Film, streaming, gaming, TikTok, YouTube, AI… the way we watch and share stories is changing fast.
We are partnering with Playland and Artswork on Screen Culture NXT, a series of creative workshops exploring the future of film, TV and digital culture in Portsmouth.
The ideas that come from these sessions will help shape future Making Waves events and activities.
“More than half (52%) of 18–24-year-olds now rely on social media, video platforms and AI chatbots as their main source of news.”UNESCO, Media and Information Literacy
Get involved:
📅 19 September, 11am to 4pm
For young people aged 11 to 16
📅 26 September, 11am to 4pm
For young people aged 16 to 30
A CLOSER LOOK: VIDEOGRAPHIC CRITICISM 2025 – Young video essayists comment on popular audio-visual culture. Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television degree at Southampton Solent University and brought to you by Making Waves Film Festival.
Pixar’s SparkShorts project has offered something a little different from the studio’s usual polished feature films. These short films—made by emerging voices within the studio—often take on social themes in ways that feel more personal, more exploratory, and sometimes more daring than Pixar’s mainstream releases.
This video essay looks closely at how the SparkShorts series engages with ideas of social difference. From questions of identity and belonging to depictions of disability, marginalisation, and emotional vulnerability, the essay considers how these short stories give space to characters and perspectives that might not typically take centre stage in big-budget animation.
Rather than neatly resolved narratives, many of the SparkShorts dwell in complexity. They offer viewers a space to reflect, often using metaphor, fantasy, or pared-back realism to tackle real-world concerns. The essay explores how this shift in tone and style allows Pixar to experiment—while still holding onto the emotional core that defines its brand.
As part of A Closer Look, this piece highlights how short-form animation can open doors to different kinds of stories—and why that matters for audiences of all ages.
This essay is part of A Closer Look, a series of video essays created in collaboration with Southampton Solent University and hosted by Making Waves Film Festival. Each one offers a thoughtful perspective on a piece of moving image culture, seen through the lens of emerging critical voices.
A CLOSER LOOK: VIDEOGRAPHIC CRITICISM 2025 – Young video essayists comment on popular audio-visual culture. Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television degree at Southampton Solent University and brought to you by Making Waves Film Festival.
What is it about Pixar’s short films that so often leave us feeling something deep, despite their brief running time? This video essay explores how Pixar consistently taps into powerful emotions—joy, sadness, nostalgia, even grief—through compact, visually driven storytelling.
Rather than relying on dialogue-heavy scenes or extended plotlines, these shorts use simplicity, symbolism, and character design to draw audiences in. The essay considers how Pixar uses rhythm, visual cues, and carefully chosen moments to create emotional resonance in just a few minutes.
From early experiments like Luxo Jr. to more recent pieces such as Purl and Out, the video reflects on how the studio crafts experiences that feel intimate and universal at the same time. It also touches on how brevity itself can heighten emotion, making each beat land with greater weight.
As part of the A Closer Look series, this essay highlights how short films—especially in the hands of skilled storytellers—can leave a lasting emotional impression.
This essay is part of A Closer Look, a series of video essays created in collaboration with Southampton Solent University and hosted by Making Waves Film Festival. Each one offers a thoughtful perspective on a piece of moving image culture, seen through the lens of emerging critical voices.
A CLOSER LOOK: VIDEOGRAPHIC CRITICISM 2025 – Young video essayists comment on popular audio-visual culture. Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television degree at Southampton Solent University and brought to you by Making Waves Film Festival.
Short films are often talked about as stepping stones—early sketches for something bigger. But what happens when a short stands fully on its own? This video essay focuses on You Know Where to Find Me, a quietly powerful short directed by Sam Davis, and asks how the film creates emotional depth through simplicity and restraint.
Centred on Frankie, a young man with an intellectual disability moving into his own home, the film explores themes of independence, attachment, and the subtle tensions that come with growing up. It draws on Richard Raskin’s parameters for strong short film storytelling and shows how choices in image, sound, and structure work together to shape a compelling emotional impression.
Rather than expanding into multiple storylines, the film stays with Frankie and his mother, allowing their bond to take centre stage. Small gestures and moments—like a telephone call or a lingering look through a keyhole—carry real weight. It’s this focus that gives the film its strength: it doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does with care.
The video essay positions You Know Where to Find Me as a film that isn’t aiming to be a trailer for something else. It’s a self-contained story about love, anxiety, and learning how to let go—even if just across the street.
This essay is part of A Closer Look, a series of video essays created in collaboration with Southampton Solent University and hosted by Making Waves Film Festival. Each one offers a thoughtful perspective on a piece of moving image culture, seen through the lens of emerging critical voices.
A CLOSER LOOK: VIDEOGRAPHIC CRITICISM 2025 – Young video essayists comment on popular audio-visual culture. Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television degree at Southampton Solent University and brought to you by Making Waves Film Festival.
Marvel’s vast cinematic universe is known for its epic scope and iconic heroes, but what about the characters who rarely get the spotlight? This video essay takes a thoughtful look at how Marvel uses paratexts—short films, DVD extras, and other side media—to develop characters like Agent Phil Coulson in ways that the main films don’t always allow.
Through two of the Marvel One-Shots, The Consultant and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer, the essay explores how these shorts contribute to Coulson’s role in the broader universe. Drawing on theories of paratextuality and transmedia storytelling, it shows how minor characters can become more fully formed through small, focused stories that link different parts of a franchise together.
Rather than simply serving as marketing extras, these short films help ground the character in a more relatable, complex light. They also reveal how Marvel’s early experiments in transmedia storytelling used familiar figures to lead viewers into new corners of the MCU.
This essay is part of A Closer Look, a series of video essays created in collaboration with Southampton Solent University and hosted by Making Waves Film Festival. Each one offers a thoughtful perspective on a piece of moving image culture, seen through the lens of emerging critical voices.
A CLOSER LOOK: VIDEOGRAPHIC CRITICISM 2025 – Young video essayists comment on popular audio-visual culture. Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television degree at Southampton Solent University and brought to you by Making Waves Film Festival.
What makes a good video game adaptation? It’s a question Hollywood has struggled with more than once. This video essay takes a measured look at the 2018 Uncharted fan film and explores how it manages to capture the spirit of the games without relying on a direct remake.
Produced as part of the BA (Hons) Film and Television course at Southampton Solent University, the essay examines how the film adapts the tone, structure, and aesthetic of the source material while making smart decisions about what to change. Drawing on ideas from adaptation theory and Edgar Allan Poe’s concept of “unity of effect,” it shows how the short form can be used to distil the experience of a game into something coherent and engaging.
The video also considers the challenges of adapting an interactive medium into a non-interactive one, and how the filmmakers chose to work around those limits—through tightly edited action sequences, familiar character references, and visual choices that echo the game’s third-person camera style.
This essay is part of A Closer Look, a series of video essays created in collaboration with Southampton Solent University and hosted by Making Waves Film Festival. Each one offers a thoughtful perspective on a piece of moving image culture, seen through the lens of emerging critical voices.
The Making Waves Film Festival has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to cinema, seamlessly blending film with immersive experiences that captivate audiences.This year, the festival outdid itself with “My Favourite Cake: An Iranian Dining Experience,” held on March 29 at St. Simon’s Church in Southsea.This event was a harmonious fusion of film, food, and culture, leaving attendees with an unforgettable taste of Iran’s rich heritage.
Upon entering St. Simon’s Church, guests were transported into a Persian paradise.The venue was transformed into a beautifully designed garden space, inspired by traditional Iranian aesthetics.The ambiance was further enriched by the traditional Nowruz table setting, symbolizing the Persian New Year, which added a layer of authenticity and festivity to the evening.
The centerpiece of the evening was the screening of the award-winning Iranian film, My Favourite Cake (2024).The film delicately narrates the story of seventy-year-old Mahin, who chooses to revive her love life after years of solitude.Its poignant exploration of aging and loneliness resonated deeply with the audience, eliciting both laughter and tears.The compelling performances and unique storyline captivated viewers, making it a standout feature of the festival.
Complementing the cinematic experience was an authentic Persian feast, meticulously prepared by talented Iranian cooks from Portsmouth City of Sanctuary’s Kitchen of Hope.Under the guidance of professional chefs Soraya Hatami and Damon Hall from Taarof in Worthing, the menu featured traditional dishes that tantalized the taste buds.From the rich flavors of Kashk-e Bademjan (aubergine dip) to the aromatic Persian jeweled rice and the hearty Gheymeh (split pea stew), each dish was a testament to Iran’s culinary prowess.Refreshing beverages like saffron & rose iced tea and lime & mint cordial provided the perfect accompaniment, enhancing the overall dining experience.
As guests savored their meals, the atmosphere was further enlivened by a live performance from a talented Iranian band.The melodic strains of traditional Persian music filled the air, creating an immersive cultural experience that transcended the boundaries of film and food.The synergy between the music, setting, and cuisine transported attendees straight to the heart of Iran, fostering a deep appreciation for its rich cultural tapestry.
Beyond the sensory delights, the event held a deeper significance.Serving as a fundraiser for Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, the evening aimed to foster community spirit and raise awareness for refugee inclusion.The collaboration between Making Waves Film Festival and Kitchen of Hope exemplified the power of cultural events to bridge communities and support meaningful causes.Attendees left not only with enriched palates and hearts but also with a heightened awareness of the importance of inclusivity and support for refugees.
Reflecting on the evening, it’s evident that “My Favourite Cake: An Iranian Dining Experience” was more than just an event; it was a celebration of culture, community, and cinema.The seamless integration of film, food, and music created a multisensory journey that resonated deeply with all who attended.It’s events like these that underscore the Making Waves Film Festival’s commitment to extending and redefining the cinema experience beyond the expected, leaving no audience behind and making cinema relevant to diverse and marginalized communities.
As the festival continues to push boundaries and create unique cinematic experiences, one can only anticipate what innovative events will grace Portsmouth in the future.For those fortunate enough to have attended this year’s Iranian dining experience, the memories will undoubtedly linger, much like the lingering notes of a beautiful Persian melody or the rich flavors of a well-spiced dish.
Step into the world of immersive cinema with Pompey Dogs at Staggeringly Good Brewery—a live event experience like no other. On March 22nd, audiences in Portsmouth were treated to a bold and brilliant reimagining of Reservoir Dogs, blending film screening, live performance, and audience participation into one unforgettable night. Hosted by the Making Waves Film Festival, this unique live cinema experience transformed the Staggeringly Good Brewery into a gritty world of heists, secrets, and Tarantino-style drama.
The night of March 22nd is one we won’t soon forget. From the moment we began setting up—some of us as early as the night before—it was clear this would be an event like no other! The tech and event teams were hard at work, carefully assembling every detail, even down to painting the overalls for our immersive cinema performers.
By 6 PM, guests had already started to arrive, greeted by the sight of actors and actresses fully immersed in their roles, preparing for the night ahead. Under the keen direction of Bradley Barlow, last-minute checks and rehearsals took place, ensuring every performer was ready to transport the audience straight into the world of Reservoir Dogs.
As guests made their way to the ground floor to the bar, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, drinks in hand as they anticipated the spectacle to come. Then, just after 7 PM, the show began. The performers burst into action, engaging the audience in a high-stakes heist. The paintings—already stolen and hidden in a van—were dramatically brought into the main upstairs event space. The audience wasn’t just watching; they were part of the action, divided into groups and given roles to play.
It wasn’t just the performers who embraced the theme. The entire event and making waves film festival team suited up in black suits and ties, perfectly channeling the sharp, stylish aesthetic of Reservoir Dogs.
Then came the main event—the screening of Quentin Tarantino’s legendary film. With drinks flowing and the big screen flickering, the audience was fully engrossed, experiencing the tension, wit, and sheer brilliance of Reservoir Dogs in a whole new way. But the night wasn’t over yet.
As soon as the credits rolled, the performers reassembled in front of the screen, diving back into the action. The final mystery remained—who was the rat? The tension was palpable as suspicions flew, with the audience trying to piece together the clues. And then, at last, the big reveal with some screams—an unexpected twist that took everyone by surprise!
With the mystery solved, it was time to celebrate. DJ; The P!nch of Bad.FM took over, filling the room with ‘90s classics and Tarantino-inspired tunes. The energy was electric as the audience danced and soaked in the afterglow of an incredible night.
Huge thanks to Staggeringly Good Brewery for providing the perfect venue, Bradley Barlow for his incredible direction, the tech and event teams for their tireless efforts, and, of course, the performers, who delivered an unforgettable show. And to everyone who worked behind the scenes in the months leading up to the event—this wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Stay tuned for more photos—coming soon on our socials!
The Wave Makers Talent Day returned to Portsmouth on Friday 21 March at the Wedgewood Rooms as part of the Making Waves Film Festival, offering an inspiring showcase of the next generation of filmmakers and screen talent.
The event brought together students and emerging creatives from across the South to share their work, hear from industry experts, and build connections that could shape the future of their careers.
Hosted at Portsmouth’s historic Guildhall, the day featured the much-anticipated Future BAFTA Winners screening, highlighting short films from students at institutions including Bournemouth University, Solent University, the University of Portsmouth, and the University of Winchester.
Samuel Preston from the University of Winchester took home the Judges’ Award for Best Film with 25%, while Emma Heal from the University of Portsmouth won the Audience Award for Best Film for Autumn of Life—both receiving enthusiastic recognition from peers and professionals alike.
Best Film (Judges Award) “25%” – University of Winchester
Industry insight came from Alison Norrington, who offered a dynamic talk on the Business Builder Grant, sharing valuable guidance for creative entrepreneurs seeking to fund their next big idea. The day’s headline conversation saw Ben Cloud of Millstream Productions (event sponsor) in conversation with filmmaker Dan Pringle, exploring the journey from indie filmmaking to industry impact.
Best Film (Audience Award) “Autumn of Life” – University of Portsmouth
In true Wave Makers style, networking took centre stage—this time with a twist. Attendees enthusiastically took part in Networking Bingo, an interactive challenge that encouraged meaningful connections, with some participants proudly completing all three bingo cards.
Wave Makers Talent Day continues to play a vital role in supporting and showcasing the rich pool of creative talent emerging from the South Coast, giving early-career filmmakers a platform to shine, share, and connect.
The Wave Makers Talent Day was made possible through generous support by Millstream Production, University of Winchester, University of Portsmouth and Southampton Solent University and was supported by Kabuki Productions.
This year’s event cinema collaboration with Motiv8 was something special. For the third year running, we teamed up with this brilliant youth service charity to deliver a community-curated screening as part of Portsmouth Bookfest, and once again the young people made it their own.
The screening took place during the Easter holidays, landing just in time for National Literacy Week. After a thoughtful discussion at the Motiv8 youth hubs, the group chose The Book Thief—a powerful, emotional story set during World War II that centres on the value of books, stories, and words. Many had seen it before and felt strongly that it was the right film to share.
Together they planned every element of the event—deciding on activities, designing the welcome experience, helping with refreshments, and even running the raffle on the day. One of the highlights was a Blackout Poetry activity, where everyone was invited to find new meaning in existing texts. Several brave souls even stepped up to share their poems aloud. As one young person put it:
“I read out a poem I wrote. I enjoyed doing this and now I have done this a few times I am finding public speaking easy and would like to do more of it.”
Another young person, who helped document the day, told us:
“I enjoyed filming the interviews for the event cinema project. It was great to capture everyone’s thoughts and be part of the process.”
You can watch the short video they created below!
There’s something wonderful about seeing how each of these event cinema projects takes shape. Each year has had its own flavour, its own focus. And each time, the experience grows more confident, more collaborative, and more creative. As one participant summed it up:
“This is the third time we have done an event cinema and each one has been very different but all have been good.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Huge thanks to our friends at Motiv8, the youth workers who make this all possible, and most importantly, to the young people who keep showing up with ideas, enthusiasm, and heart. You’re the reason we keep coming back for more.
