Member Curators Screening 18

The Short Cinema believes that one of the most important aspects of any film is its audience—especially its devoted audience, those who truly take it to heart and serve as its champions. There is nothing more exciting than loving a story and having the opportunity to share it with others.

Our Member Curators’ Screening is an opportunity for three MyPhoenix Members, chosen after a competitive application process, to do just that: select films that they felt needed to be seen by a wider audience. From one group of cinema lovers to another, this anthology of poignant short films explores the full gamut of the human experience.

This programme will be introduced by the curators.

Running order:

Ruthless 2022 Dir Matthew McGuigan Ireland 13:08

The Eagle's Gift 2024 Dir Natalie A. Evans United Kingdom 12:42

Seeking Thomas 2023 DirJulia Lisa Zlotnick United Kingdom 3:32

P.E. 2023 Dir Daniel Colella United States 10:30

Wicked Dreams 2023 Dir Pablo Orion Tranchell United Kingdom 1:39

Six Winters Gone Still 2023 DirJustin Emeka United States 10:00

Release 2024 Dir Daniel Johns United Kingdom 1:57

Californie 2022 Dir Amy Campione United States 16:36

Content warnings:

This programme includes films which explore child loss, war and fatphobia.

Our MyPhoenix Curators:

Danica Zedan

My name is Danica, and I enjoy exploring intelligent and engaging ideas through film, literature, poetry, the arts, and theatre. I am a devoted grandmother and retired English teacher. In retirement, my days are filled with volunteering, participating in U3A activities, playing pickleball, visiting the Harborough Cultural Cafe, and enjoying coffee shops. Most importantly, I am a keen member of MyPhoenix, which has given me an incredible opportunity to engage with the Short Cinema Film Festival. It has been a pleasure to interact with Alex, Deon, and Jake, as well as viewing the amazing productions presented.

Deon Chung

My name is Deon, and I love films, especially watching them on the big screen. I am an avid film enthusiast, and the Phoenix is my favourite cinema. My favourite directors are Wong Kar Wai, Roy Andersson, and Eric Rohmer. I also enjoy music by the band Radiohead. Being part of the programming team with Jake and Danica has been a real honour, and I look forward to screening the films and participating in the rest of the festival. Working with Alex has been an incredible experience, and I am excited to see the amazing productions presented.

Jake Leonard

My name is Jake. I have always loved film and have been a regular at the Phoenix since it moved from Upper Brown Street when I was a teenager. I used to make short films, and have written reviews, articles, and interviews for online magazines such as Film Inquiry and Left Lion. I had a brief stint at the British Film Institute and have worked as a freelance theatre director at Curve, Nonsuch Studios, the Edinburgh Fringe, and UK tours. Recently, I was a programmer at Leicester's pub theatre Upstairs at the Western. It's been lovely to select this group of shorts from an impressive pool of applicants. Many thanks to Alex, Deon, and Danica for their kindness and insight as fellow programmers. I hope you enjoy the films!