What’s on
DirectorsUKFestival
Celebrating the Director’s POV
Join us at the Directors UK Festival in London this September for an exciting and provocative blend of ideas, insight and debate. Or watch live online so you don’t miss out.
The day will explore issues from the challenges around creative authorship to cutting-edge tech, from the perspective of film and television directors.
The Directors UK Festival is a brilliant opportunity to bring directors together around the questions that really matter to us right now, how we protect and push our creative vision, embrace new technology without losing authorship, create opportunity in a changing industry and, above all, make work that connects with audiences. It’s a day to share ideas, challenge and learn from each other, and celebrate the extraordinary craft of directing.”
About the event
When: Saturday 12 September, 9.30am - 7.30pm
Where: IET London, 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL, or watch online
Programme
Keynote: Baroness Beeban Kidron
Director, Member of the House of Lords and author of ‘Users: How Big Tech Took Control and How to Fight Back’, interviewed by Directors UK Chair Karen Kelly on the topic of creative authority, authorship, and why directors matter in a digital age.
Panel: The Art Of The Impossible
Directors reveal how constraints, setbacks and seemingly impossible demands inspired some of their most inventive creative decisions and defined their career journey.
Speakers: Jim Field-Smith, Gilles Bannier, Tessa Hoffe; Host: Douglas Mackinnon.
Panel: Directing In The Age of AI
As AI reshapes what is possible, we meet directors using AI as a tool and co-creator to enhance their creativity and ambition.
Panel: The Stories We Fight To Tell
From protecting filmmakers in danger to navigating political, legal and commercial resistance, how directors have fought to tell the most important stories of our time.
Speakers: Jordi Wijnalda, Havana Marking, Karim Shah; Host: Marion Milne.
Panel: The Scene That Nearly Broke Me
Directors share the thing that nearly brought their productions to a standstill, what went wrong, and how they found a way through.
Panel: Reframing Reality — How Directors' Choices Change The Narrative
When audiences are numb to the news, some films cut through with stories that matter. How do directors shape raw reality into films that move audiences, challenge assumptions and linger long after the headlines have faded?
Panel: Make Your Own Opportunities, Don't Wait For Them!
With directing career paths under pressure, how are directors finding new ways to make work, reach audiences and build sustainable careers?
KEYNOTE: TBA
Tickets
All members are welcome at the Festival. Book your ticket below.
Did you know that Premium membership gives you access to a free ticket? You can switch to Premium for a Festival ticket included in your membership, plus enjoy extra benefits all year round. If you want to make the switch and get more from your membership, email [email protected].
Read our Event T&Cs.
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