Liverpool is about to get a fresh, bold new addition to its creative calendar with the Sandbox Showcase—an exciting new quarterly event by Let’s Make Films CIC that celebrates the city’s vibrant emerging filmmaking community.
Taking place on Wednesday, 20th November 2024, at the Picturehouse @ FACT Liverpool, this event will spotlight ten short films, all crafted by first-time and emerging filmmakers from across the North West. But the Sandbox Showcase is far more than a film screening—it’s an interactive, community-driven experience designed to bring filmmakers, creatives, and film lovers together in a relaxed, engaging environment.
Celebrating Talent at One of Liverpool’s Best Cinemas
Unlike traditional film festivals, the Sandbox Showcase is about accessibility and celebration. There are no awards, no judging panels—just an opportunity for filmmakers to present their work at one of Liverpool’s most iconic cinemas, the Picturehouse @ FACT. Each film, lasting no longer than 15 minutes, reflects the heart, passion, and creativity that Liverpool’s filmmakers bring to the screen—often with limited budgets but limitless imagination.
In addition to the short film screenings, the event will also feature the announcement of the DIY Filmmaking Challenge winner. This month’s theme is Found Footage, and filmmakers were challenged to create films around this concept. The winner will be chosen and celebrated on the night.
Event Schedule
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM: Creative mixer in the bar. Grab drinks, catch up with fellow creatives, and meet the LMF team. Check out the Picturehouse booth to learn more about their events, or visit the LMF booth for information on upcoming events, to purchase some goodies, or to register your interest in future projects.
• 6:30 – 8:30 PM: The first Sandbox Showcase will feature ten short films from some of the best emerging filmmakers in Liverpool and the North West. Talks from FACT and Picturehouse representatives will provide insight into what these venues have to offer to the creative community.
• 8:30 – 10:30 PM: Post-screening mixer. Mingle with the filmmakers, meet other creatives, network, and discuss potential collaborations. Pick up your free cinema ticket from Picturehouse and find out how you can have your film showcased at future Sandbox events or begin your filmmaking journey with LMF.
A Night to Remember—With Special Perks for Attendees
Attendees of the Sandbox Showcase will also receive special perks, including a free cinema ticket courtesy of Picturehouse. By scanning a QR code available on their seats and joining the Picturehouse mailing list, guests will receive a free ticket for a future film screening of their choice.
Filmmaker Spotlights: A Mix of Rising Stars
The films featured in this first edition are as diverse as they are impressive, promising a night of cinematic variety and discovery. Highlights include:
• Fairview Park,a BFI funded short film that has travelled internationally and earned Daniel Grindel a Best Actor award at this years Iris Film Festival. Featuring James Martin (An Irish Goodbye)
• The quirky and heartwarming Chicken Girl, written and directed by Em Humble, which has support from BFI, Film Hub North, HOME, and Pili Mill Films.
• Tomorrow, written and directed by Thomas Elliot Griffiths, starring Jack McLoughlin, Karly Maguire, and Shaun Fagan.
• Jack McLoughlin is an award-winning writer known for his short film Are You Okay? which earned him Best Writer at the BFI Film Academy.
• Karly Maguire is a rising star, having appeared in BBC’s EastEnders and Hollyoaks.
• Shaun Fagan brings notable talent to the screen with roles in Boiling Point, The Responder, and ITV’s Malpractice.
Creating a Movement for Liverpool’s Filmmakers
For Ryan Whittingham, co-founder of Let’s Make Films CIC, this event is about creating a legacy for Liverpool’s creative community:
“The Sandbox Showcase is more than just a night of films—it’s a space where emerging filmmakers can come together, connect with their peers, and share their passion with a live audience. We’re building something here that we hope will become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s creative scene, and we want everyone to feel part of this journey.”
Through its workshops, mixers, and events, Let’s Make Films CIC is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to all. The Sandbox Showcase is the next step in their mission to foster a supportive filmmaking community in Liverpool.
Media Access and Interviews
Let’s Make Films CIC welcomes media interviews and behind-the-scenes access for journalists interested in covering the Sandbox Showcase. We invite the press to engage with the filmmakers, capture the energy of the event, and explore the significant impact of this platform on Liverpool’s film community.