We are teaming up with our friends at Hyde Park Picture House and Studio 12 to bring you an a new and exciting quarterly networking opportunity to help support and connect with aspiring filmmakers in our local region.
Whether you’re straight out of University, already working within the industry or making films on the side, we hope this event will be a fun, inclusive and accessible way to make new connections, find inspiration and watch some amazing new films.
Our first event will include screenings from two of our favourite local filmmakers, Gomolemo Nyakale (Goms) and Gage Oxley, followed by an in-depth discussion about their film, including what it was like filming in Leeds and working with volunteers, challenges encountered, processes involved, and working to a low budget. There will also be the opportunity to ask both filmmakers further questions.
We will be finishing off the session by handing the event over to you, with the opportunity to discuss and feedback on what you’d like the network to become and how we can collectively continue to support you as filmmakers.
Gomolemo Nyakale, known as Goms, is a South African-born director, editor, writer, and colourist with a deep passion for telling stories that amplify and illuminate authentic human experiences. Goms has developed a dynamic and tactile visual style, honed through his work as an editor on powerful short-form commercials and campaign films. One notable project, Hope for Justice’s “Give them Hope,” raised awareness about human trafficking and achieved the charity’s highest fundraising goal to date. His talents also contributed to the Charity Film Award finalist “A Call From Home” and music videos such as “She Says” by Michael Bird and Akin Amusan's "Piece of My Heart."
In 2023, Goms was commissioned by Sky Arts, Arts Council England, LEEDS 2023, The Space, and Studio12 to write and direct The Last Day, a coming-of-age drama set in the nostalgic mid-90s. Airing on Sky Arts in December 2023, the film follows two close friends on their last day of sixth form, grappling with the realization that their futures may take them in different directions. The coming-of-age drama recontextualises the iconic and nostalgic era of the mid-90s through the lens of a first-generation immigrant from India trying to fit into a world he's never felt he belonged.
Goms is currently in development for his next short film If You See a Whale Approaching, which blends surrealism with the same raw, gritty and northern edge that defined The Last Day. The film explores complex family dynamics and the profound emotional impact of emotional detachment. Promising to continue Goms' exploration of deeply human themes.
Film Still from The Last Day by Goms
At age 17, Gage Oxley founded a production company from their home on an East Leeds council estate. Over the past decade since then, they’ve found remarkable success with a range of short films, feature films, and television dramas centered on LGBTQ+ narratives. These works have screened internationally, won awards, sparked protests, and provided countless queer kids with the ability and opportunity to come out to their families. In July 2020, their six-part queer anthology series, "A Series of Light", premiered on Amazon Prime and, during the pandemic, reached over 51.8 million households in the UK and US. The series' extension, "Firelight", became part of the KS4 Sex Education curriculum, representing queer intimacy across the UK.
In the last two years, Gage has written, directed, and produced for Netflix, Channel 4, and Disney, while continuing to guest lecture at universities across the UK for screenwriting, directing and intimacy coordination. Gage is now preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their company, Oxygen Films, with an exciting new slate of projects.
Film still from Firelight by Gage
Studio 12
Studio12 is a digital media project for people aged 16–30. It provides free access to a production studio, training, and an industry panel of creative professionals. Studio12 is run by Leeds Central Library, the space houses a fully equipped studio with a wide range of multimedia, video, photography, music equipment and software packages. Studio12 membership allows young people to build bespoke portfolios of work that are tailor-made to the industry. We link with industry partners to ensure our young people are learning the current skills needed, and that their portfolios are in line with industry developments. Studio12 work will be showcased at live events in the city centre and to a global audience on the web.
Hyde Park Picture House
The Hyde Park Picture House is a nationally connected, locally focused community cinema, providing audiences with an inclusive space to explore and discover.
Details
When & where: Wednesday 2nd October, 18:00-20:00 (Doors open from 17:30)
Duration: 2hrs
Year: 2024
Country of origin: UK
Language: English
Strobe lighting: No
Content guidance: No content warnings identified
Header photo credit: Will Killen