Leeds Filmmaker Network

16+

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.

For our next event, we will be joined by writer, director, producer Louisa Rose Mackleston. 

Louisa is an award-winning Director, Producer, and founder of Northern Fortress Films. She is a member of both the Queer and Disabled communities and advocates for equality in the industry by running accessible sets with inclusion at the heart. She has produced and directed over 16 films since Northern Fortress’ inception, in four different languages, spanning commercials, narrative, and documentary formats across the UK, Italy, and Japan.

Louisa is a Virgin Money Foundation Young Change Maker Fellow, TEDx speaker, and active participant in talent labs such as Screen Yorkshire’s FLEX Directors and Bradford 2025’s Producer Exchange. Recent work includes the BFI short Habituation and Surprise, Baby! (2024).

Alongside producing social impact documentaries at Tell Studio, Louisa is also the Co-Director of Bradford International Film Festival, using film to spark conversation, connection, and social change.

Additionally, the wider network will have the opportunity to showcase their films, pitch a project, or discuss ideas with the group. If you’d like to participate, please book an additional film/pitch slot when booking your ticket. Slots will be available until two weeks before the event. Once booked, the HPPH team will contact you with further instructions about how to submit your film, pitch or project idea. 

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Our Leeds Filmmaker Network events include:

Opportunities to connect with filmmakers and the wider film industry through screenings and talks, which are curated by us but in response to the network.

Open submissions to present your own films or pitch projects, reach out to collaborators or discuss ideas. 

Space to network with other filmmakers through facilitated discussions and Q&As as well as post event networking in our café area. 

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INDIs FILM FEST

INDIs Film Fest is one of the few film festivals in the UK dedicated exclusively to emerging creatives aged 16-25. Featuring the best in independent cinema and VR experiences, filmmaking short courses, and a dynamic annual film festival, INDIs is all about connecting young filmmakers with industry opportunities and inspiring the next generation of film fans. The INDIs is part of Leeds Young Film, which also includes Leeds Young Film Festival, a festival aimed at families and children to expand their film viewing horizons and gives children the chance to learn about filmmaking and experience the magic of cinema first hand. 

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.

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