qualified film, Last Minute focuses on a horrifically universal moment when you realise there’s much more to your homework assignment than you originally thought.
Verity (2026) Review: A Twisty Thriller With Dark Secrets
Based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name, Verity (2026) fiercely captures the ecstasy of an erotic psychological thriller. Screenwriter Nick Antosca and director Michael Showalter create mystery, thrills, and page-turning intrigue. Colleen Hoover has seen a string of book adaptations; from the page to the big screen with It Ends with Us (2024), Regretting You (2025), and Reminders of Him (2026).
Exclusive Interview: Vanessa Bailey & James Arden Discuss The Filmmaking Process Behind ‘Wormholes’ (2026)
Vanessa Bailey & James Arden join the Filmotomy team to discuss the short film, Wormholes at the 11th Femme Filmmakers Festival. We discuss the story behind Wormholes, how James prepared for the character of Daniel, Vanessa’s directing on-set, and much more. Jonathan Skinner pens the script which centres on introverted cosmology student, Daniel (James Arden) who discovers matters beyond the universe in his late-night discussion with bold cleaner, Alice (Rosie Steel).
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Wormholes (2026) Review: A Highly Intelligent, Wonderfully Creative & Powerfully Imaginative Short Film
Wormholes is a sweetly imaginative short film. Produced by Nine Yards Films, Jonathan Skinner pens this beautifully, magical script. Wormholes centres on introverted cosmology student, Daniel (James Arden) who discovers matters beyond the universe in his late-night discussion with bold cleaner, Alice (Rosie Steel). Director Vanessa Bailey plays with contrasts in the room to set the tone and atmosphere. As Daniel walks into the common room, the place is buzzing with students, fairy lights, and music.
Leviticus (2026) Review: A Haunting Coming-of-Age Horror Romance
Your dangerous desire will follow you everywhere. In Adrian Chiarella’s debut feature, the writer-director captures the haunting desire of love and lust in Leviticus (2026). Leviticus’ special screening was held at Picturehouse Central in London joined by the director Adrian Chiarella and lead actor Joe Bird. Premiering in the ‘Midnight’ section of the Sundance Film Festival 2026, Chiarella’s supernatural horror film focuses on teenagers, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen).
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Ubiquitous (2025) Review: An Endearing Tale On Unrequited Love
Written and directed by Masha Maroutitch, Ubiquitous (2025) follows best friends, Junior (Jerome Scott) and Nate (Jack Matthew) as they navigate a close friendship. Ubiquitous tells such a powerful story in just its 7-minute runtime. Produced by Opia Collective, this short is extremely well cast. Its two leads genuinely make us feel like part of their friendship. Set on a London estate, the film feels both cultural and real. But Junior wants to explore their relationship further.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Fairground (2025) Review: A Bold & Magical Coming-of-Age Story
A striking opening shot in Jess Berry’s Fairground (2025) sees two sides to protagonist, Maggie (Lauren Viteri) – from a night out at the fairground to working at her county fair. But the pressure is truly on for Maggie who must follow in her family’s footsteps and win the Grand Champion title in pig breeding for the third time in a row. She must keep Penny (the family’s pig) in top shape for the competition.
UMG v. DistroKid: When AI Becomes A Consumer Protection Issue
Universal Music Group’s new lawsuit against music distributor DistroKid, UMG Recordings Inc. et al. v. DistroKid LLC et al., Case No. 1:26-cv-01156 (D. Del.), is getting attention because UMG calls the company an “AI-slop pipeline” and accuses it of massive copyright infringement.
Exclusive Interview: Masha Maroutitch On How Her Powerfully Emotional Short Film, ‘Ubiquitous’ Captures The Surreal Memories Of A One-Sided Love Story
We spoke to Masha Maroutitch about her narrative short, Ubiquitous. In our interview for the 11th Femme Filmmakers Festival, Masha Maroutitch discusses her personal connection to the script and the creation behind Nate’s heartbreaking story in Ubiquitous. As well as how the crew captured memories in a surreal and cinematic way, and much more. Read our interview with Masha Maroutitch below.
Exclusive: Springer: A Dangerous Game by Ryan J. Smith
Ryan J. Smith’s Skint Film Company sees its latest release with Springer: A Dangerous Game (2026). Written, produced and directed by Ryan J. Smith who’s previous filmography includes Kid (2025) and Arthur’s Empire (2026), sees this upcoming thriller enter ‘dangerous’ territory for its lead Jake Waring (Arthur’s Empire). Waring plays Gareth Wright, a primary school teacher looking for one last shooting weekend before going back to work after the summer holidays.
Exclusive Interview: Jess Berry On Her Beautiful Narrative Short, ‘Fairground’
We spoke to Jess Berry about her narrative short, Fairground. In our interview for the 11th Femme Filmmakers Festival, Jess Berry discusses the film influences behind Fairground, the filming process, her personal connection to Maggie’s story, and much more. Read our interview with Jess Berry below. My background is in advertising. It’s what I studied for my BFA, and it’s where a lot of my filmmaking skill set originated.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Fairground (2025) Review: A Bold & Magical Coming-of-Age Story
A striking opening shot in Jess Berry’s Fairground (2025) sees two sides to protagonist, Maggie (Lauren Viteri) – from a night out at the fairground to working at her county fair. But the pressure is truly on for Maggie who must follow in her family’s footsteps and win the Grand Champion title in pig breeding for the third time in a row. She must keep Penny (the family’s pig) in top shape for the competition.
Buses, binders, and backpacks mark the return to school for local students
Students head into Bromfield after hopping off the bus for the first day of school, Sept. 2. From left: Anino Babalola, Emily Stachnick, Louisa Coyne, and Lydia Coyne. Eighth-grader Logan Eanglee (left) chats with middle school principal Dan Hudder over breakfast in the cafeteria. Seventh-graders Thomas Jaram (left) and Evan Middelkoop review their class schedules. Second-graders Nina Kane and Natalie DiBartolo head happily, hand in hand off the bus and into school. Mrs.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Ubiquitous (2026) Review: An Endearing Tale On Unrequited Love
Written and directed by Masha Maroutitch, Ubiquitous follows best friends, Junior (Jerome Scott) and Nate (Jack Matthew) as they navigate a close friendship. Ubiquitous tells such a powerful story in just its 7-minute runtime. Produced by Opia Collective, this short is extremely well cast. Its two leads genuinely make us feel like part of their friendship. Set on a London estate, the film feels both cultural and real. But Junior wants to explore their relationship further.
Exclusive Interview: Cat White On Her Stunning Documentary ‘Swim Sistas’
We spoke to Cat White about her latest documentary short, Swim Sistas. In our interview for the 11th Femme Filmmakers Festival, Cat discusses bringing four generations of swim sistas together, the challenges of filming in water, what this documentary means to her and her subjects, and much more. Read our interview with Cat White below. Thank you! I love this festival so much, it’s a complete joy to be screening Swim Sistas with you. So the original concept actually came from a very personal place.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Swim Sistas (2026) Review: A Powerful & Sweeping Documentary Short
“I give and I take divine feminine wisdom birthright,” Oscar-nominated actress, Naomie Harris narrates the opening lines as Mami Wata, a deity and ancestral memory in Cat White’s powerful documentary short, Swim Sistas. Finding joy, healing, and connection through water, White documents the journey of black women swimmers across different generations. From the opening scene, the tone is set straight away and you know to expect a calming, rejoiced, and sentimental journey.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Scroll Or Stroll (2026) Review: A Mindful Short Film With An Important Message On Mental Health & Wellbeing
Brought to the Femme Filmmakers Festival 2026 from Swansea University sees student film – Scroll Or Stroll. Written, directed and produced by Ceri Gavins and Lita Segal, this story is told in one-shot with only a budget of just £30. The film achieves so much in its 6 minutes and 53 seconds running time. Scroll or Stroll is told without the use of dialogue and relies on sound and visual storytelling to tell its story.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Beam Me Up (2024) Review: An Emotional, Nostalgic & Timeless Story
‘You don’t know what it’s like to be born to do something.‘ Written by Joe Wills and directed by Roxana Stroe, Beam Me Up (2024) tells a one-man’s melancholic journey from being ‘the life of the party’ on his working days to being made miserably redundant. Set in a London Underground station during the 1980s, we follow Pete (Nigel Betts) – an upbeat manual lift operator who is joyously talkative to those travelling alongside him.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Dirt (2026) Review: A Bold Portrayal Of Motherhood
Abandoned and living in grief, Dirt (2026) portrays a mother’s fight to find her place amid the hard work and endless responsibilities of motherhood. Isabella Speaight directs this emotional and spiritual journey as the protagonist tries to find peace amongst the chaos of the everyday. Bel Fraser writes and leads as the mother alongside her child, played by Albie Fraser. Brought to the screen by Backscatter Productions, this short will make you feel many different emotions.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: Loneliness Doesn’t Come Alone (2026) Review: A Beautiful & Deeply Personal Story On Childhood Memories
Written and directed by Amanda Valle, Loneliness Doesn’t Come Alone (La Soledad No Viene Sola) (2026) explores a deeply personal story for this female filmmaker. We are positioned through the eyes of a younger Amanda Valle (Olivia Marie). She watches over her mother’s life like a passive spectator. But she’s invisible to her mother (Lia Briones), although not in an intentionally mean way.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: O Arhontas tou Ethnikou Kipou / The Lord of the National Garden (2025) Review: A Captivating Story On Love, Loss & Connection
What happens when a lonely young woman connects with the ghost of an upbeat young man? O Arhontas tou Ethnikou Kipou / The Lord of the National Garden (2025) answers that call. For writer, director, and producer Dimitra Tsialou, this fantasy-drama from Greece leads its audience into a romantically imaginative adventure. For protagonist, Theodora (Georgia Sotirianakou) she walks among the gardens.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: R3D@CTED (2026) Review: A Tensional Zombie Short Film
Zombies soon start to take over in student short, R3D@CTED. As part of the Femme Filmmakers Festival 2026 Student Showcase, this short film feels like a love letter to zombie cinema. It’s opening credits plays a reel of old footage. Grey, grainy, and vintage – the scenes show scientists working and studying the isolated organs from their subject – a deceased dog. Director, Georgia Wood chooses an old-style narration by a news presenter to provide a running commentary on the experiment.
Femme Filmmakers Festival 2026: En Mille Pétales / In Thousand Petals (2024) Review: A Beautiful & Poetic Story On Romance & Bittersweet Memories
Beautifully poetic and profoundly touching, Belgian writer-director of En Mille Pétales / In Thousand Petals, Louise Bongartz brings an emotionally powerful story to life. Powered by the art of stop-motion animation sees this world carved out of wood. It’s opening sequence showcases a beautiful white butterfly trapped inside a dusty kitchen. The beautiful creature flutters its wings until the female character comes into view. Her face is heavily detailed and carved out of wood.
Femme Filmmakers Festival: I Felt Like Magic (2026) Review: A Stunning Nostalgic Escape Into Childhood Memories
Writer, director, and producer – Emma Josephson adds a magical touch to this endearing short film, I Felt Like Magic. We follow best friends – Cam (Tala Fatemi) and Elise (Amanda Torquato). But their feelings soon turn emotional, nostalgic, and sentimental as they reminisce about their childhoods. Alongside director of photography, Duncan O’Bryan, Emma Josephson creates stunning visuals to represent the two leads’ beautiful dreamscape full of childhood hopes and dreams.
HollyShorts Film Festival: A Scent (2026) Review: A Sentimental Story That Leads With Compassion
A Scent (2026) celebrates its West Coast premiere at HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 held in Hollywood, California. Writer-director Johnny Russell alongside co-writer Archie Thomson brings to life a sensitive short film based on the true story of Joy Milne. Josie Walker plays Nancy, a Scottish scrub nurse who begins to detect a mysterious scent during a routine operation. But she soon discovers this is her miraculous extrasensory ability to detect disease or more specifically neurological illness.
HollyShorts Film Festival: Laundreams (2026) Review: An Enticing Short Film Full Of Magical Dreams
Writer-director duo Amber Gadd and Evie Ward-Drummond transform the monotonous everyday of a local laundrette into fun, whimsical, and pastel-coloured escapism in their narrative short and debut film, Laundreams. The film is part of the line-up for the 22nd HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 held in Hollywood, California. Laundreams is a showcase of the beautiful close friendship between its twenty-somethings two leads in the writer-director duo, Leah (Amber Gadd) and Minnie (Evie Ward-Drummond).
The Winners of the 11th Femme Filmmakers Festival
Filmotomy is excited to announce the winners of the 11th FEMME FILMMAKERS’ FESTIVAL. Opening on 14th August with the closing ceremony on 23rd August, the festival celebrates and champions the very best of short films from female filmmakers across the world. This year saw nostalgia takeover the narrative shorts selection from the dreamy ‘90s world of Jess Berry’s Fairground to the magical escapism of Emma Josephson’s I Felt Like Magic.
Holy Days: Joyous, Sentimental And Bittersweet Road Movie
Holy Days certainly isn’t the typical road movie. Set in 1974, three nuns embark on an adventure across New Zealand – something they clearly haven’t done before. Based on the book of the same name by Dame Joy Cowley, writer-director Nathalie Boltt brings an eccentric array of characters to the big screen. With a stellar cast of leading nuns including Sister Agnes (Judy Davis), Sister Luke (Miriam Margolyes), and Sister Mary Clare (Jacki Weaver), you would expect a fun thrill ride.
FTC Proposes Policy Statement On Personalized Pricing
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz are most popular: within Government, Public Sector and Strategy topic(s) with readers working within the Environment & Waste Management industries On August 19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is accepting public comment on a proposed policy statement addressing data-driven personalized pricing. The proposal is the latest development in an area that has quickly become a focus of regulators, lawmakers, and private plaintiffs.
HollyShorts Film Festival: A Scent (2026) Review: A Sentimental Story That Leads With Compassion
A Scent (2026) celebrates its West Coast premiere at HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 held in Hollywood, California. Writer-director Johnny Russell alongside co-writer Archie Thomson brings to life a sensitive short film based on the true story of Joy Milne. Josie Walker plays Nancy, a Scottish scrub nurse who begins to detect a mysterious scent during a routine operation. But she soon discovers this is her miraculous extrasensory ability to detect disease or more specifically neurological illness.
HollyShorts Film Festival: FarEye (2026) Review: A Sensitive, Emotional & Thoughtful Story
FarEye brings a sensitive, spiritual, and soft-hearted story to HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 in Hollywood, California. British writer-director, Hayden Mclean’s short film follows the transformative journey of Khalil from a young boy, played by Djamari Roberts to a man, played by reggae musician and two-time Grammy nominee, Jesse Royal. Set in rural Jamaica, Khalil’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
HollyShorts Film Festival: Laundreams (2025) Review: An Enticing Short Film Full Of Magical Dreams
Writer-director duo Amber Gadd and Evie Ward-Drummond transform the monotonous everyday of a local laundrette into fun, whimsical, and pastel-coloured escapism in their narrative short and debut film, Laundreams. The film is part of the line-up for the 22nd HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 held in Hollywood, California. Laundreams is a showcase of the beautiful close friendship between its twenty-somethings two leads in the writer-director duo, Leah (Amber Gadd) and Minnie (Evie Ward-Drummond).
The End of Oak Street (2026) Review: This Emotional Survivalist Science-Fiction Story Leads With Heart
David Robert Mitchell writes and directs this survival film which sees Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor attempt to lead their family to safety after their town becomes plagued with dinosaurs from a strange cosmic event. Transporting their neighbourhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family must become resourceful to navigate their new surroundings. In The End of Oak Street (2026), Hathaway’s Denise and McGregor’s Greg are suffering marital issues with a possible divorce on the horizon.
Raindance Film Festival: Arthur’s Empire (2026) Review: A Captivating & Unique British Crime-Comedy Story
Ryan J. Smith’s highly anticipated return sees the British filmmaker write and direct his latest feature, Arthur’s Empire (2026). Produced and released under Smith’s own Skint Film Company, Arthur’s Empire celebrates its world premiere at Raindance Film Festival 2026 under the ‘Narrative Feature’ category. Initially, Smith wrote the script as a crime-action crossover, but the fantastic cast unintentionally turned this story into a crime-comedy with extra personality.
Raindance Film Festival: The Killing Moon (2026) Review: Crafting An Interesting & Mysterious Environment
Writer-director Daniel Bogran brings mystery and plenty of twists in his feature debut, The Killing Moon (2026). This subversive psychological thriller sees its international premiere at Raindance Film Festival 2026 under the ‘Narrative Feature’ and ‘Horror’ categories. At a luxury mountainside retreat, wealthy couple, Olivia (Victoria Diamond) and Elliot (Ryan Caraway) attempt to enjoy their time away together amidst their endless bickering.
Raindance Film Festival: A Girl Called Alice (2026) Review: A Thrilling Short Film With An Important Message
Rising star, Tegan Grace Muggeridge leads the drama short film, A Girl Called Alice which speaks on London’s mobile phone theft epidemic. Writer, director, and producer, Tristan Loraine sees his latest film premiere at the 34th Raindance Film Festival under the ‘Narrative Short’ category (with Muggeridge co-writing). Even a cameo from Raindance Film Festival founder, Elliot Grove sees him fall victim to phone theft. The film has big backers too.
Raindance Film Festival: Life Goes On (2026) Review: A Beautiful Exploration Into Human Connection
Stuck in a repetitive loop reflects the monotonous everyday life in a hospice for emotionally isolated Bill (David Bradley). Written, directed, and produced by duo, Daniel Audritt and Kat Butterfield sees the release of their first short film, Life Goes On – a fragile portrait of what it means to truly be alive. This film celebrated its UK premiere at Raindance Film Festival 2026 under the ‘Female Gaze’ category. The story follows Bill who is a tough cookie and a hard nut to crack.
Raindance Film Festival: Animals (2026) Review: A Powerful Exploration Into Grief & Control
In this psychological thriller short, writer-director Maya Gray brings to life an emotionally thought-provoking and sinister exploration into manipulation and control in Animals (2026). Making its international premiere at Raindance Film Festival 2026 under the ‘Gone Astray’ Shorts Programme, Animals is backed by award-winning producer Michael Jasper. Quietly contemplating life, Zoya (Serine Sianosian) feels heartache and emptiness after her mother passes away.
Sunny Dancer (2026) Review: A Beautiful Coming-of-Age Story
This feel-good yet heartbreaking story of a summer chemo camp for teenagers holds a bold new standard for coming-of-age comedy-dramas. Brought to the screen by young writer and director, George Jaques, this drama certainly puts the audience through its paces. Expect sunshine, heartache, and tears from Sunny Dancer (2026).
Chum (2026) Review: High-stakes Shark Survival Horror Makes Waves
Newlyweds, Tina (Alice Eve) and Tom (Eric Michael Cole) wish to escape their wedding and embark on a seemingly relaxing yacht trip on the Mediterranean with their friends and family. But what they find is much more than the sun and sea. Directed by Jonathan Zuck and co-written alongside Joe Leone, Chum (2026) sees a couple try to survive their marriage amongst double trouble. With a story by Dick Grunert, Ryan R. Johnson, and James Kondelik, the group meet more than one killer on the water.
Over Your Dead Body (2026) Review: A Daring Comedy Horror
In a secluded cabin retreat, a married couple plans to repair their broken relationship in Over Your Dead Body (2026). But both partners hold the same plan and are secretly plotting to murder each other. Directed by Jorma Taccone with a screenplay by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney – a comedy sketch duo better known as ‘BriTANick’; this story is based on Norwegian comedy, The Trip (I Onde Dager) (2021) directed by Tommy Wirkola.
The Sheep Detectives (2026) Review: A Fluffy Murder-Mystery With Unique Characters
Enter a ‘new breed of mystery’ with the furriest adventure of them all in The Sheep Detectives (2026). Brought to the screen by the co-director of Minions (2015) – Kyle Barda sure knows how to direct a fun and friendly family comedy. Based on Leonie Swann’s 2005 German novel, Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story sees legendary screenwriter, Craig Mazin of Chernobyl (2019) fame pen this baa-rilliant script.
No Ordinary Heist (2026) Review: A Powerful Bank Heist Story
Colin McIvor brings a powerful bank heist story out of the vault and into the streets of Dublin in No Ordinary Heist (2026). Based on the real-life events of Dublin’s £26.5m infamous 2004 Northern Bank robbery comes a pulsating crime-action story co-written by McIvor and Aisling Corristine. Two leads in bank employees, Richard Murray (Eddie Marsan) and Barry McKenna (Éanna Hardwicke) have got everything to lose.
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