Mental Health Is Not Up for Negotiation

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Too often, the creative industries demand everything — long hours, relentless hustle, constant availability — at the expense of our wellbeing. But mental health isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s non-negotiable.

This essential session brings together voices leading the change, challenging toxic norms and exploring how we can build healthier, more sustainable ways of working — without losing our creative spark.

Join Abbie Hills (Access Coordinator + Disability Advocate) and Katie Barnett (Social Strategist + Founder of OUTSIDE INSIDE), Helena Korner (Documentary Producer + Integrative Arts Psychotherapist + Ops Manager at Film In Mind), Sabrina Dallot Seguro (Intimacy Coordinator and Behavioural and Recovery Coach).

As they open up about boundaries, burnout, and the real work of protecting your peace in an industry that thrives on overwork.

For anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to sacrifice their wellbeing just to stay in the game - this one’s for you.

Fail Big, Bounce Hard

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Failure is inevitable in the creative industries—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, the biggest stumbles often spark the boldest comebacks.

This unapologetic session explores the power of failure as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and reinvention. Expect raw honesty, laughter, and hard-won lessons on how to survive the lows, learn from them, and bounce back stronger.

Featuring Emma Ahlert (Founder of Elsie), Temi Wilkey (Writer, Actor + Director of Main Character Energy), Holly Holdsworth (Writer, Director + Founder of South West Independent Film), Cindy Kramer (Creative Director of Finders Keepers Music).

This conversation will remind you that “failure” isn’t a dirty word - it’s part of the process.

Build the Shit You Want to See

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

Tired of waiting for permission? This session is about rolling up your sleeves and creating the films, businesses, collectives, and opportunities you wish already existed. It’s for the rebels, the innovators, and the doers who know that if we want change, we have to build it ourselves.

Hosted by Lois (SHORTIES), with Sara Harrak (British-Moroccan Writer and Director), Shannon George (professionally known as Shantí, (Founder and CEO of Brownstone Studios), Comfort Arthur (British-born Ghanaian award-winning animator, illustrator and visual artist).

This conversation will dig into the highs, lows, and practical realities of making your own lane. From crowdfunding to creative resilience, expect sharp insights and raw honesty.

Proudly sponsored by SHORTIES, this panel is a rallying cry to stop waiting and start building.

Pitch Without Permission

A Panel Discussion with Q&A

The traditional pitching process is broken—too often shutting out women and underrepresented talent before the conversation even begins. But what happens when we stop waiting for permission, and start telling our stories on our own terms?

This empowering session flips the script on how to share your vision, land opportunities, and stand out without diluting who you are. Expect real-world strategies, confidence-building tools, and unapologetic honesty about navigating rejection, bias, and the power dynamics at play.

With Amanda Graham (Writer, Script Editor + Public Speaker), Vanessa Coates (Series Producer with a strong track record in Wildlife, Adventure and Live TV), Eliza Hatch (Photographer, Activist, Speaker + Founder of Cheer Up Luv), Temi Wilkey (Writer, Actor + Director of Main Character Energy).