The London Film Academy Annual Showcase 2024 was a landmark event, offering an unforgettable experience for our graduating students by celebrating their achievements, preparing them for the challenges of the film industry, and providing a platform to hear from some of the most respected voices in cinema today.
The highlight of last year’s event was undoubtedly the captivating conversation led by Danny Leigh, renowned film critic for The Financial Times and The Guardian, who interviewed special guests Molly Manning-Walker, BAFTA-nominated Director and Cinematographer, and Ivana MacKinnon, acclaimed Producer and founder of Stray Bear Productions.
Molly won the Un Certain Regard Grand Prix at Cannes for ‘How to Have Sex’ (2023) and earned a BIFA nomination for her cinematography on ‘Scrapper’ (2023), which also won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize. Ivana, known for ‘The Descent’ (2005) and Sundance-premiered ‘Jonah’ (2013), has executive produced films like ‘War Book’ (2014) and continues to develop new projects while mentoring across film networks.
Both guests shared personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice, providing invaluable guidance for the next generation of LFA filmmakers. Keep reading to explore the key highlights and takeaways.
Molly Manning-Walker: From Documentary Filmmaker to Fiction Visionary
For Molly Manning-Walker, filmmaking started with a passion for storytelling through visuals.
Her documentary work was grounded in curiosity and a drive to uncover untold stories, a foundation that has shaped her approach to fiction filmmaking. Molly described how moving into fiction allowed her to delve into deeper emotional truths.
2023 marked a milestone year for Molly, with her projects, such as the film 'How to Have Sex', receiving widespread acclaim. She urged students to embrace the long and often unpredictable creative development journey.
Ivana MacKinnon: Producing Stories That Matter
As a producer, Ivana MacKinnon brought a wealth of experience and practical knowledge to the discussion. Known for championing bold, original stories, she described the importance of aligning with projects that resonate personally.
Ivana also highlighted the film industry's ever-evolving nature. She discussed how streaming platforms and global collaborations are reshaping opportunities for filmmakers, emphasising the importance of adaptability.
For aspiring producers, her advice was clear: focus on relationships and persistence.
The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration
Both Molly and Ivana emphasised the importance of mentorship and collaboration, sharing how these elements had been crucial in their careers.
Danny Leigh steered the conversation toward practical advice for LFA students, leading to some of the most memorable quotes of the evening:
Molly Manning-Walker:
Ivana MacKinnon:
The panellists also encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience, whether through independent projects, internships, or collaborations with peers.
Why Events Like the Showcase Matter
The LFA Annual Showcase is more than a celebration of student work. It’s an opportunity for graduates to bridge the gap between education and the professional world, hearing directly from experts who understand the challenges of the industry.
Danny Leigh’s interview with Molly Manning-Walker and Ivana MacKinnon was a perfect example of how these events can inspire and empower emerging talent.
Hearing from industry professionals helped our students understand that success doesn’t come overnight.
It takes resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the stories they want to tell. Molly and Ivana’s journeys, though very different, both highlighted the importance of perseverance and staying true to your vision.
Looking Ahead
As our graduates step into the film industry, they carry with them their skills and training and the lessons and inspiration gained from the Annual Showcase.
Whether they pursue directing, producing, writing, or any other creative path, their time at LFA and the wisdom shared by speakers like Molly Manning-Walker and Ivana MacKinnon will remain a guiding light.
Here’s to the Class of 2024—may their stories captivate audiences and inspire change.