FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
As a boutique festival, we have the honor of showcasing the remarkable works of talented filmmakers, musicians, and artists. With their creations now complete, it's time to celebrate and find inspiration!
On the #roadtobutestreet, we’ll feature insightful industry discussions and inspiring interviews, perfect for sparking meaningful conversations during our networking hours.
We hope you enjoy this year’s program.
OPENING NIGHT
THURSDAy 1st AUGUST, 5PM - 10PM
BEST FILM AWARD
[INSERT SHORT FILM TITLE HERE]
In every filmmaker's mind, the analytical left brain and whimsical right battle for control. [INSERT SHORT FILM TITLE HERE] humorously portrays this struggle, inspired by diverse cinematic traditions.
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Screening at: 17:30
Breakthrough FILM AWARD
Tipping Point
This story follows Luton's underdog journey, from a town overshadowed by larger cities to Premier League triumph, sparking change and inspiring diverse local efforts to reshape its narrative.
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Screening at: 17:43
BEST FILM AWARD
The Clogging
The Clogging, a heart-pounding horror-comedy inspired by Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, explores what happens when imagination takes over in an absurd, relatable scenario.
Screening at: 18:00
BEST FILM AWARD
Blind Spot
In this coming-of-age parable, an overconfident father imparts his unfounded wisdom on his sulking teenage daughter as they drive around the city.
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Screening at: 18:05
Dinner with a dead man
Dinner With a Dead Man is a short film that explores the story of a hostage and his kidnapper.
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Screening at: 18:25
Revolutionary
INTERVIEW
Tipping Point, Jas Nangla
'IN CONVERSATION WITH'
A look into the personal journey of the creative and how they arrived at this point in their career, their drivers and their north star (career aims)
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Interview at: 18:50
TALK
Festival circuit & independent Film distribution
Our Festival Director Benjamin panel discussion with peccadillo Pictures and Festival formula.
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Discussion at: 19:37
BEST FILM AWARD
Wild Animal
A successful woman finds an abandoned baby and is stalked by the mother
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Screening at: 20:10
BEST FILM AWARD
Opening Up
Reluctant dater Jas, played by Tamzin Outhwaite, kisses Adam, played by Gary Beadle, then slams her door on him. Despite admitting the date went well, she rejects him, leaving Adam heartbroken. Inside, Jas seeks peace but faces her matchmaking flatmate, Ben, played by Mark Weinman.
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Screening at: 20:35
BEST FILM AWARD
Ages of Man
An anthology fiction short where three men, oblivious to women's invisible labor, find themselves vulnerable. This comedic horror reveals their blind spots, questioning if they're being saved, destroyed, or replaced.
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Screening at: 20:46
THE LABOUR OF CARE Exhibition
Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Davinia Clarke - Home-Body
Printing Workshop & Q&A
Thursday 1st Aug, 18:45
Hat Factory, Beacon Lounge
Meet Davinia Clarke as she leads a workshop on Loving the Mundane: Mono-printing, also listen in on a relaxed Q&A.
Exhibiting Piece: Home-Body
Home-body explores the themes of identity and migration. It seeks to reconnect through the feeling of being disconnected as a third generation child of the Jamaican diaspora but born in Britain. Left to right artwork titles ('was almost home', 'untitled', 'Where Memories Reside', 2023)
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Isaac Florêncio
Q&A
Thursday 1st Aug, 18:55
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
Ceramic blending imagery and iconography from Jamaican life with Portuguese faience.​
Exhibiting Piece: Ceramic blending imagery and iconography from Jamaican life with Portuguese faience. Subjects encountered in Spanish Town, Kingston, Negril and Montego Bay. A collection of visual and text thoughts from friends, family and the memorable. Special places, poems and motifs. /// This albarello depicts a series of juxtaposed decals from Jamaica’s visual culture and aim to promote the cultural richness of a locale by exploring statements, advertisements, traces of the days gone by, the overlooked and a bit of the unseen.
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TALK
SILVIA LERIN ‘In The Making Of (The Luton Mural)’
Q&A
Thursday 1st Aug, 19:00
Hat Factory, Theatre
Exhibiting Piece: A multidisciplinary artist Silvia Lerin shares her artistic journey that brought her from Spain to Luton, to play a significant part in the regeneration of the town through her vibrant mural art.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Mac Melanix
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
The artwork represents our need to work on ourselves in order to care for others more
fruitfully.
Exhibiting Piece:The sculpture presents a large dark figure, removing pieces of themself and attaching it to a smaller person. Two other smaller figures are also present. All the small figures are white and smooth, with all having areas of darkness similar to the larger central piece. The artwork represents our need to work on ourselves in order to care for others more fruitfully. Parents who have not healed from traumas influence their children, which then echoes in their futures. The mirrors reflecting the scene continuously show that this happens everywhere at all times as a universal issue.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Alex Phillips & Friends
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
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Exhibiting Piece: The co-created patchwork blanket, inspired by personal exhaustion and reflections on family, healthcare, and 2023 labour strikes, incorporates quotes and lino prints from nurses and individuals with invisible disabilities, featuring historical protest banner colours and fabric craft to symbolise self-care as protest and highlight the hidden labour of care, intertwining rest, care, and protest ideals.
Hat Factory, Cafe MUSIc PERFORMANCEs from 21:30
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Revolutionary
Mi Angelo
Mi Angelo is a Nigerian pop, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter, who recently relocated to the UK. Alongside his vocal talents, he is a beat-maker and sound engineer.
Mi Angelo will be producing an E.P (3 tracks) created in collaboration with young Lutonian musicians.
MUSIC AWARD
Jerome Leon
Set Description coming soon.
IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN!
Friday 2nd August, 5PM - 10PM
Breakthrough FILM AWARD
Blue
A father-daughter relationship is tested as Dad drives Lucy to her abortion. As they confront her future, Lucy seeks answers from him, realising she must make her own decisions on this journey to adulthood.
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Screening at: 17:30
Tender Loving Care
In London, single woman Kalina, feeling isolated in her mid-30s, seeks connection by calling customer care lines, sparking unexpected conversations on life's meaning and city loneliness.
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Screening at: 17:50
BEST FILM AWARD
BEST FILM AWARD
Where We Belong
Drawing from Japanese Buddhist tradition, a British-Japanese woman cares for her mourning grandmother, reconnecting with her roots and discovering the close presence of her deceased grandfather.
Screening at: 18:20
BREAK: Creative Social!
Don't worry it's not as awkward as its sounds! We have a smashing social evening on the way, and hopefully it will have you breaking the ice.
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Hat Factory Cafe at 18:45
BEST FILM AWARD
Don't Mock the Donkey
A refugee washed ashore finds himself in the body of a donkey and captured by a man who tries to sell him for labor as a packhorse.
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Screening at: 19:35
PANEL DISCUSSION
Join us for an exhilarating panel that delves deep into the inspiring personal journeys of four distinguished creatives:
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Seb Whyte, an award winning director making waves in the industry. Having directed spots and films for brands such as Peaky Blinders, Sony, The OWO, World Health Organisation, Vodafone, Vidal Sassoon, Rambert Dance Company, MoD, UKTV, A&E Networks, NHS and Marriott Hotels.
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Darren Ellison, an international touring singer and composer. Currently on tour with Olly Murs and Take That.
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Jodie-Simone Howe, head of wardrobe for numerous acclaimed TV shows and films. Such as, Dreaming Whilst Black and Mr Loverman.
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Satinder Chumber, a Hollywood Special Effects Artist whose work spans Napoleon (2023), Cloud Atlas (2012) and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)..​
Prepare for an honest and captivating exploration of the highs and lows they’ve faced. Discover the challenges they’ve overcome, the pitfalls they’ve navigated, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned on their remarkable journeys. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into their world and be inspired by their resilience and creativity. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary panel!
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THE LABOUR OF CARE Exhibition
Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Sarah Leigh
Q&A
Friday 2nd Aug, 18:50
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
Overlooked challenges of care and accessibility in society.
Exhibiting Piece:
As a carer for my disabled son, I see daily that caregiving inherently involves advocacy, withresponsibilities revealing the often-overlooked challenges of care and accessibility in society.
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BEST ARTIST AWARD
Sew N Sew
Q&A
Thursday 1st Aug, 19:00
Hat Factory, Hat Factory, Factory Floor
This piece is dedicated to all the NGOs who deliver humanitarian aid locally and
internationally.
Exhibiting Piece: Who will care for Omar Mahmoud Hamad? Who will care for the displaced children of the world?
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Satinder Chumbers
Prosthetic Workshop & Q&A, 19:00
Friday 2nd August, Beacon Lounge.
Ever wondered how Hollywood brings its most fantastical creatures and jaw-dropping effects to life? Dive into the world of movie magic with Satinder Chumber, a Hollywood pro in prosthetics, and experience the thrill of creating your very own special effects!
Join Satinder Chumber for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hollywood special effects. Transform your passion into artistry and step behind the curtain to make movie magic come alive!
WORKSHOP
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Olana Light - Searching for a Place to Belong
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
profound link between women, nature, and identity, capturing the essence of
their bond through visual storytelling.
Exhibiting Piece: an artistic endeavor where wearable sculptures are meticulously crafted and self-portraits and portraits are captured through photography. This creative process reflects the care and attention devoted to exploring the deep connection between women, nature, and the environment.
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BEST ARTIST AWARD
Edward Smith - Grandad, how did you survive the pandemic
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
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Exhibiting Piece:
The piece reflects on the care provided by the NHS, and scientists who developed tests, and
vaccines as well as a reflection as a personal
memory of the time spent in lockdown.
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BEST ARTIST AWARD
Chris McKenna
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
Exhibiting Piece: My image beautifully captures a moment of care and introspection within the urban landscape, inviting viewers to reflect on the significance of taking time for oneself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing self-care and nurturing our inner well-being in order to thrive personally and contribute positively to our communities.
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Hat Factory, Cafe
MUSIc PERFORMANCEs from 21:15
MUSIC AWARD
The Looted Youth
is a solo project of Lutonian musician Ben Thomson who is currently writing and recording his debut EP. Off the back of a few local gigs The Looted Youth will be coming to Bute Street Festival to play some new and old songs before laying low to record for a while.
MUSIC AWARD
Farah Yahir
Hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich landscapes of Malaysia, Farah Yahir is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves together heartfelt stories and melodies that resonate with the soul. With a voice that captures the essence of emotion and lyrics that paint vivid pictures, Farah Yahir takes listeners on a journey through the tapestry of life.
SATURDAY - is a Vibe
SATURDAy 3rd August, 12PM - 10PM
Breakthrough FILM AWARD
Made in Luton
Made in Luton follows Sonia Chowdhury on a journey of what Lutonian's are making of themselves in their hometown. Following negative media portrayals, Sonia wants to prove to herself and others that Luton is not "the worst place to live in the UK
Screening at: 12:30
BEST FILM AWARD
Under the Blue
A bruised, hungry, and disillusioned police officer forms an unlikely connection with a grateful criminal during her late shift. Based on a true story.
Screening at: 13:05
Breakthrough FILM AWARD
NIA
Nia, a young black woman, is raised in the countryside by her white Grandmother. When she suddenly passes away, Nia struggles with her identity and desperately embarks on a journey to find her birth mother.
Screening at: 13:25
BEST FILM AWARD
Everything is out to get me
An abused housewife finds out that her ex-husband has happily re-married and has a newborn baby, but there’s more to his newfound happiness than meets the eye
Screening at: 13:50
BREAK IN THE DAY, 1 hour & 30 minutes
Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists.
INTERVIEW
Made in Luton, Azhar Suhail
'IN CONVERSATION WITH'
A look into the personal journey of the creative and how they arrived at this point in their career, their drivers and their north star (career aims)
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Interview at: 14:10
Gabriella Apicella: Script Surgery
The perfect session for anyone who has a script that needs some development or is polishing up ready for production. Join a round table with Gabriella and other creatives to elevate your scripts.
Workshop Time at 14:05, HATCH 1
WORKSHOP
INTERVIEW
Under the Blue,
Linda Ludwig & James Curle
'IN CONVERSATION WITH'
A look into the personal journey of the creative and how they arrived at this point in their career, their drivers and their north star (career aims)
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Interview at: 14:35
TALK
The T A P E Collective
We are thrilled to welcome a new guest speaker to Bute Street Festival! Meet the T A P E Collective, nearly a decade in the business. They will discuss their work in events that blend film, art, music, and talks, with a focus on representation, identity, and heritage, bringing exciting screenings to new audiences.
Discussion at 15:30, Theatre
THE LABOUR OF CARE Exhibition
Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists.
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BEST ARTIST AWARD
Ehireme Omoaka
Spoken word performance with Q&A Saturday 3rd Aug, 14:10
Hat Factory, CAFE
Grandma's Footsteps
There is an admiration of doing for others selflessly, here are characteristics of such a person over shadowed by the mourning of their offspring.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Jaixia Blue
Workshop and Q&A Saturday 3rd Aug, 14:30
Hat Factory, Beacon Lounge
Meet Jaixia as she leads a workshop on Meditative Collage, also listen in on a relaxed Q&A.
Exhibiting Piece:
Jigsaw Heritage
Through her printed textile artworks, Jaixia Blue reflects on her grandmother's journey from Jamaica to London during the Windrush period, exploring their relationship and shared heritage through fragmented memories and handwritten musings
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Andrew Pettigrew
Q&A Saturday 3rd Aug, 17:10
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
Exhibiting Piece:
It shows my character 'Ugly Boy' , going through the process of falling away from God. Then being reconciled and restored through Jesus Christ.
BEST ARTIST AWARD
Mary Hearne
Q&A Saturday 3rd Aug, 17:20
Hat Factory, Factory Floor
Exhibiting Piece:
The project highlights the hidden efforts of caregivers through creative well-being workshops with young carers and NHS staff, culminating in a piece inspired by these
interactions and Hearne's personal experiences as an unpaid carer.
Hat Factory, Cafe
MUSIc PERFORMANCEs from 21:15
Joel Starr
Joel Star is a versatile artist from Trinidad and Tobago who delivers on every track. He uses wordplay to explain his experiences in a slightly esoteric manner.
He creates flows with that excites his listeners with energy that one can feel from his voice. Inspiration comes from the desire of being better than himself and of course, artists such as; Big L, Biggie Small, Slick Rick and Eminem who has shaped this lyrical enigma.
If you want to know Joel Star, take a trip on his journey through his universe.
MUSIC AWARD
Fready
Fready is a British-Ghanaian artist currently based in Luton. His music has a very unique sound which he names ‘Nzema’ as he delves into different genres but has a very heavy west-African influence to it. Songs like ‘Nana Nyamenle’ showing a very calm afro-beats vibe and then songs like ‘Ignorant’ which has more of an upbeat afro-drill vibe to it.
Going back and forth from Ghana to the UK, Fready has had an array of mixes to culture as he spent half his life in the Western Region of Ghana and the other half in the Southeastern part of London which he makes sure to show this in his music; mixing pidgin with London slang and Ghanaian words with English making it easy for people who aren’t even Ghanaian to pronounce.
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LDEEA
Set Description coming soon.
MUSIC AWARD
Revolutionary
BEST FILM AWARD
I Don't Need Adult Conversation
A new mother dotes on her baby by day, but discovers dark feelings stirring up inside her at night. This hybrid doc explores the shadow side of motherhood which remains taboo in our culture.
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Screening at: 16:00
BEST FILM AWARD
COPE
Liam has 6 weeks to live. No one knows. Not his colleagues. Not his friends. Not even his wife. But as the indignities that make up a life mount up, he just counts the days down.
Screening at: 16:20
BEST FILM AWARD
Mother Daughter
A mother and daughter explore the dynamics of finding love and their turbulent relationship.
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Screening at: 16:27
BEST FILM AWARD
Salma
After a night out clubbing, a young Londoner returns home to find her building engulfed in flames and her family missing. Through a friendship with a fellow survivor, she finds the strength to deal with her grief and move on with her life.
Screening at: 17:30
BEST FILM AWARD
Essex Girls
Flipping the "Essex Girl" trope, this coming-of-age film explores Black British girlhood and magical female friendships in 2009 Essex.
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Screening at: 18:20
BEST FILM AWARD
Unconditional
In the captivating 15-minute short documentary "Unleashed," renowned canine behaviorist Will Atherton's life dramatically changes when his dog saves him from depression and a suicide attempt, showcasing love's extraordinary power.
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Screening at: 18:25
TALK
Return of Festival Friend Koby Adom
We are fortunate to welcome Koby to Luton for an inspiring discussion on forging a successful directing career and maintaining creative momentum. His insights promise to enlighten and motivate aspiring filmmakers and creatives alike.
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Discussion at: 18:10
