CenterFrame’s Industry Showcase is an Ode to Storytelling Diversity
An event where emerging filmmakers met industry leaders, celebrating bold storytelling and diverse voices in short film.
CenterFrame’s Industry Showcase took place this Tuesday in London and it brought together emerging talent and key industry figures for an event dedicated to celebrating short films. Five standout films, submitted by members of the CenterFrame community, were screened to an audience that included leading decision-makers in film and television.
Nearly 70% of attendees were industry professionals, representing more than 30 major companies such as BBC Films, Fremantle, Wychwood Media, Searchlight Pictures, and Signature Entertainment Films. The event provided a rare opportunity for selected filmmakers to present their work directly to those who can shape careers in the industry.
CenterFrame PRO Members could attend screenings and network for free, and filmmakers are encouraged to submit their short films for the next Industry Showcase in June. Now let’s dive into the five extraordinary and diverse short films screened at our most recent Industry Showcase.
We start off fast and furious with a hilarious three-minute animated film called No, I Don't Want to Dance!. Directed by Andrea Vinciguerra, this incredibly well-crafted stop-motion ironically aims to raise awareness of how dangerous dance can be, as its own synopsis reads. Showing how creative the art of filmmaking is, this short film perfectly sets the mood, making it an ideal opener to a great selection of films to come.
The second short film is an LGBTQ+ story of self-discovery that dismisses any preachy tropes we have come to expect from stories like that and focuses on the human experience. Going Down, directed by Aella Jordan-Edge, follows Eva, a sex worker booked for her first threesome. As she meets her coworker for the first time in the hotel elevator, they begin to form an unexpected connection. Beautifully acted and very subtle in the way it approaches queerness, the film also delivers a deeply introspective message with remarkable conciseness.
Following up, we have the unhinged and quirky Satisfaction. Co-funded by CenterFrame and directed by Bailey Tom Bailey, this comedy-thriller takes place in Georgian England. Lady Belinda Allendale insists on a duel against her unapologetic rival, Mrs. Verity Elphinstone, despite her friend’s pleas to reconsider. As tensions rise and insults fly—especially after Verity boasts about buying a new hat—they take their positions, aim, and fire. The drama unfolds in a fast-paced, sharply written story of friend rivalry like no other.
Next, we have the adorably sad Road Trip, directed by Natalie A. Evans. In this comedy-drama, mother and daughter set off on what seems like a carefree "Girls on Tour" road trip—filled with laughter, shared memories, life lessons, and spontaneous singalongs. But beneath the joy of their journey lies a heartbreaking destination. The emotional duality of this story feels like a punch to the gut while remaining heartwarming and deeply honest. It says a lot about the film’s ability to convey different emotions in such a short amount of time.
Last but certainly not least, we have the stunning science-fiction Bald, directed by Luke Bather. In only ten minutes, this one-of-a-kind piece of filmmaking takes us on a journey that is equally funny and heartening. The short film tells the uplifting tale of how the world's baldest man accidentally starts a moon-worshipping cult in a social club in South Wales. Does it sound crazy? Well, maybe because it totally is! One of the most unique stories out there, Bald is a testament to the most absurd and incredible places the art of filmmaking can take us!
We are extremely proud of the films selected, and the response from our audience couldn't have been better. Guests had high praise for the quality of the line-up, many vowing to return to its next edition in June. You can watch all of those short films on the Films Page on CenterFrame’s website.
After that amazing screening section, our Industry Showcase continued with an intimate networking lunch where the selected filmmakers, CenterFrame Pro Members and industry figures could mingle, enjoy refreshments, and potentially make their next big break. Now it’s your turn to share your short film with the CenterFrame community to possibly be part of our next Industry Showcase!