Alix is a London-based British director with a passion for films driven by practical effects & lethal sound design, having grown up bilingually in Basel, Switzerland.

Her work has screened at festivals including Chicago International Film Festival, Brussels International Fantastic Festival and she was a recipient of the Raimi Productions Scholarship. She directed and sold her debut feature, toxic relationship body horror Kill Your Lover, in 2023.

The film played at festivals including Brooklyn Horror, FrightFest and Overlook and is being distributed by Dark Sky Films. Previous work includes the London segment of anthology feature Isolation, leech creature short Sucker SUCKER (which was released on Shudder and Alter) and crime short True Value.

“Having the legitimacy and backing of the Inspire Programme is exactly what I was looking for, as I move into this next stage of my career. With Kate Herron’s support and multidisciplinary experience, I’m looking forward to building towards a sustainable career with my television projects and sophomore feature film Umbilical.”

Website: www.switchblade-cinema.com/alix-austin

Social Media: @alix.austin

Anabel Barnston

Mentor: Laura Scrivano

Anabel is a writer / director based in London. Coming from a comedy acting background, her work frequently has both a comedic and tragic edge, pursuing narratives that tread the line between the two, in both short films and music videos. She thoroughly enjoys working together with actors, creating a safe space for inhibition and silliness.

Anabel’s shorts have screened at BAFTA and Academy Award qualifying film festivals. Recently, she has enjoyed working beyond the realms of reality with short, Robot Lady; an absurdist comedy exploring the pressures around motherhood and the decision not to have children.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this supportive network of Directors and I’m so excited to work with Laura and learn as much as I can from her. Her experience and insight on HETV thrillers and comedies will be invaluable as I approach the next stage of my career, moving into long form.”

Instagram: @belle_barny

Website: anabelbarnston.com

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/anabelbarnston

Dan Bronzite

Mentor: Richard Senior

Dan Bronzite studied photography and graphic design at art college before pursuing his passion for film and screenwriting. He has extensive experience in screenplay development and adaptation and has sold original scripts including Long Time Dead (Working Title Films/Universal) and “Brit-Listed” horror Do or Die (Qwerty Films). He has written, produced and directed several award-winning shorts including his latest All That Glitters starring Sophia Myles – a drama-fantasy about domestic abuse. He is now setting up his directorial debut feature and developing a slate of elevated commercial genre film and series projects through his Essex-based production company Buckle Up Entertainment supported by Creative UK.

“I’ve admired Richard’s work from afar for many years. I am excited to have his support through the Inspire programme and learn from his wealth of production experience as I move from shorts into directing features and High-End TV.”

Websites: danbronzite.com | buckleupentertainment.co.uk

Showreel: https://vimeo.com/danbronzite

Social Media: @danbronzite | @BuckleUpEntUK

Dean Charles

Mentor : Mo Ali

Dean Charles is a London-based, award-winning director originally from Birmingham. He is known for infusing relatable lessons into his storytelling and being able to lead a team and effectively communicate the program's needs with production, crew, and talent. Dean's versatile work spans genres from comedy to drama, often exploring emotional depth and conflict. His debut feature, Hard Time Bus, won "Best Feature" at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, securing North American distribution and recognition from the LA Times as a "Festival Highlight." Dean is currently in pre-production on his second feature film.

“I am enthusiastic about participating in the Inspire program and eager to learn from my esteemed mentor, Mo Ali while gaining valuable insights into both the business and creative aspects of the industry." 

Website: https://deancharles.co.uk

Showreel: https://vimeo.com/736642291

Instagram: @1deancharles

Ella Greenwood

Mentor: Ellie Heydon

Ella is a filmmaker from London whose award-winning, mental health-focused work has screened at BAFTA & Academy Accredited Festivals across the globe. Her variety of shorts have starred BAFTA & Olivier Award Winners, have been featured by the likes of Refinery29, Variety, Grazia and Huffington Post, and have partnered with a range of mental health charities. Her short film work has led to her being listed as a Forbes 30 Under 30, and a Women of the Future Award Winner, and she is currently developing her first feature. '

“I applied to Inspire to take the next steps in my career by getting a better understanding of HETV and to learn more about the industry as a whole, whilst developing my first long-form project. I am so excited to be mentored by the amazing and talented Ellie Heydon, and to connect with the other Directors on the scheme!”

Website: www.ellagreenwood.com

Instagram: @popsella

X: @ella_greenwood

Fabia Martin

Mentor: Bruce Goodison

Fabia is a writer-director from Dorset. Her background in documentaries informs her character-driven fiction, which seeks to find humour in the quagmire of the human condition. Her award-winning BFI film, The Rev, was shortlisted for Best British Short at the LGBTQIA+ IRIS festival, and screened on Channel 4. Her next film was a Straight8 finalist, and subsequent screenplay was runner-up in the NFTS/Disney Imagine Programme.  This year, Fabia received funding from Goldfinch for an independent documentary that follows a rhythmic gymnast with Down Syndrome as she prepares for the Special Olympics. Fabia’s currently developing a comedy series with 42, and a coming-of-age feature.

“I applied to Inspire to gain valuable experience and grow my confidence as I move from directing short, to long-form films. I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with the brilliant Bruce Goodison whose work, and attitude I hugely admire.”

Website: https://www.fabiamartin.com  

X: @fabiamartin

Instagram: @fabiamartin

Garry David Frost

Mentor: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Growing up in Ireland, Garry David Frost was fortunate to be immersed in a culture rich in storytelling and humor. This early exposure shaped his creative journey. Relocating to London in 2015, Garry worked to establish himself, balancing a career in visual effects production with a burgeoning career as a freelance comedy director. His work, such as the award-winning web series Beer Grylls University Survivor, has garnered acclaim online and on the festival circuit. As a VFX BAFTA-winner, Directors UK member, and Screenskills Leader of Tomorrow, he is driven by a passion for creating positive, engaging, and comedic narratives.

"JC has been a huge inspiration. Having grown up watching his films, it's surreal to be working with him. I am really excited to join this year's Inspire cohort, learn from him and my peers, build my network, and collaborate."

Website: https://garrydavidfrostfilms.weebly.com

Instagram: @garrydavidfrost

Hannah Berry George

Mentor: Simon Hynd

With a background in stand-up, improv and sketch - as well as journalism - HBG’s thing is comedy and documentary. With a focus on female empowerment, metal health, kink, same-sex couples and rubbish dads.

In the short-form world, she kickstarted her career with an ADCAN* award and her films have garnered tens of millions of views, been featured on NOWNESS, The Evening Standard, and Funny or Die, and screened by the BFI and other international festivals.

In the long-form world, she originated and directed HERSTORY - the first docuseries to be commissioned by MBC for Shahid, the biggest network and SVOD in the Middle East. 

She’s currently developing her next doc series with 823 Productions in the USA, and several comedy narrative projects in the UK.

“Simon and I were put in touch by Merman last year but I’m over the moon for us to be involved in the Directors UK Inspire scheme. Simon is a go-to for comedy in the UK and I’m excited for the oodles of wisdom he can impart, as we navigate my journey into HETV together.”

Website: www.hannahberrygeorge.com

Instagram: @veryberrygeorge

Jack Norris

Mentor: Saul Metzstein

Jack is a writer and director based in the West Midlands and London. Working across dramas and commercials, he focuses on crafting honest and emotionally gripping stories, often delving into nuanced topics through meticulously researched characters. His work has won a Royal Television Society award, been broadcast on Sky Arts and NowTV, and screened at BIFA and IFTA accredited festivals. He is currently in development for his first feature.

“I’m very excited to join Inspire. The programme’s support will be invaluable as I step up into directing feature films. It’s an honour to be part of such a great cohort of talented and inspiring filmmakers.”

Website: jacknorrisfilm.co.uk

Instagram: @jacknorrisfilm

X: @jacknorrisfilm

Jim Onyemenam

Mentor: Alrick Riley

Jim, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and now residing in London, UK, has carved a niche in short filmmaking, specializing in psychological thrillers and musical dramas. His shorts have gained recognition at festivals like the Southampton International Film Festival and Klipist. Balancing his career as an assistant director on notable projects, he continues to focus on writing and directing creatively ambitious narrative work.

“I applied to the Directors UK Inspire scheme to gain structured mentorship that will enhance my directorial skills, particularly in creating genre-blending work. This opportunity will help me refine my craft and establish myself as a unique director, with the specific focus of developing and refining my calling card short film.”

Website: jimonyemenam.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @jimonyemenamdirector

Lorna Nickson Brown

Mentor: Saul Dibb

Lorna Nickson Brown is a director from Birmingham, motivated to tell stories that make the world feel a less frightening and lonely place.  Although her stories are often set in bleak and impoverished worlds, she aims to portray the magic that exists in the places where no one wants to look. She is motivated to challenge hate and give people hope to continue in the most difficult of circumstances, demonstrating how strength, resilience and kindness exist within human nature.

Lorna’s goal in filmmaking is to explore the simple beauty and wonder of the world; in nature, in small acts of kindness, in togetherness, and having each day and beginning afresh. She wants her films to remind us of the richness of community and to help us feel the true marvel of life.

Lorna’s short films have screened at BAFTA and OSCAR qualifying festivals, including Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival. Her recent short film, DOG RUN, won the Breaking Boundaries Grand Prize Award at the OSCAR qualifying Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival and is now available on Apple TV.

 “I am over the moon to have the opportunity to learn from Saul Dibb, a director I admire immensely, as I take the next steps in my directing career into features and scripted TV.”

Website: lornanicksonbrown.com

Instagram: @lorna_nb

Agent: United Agents

Dog Run film: https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/dog-run/umc.cmc.qr7hcbq04gc68a7anjo7huen

Mark Chapman

Mentor: Fyzal Boulifa

Mark Chapman is a filmmaker based in Gateshead and London. Working fluidly across documentary and fiction, his work reveals urgent contemporary stories that move between naturalism and expressiveness, altering the shape of the real world into something disturbing and mysterious. Chapman’s award-winning work has screened internationally at festivals including Clermont-Ferrand, Edinburgh, Uppsala, Hamburg, Sao Paulo and Jihlava. He is an alumnus of industry development programmes at Berlin Film Festival and London Film Festival and has a PhD in Film Practice. His first photobook God’s Promises Mean Everything was recently released by Dewi Lewis Publishing and launched during Photo London 2024.

“The Inspire programme is an exciting creative environment in which to make the considerable leap from short to long form films. Fyzal’s features - Lynn + Lucy (2019) and The Damned Don't Cry (2022) – are two of the truly outstanding examples of British and international cinema in recent years and I’m delighted to have his generous support.”

Website: www.mark-chapman.co.uk

Instagram: @markchapmanuk

Twitter/X: @markchapmanfilm

Melanie Cura Daball

Mentor: Jennifer Sheridan

Melanie Cura Daball is a London-based director and writer of German, Argentinian and Syrian heritage. Her journey began in TV journalism and documentary filmmaking, working as the East Africa Correspondent for German news broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Transitioning into narrative filmmaking, Melanie’s work tackles complex human experiences through cinematic storytelling, noted for emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and authentically capturing diverse cultural, geographical, and social landscapes. Now focused on directing longer-form narrative HETV and her debut feature film in development, Melanie’s dream is to challenge on-screen prejudices and use female-led, genre films to surprise, move and entertain audiences.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Inspire scheme, joining this cohort of incredibly talented filmmakers and really honoured that Jennifer Sheridan has taken me on as a mentee. Jennifer’s truly a role model: as an inspiring director who crafts compelling narratives across genres, and also a supporter who uplifts her peers and mentors with great generosity.”

Website: mcuradaball.com

Instagram: @mcuradaball

Melanie Light

Mentor: TBC

Melanie is a Bristol-based award-winning, activist writer/director specialising in horror, and is currently working on her debut feature. Her short film The Herd has reached over 5M views on ALTER alone and was long-listed at Sitges. Her bold visuality is informed by her extensive background in production design. As a writer, Melanie has worked alongside Oscar-winning writers and producers, developing feature scripts with US partners. She is passionate about animal rights, intersectional feminism and LGBTQIIA+ characters and narratives.

Melanie is a member of Directors UK, BAFTA Connect, Cinesisters UK and the British Film Designers Guild.

“Being a very DIY filmmaker with a passion for making unique stories I have had to fight my own battles into the film and TV industry. Being part of the DUK Inspire mentorship scheme means that I can finally have the support and community I have needed to help grow and flourish as a film director.”

Website: www.melanielight.co.uk

Instagram: @misartressmel 

Nico Rao Pimparé

Mentor: Isher Sahota

Nico is a British-Indian director, with a background in theatre. He has directed eight full-length plays and is best known for his revival of Diary of A Somebody in the West End, which received ★★★★★ from Ryan Gilbey in The Guardian and was a total sell out. 

With no formal training or networks, he recently self-produced and directed two zero-budget short films - which have screened in competition at BAFTA-qualifying festivals won multiple awards. He is now a BAFTA Connect member and is currently developing his feature Love and other Emergent Phenomena, an absurdist sci-fi rom-com commissioned by the BFI & Film London.

Nico is also an actor, with credits on TV shows & films for Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITV and Disney+ amongst others.

“I am beyond thrilled to join this year's cohort and to be mentored by Isher. As a theatre director with very little networks and hands on experience in film & TV, The Directors UK Inspire programme is exactly what I need. Isher is a brilliant director and an immensely inspiring person, and I cannot wait to learn from him.”

Website: www.nicopimpare.com 

Instagram: @nicopimpare

Oz Arshad

Mentor: Tessa Hoffe

Oz attended the National Film and Television School's Diverse Directors program and gained recognition through Warner Media's Director Mentorship Program on HBO's House of the Dragon S1 for 16 months and mentored by Emmy winner Miguel Sapochnik. He’s an alumni of Directors UK BBC Continuing Drama Workshop. His romance short Opening Up (2024) and crime drama Mums the Word (2024) will feature at festivals including Holly Shorts, Aesthetica and Bolton Film Festival. In 2023/2024, his TV pilots scripts ranked top 3% and 9% of BBC Writers Room entries. Oz co-hosts The Director’s Take podcast and is part of BAFTA Connect.

“Tessa directs shows in genres I love. Her directing on BBC’s KIN and Crossfire is outstanding and look forward to learning about her work on Gangs of London Season 3. She has a long and strong reputation in the UK industry and I hope to download as much of her experience and knowledge as possible.”

Website: ozarshad.com
Instagram: @ozarshad, @thedirectorstakepodcast

Shadi Hamta

Mentor: Ella Jones

Shadi is a writer/director from the South East of England. She is currently developing projects across both film and TV, including an original TV comedy-drama with Calamity Films, and a feature film, The Go Back, with The Mark Gordon Company & eOne. A member of BAFTA Connect and Director’s UK, Shadi is working towards directing her first feature film, Lungs. 

“I am so happy to be a part of this years Inspire programme, and have mentorship from the brilliant Ella Jones. I’m excited to learn from her experience, and know her guidance will really help me in taking the next steps in my career.”

Simon Ryninks

Mentor: John Hardwick

Simon Ryninks is a screenwriter and director of work that is tender, funny and gently political. His debut feature is currently in production with support from the BFI and Ffilm Cymru Wales. Simon’s short films include Contractor 014352, which aired on Canal+ internationally, and The Plunge which was BAFTA long-listed.

“I am delighted to have mentorship from John Hardwick, whose expertise in blending comedy and drama aligns with my style and will be invaluable as I direct my first feature film and broaden my work into HETV. The scheme also offers an exciting opportunity to connect with other emerging directors.”

Instagram: @simonryninks

Website: https://theagency.co.uk/the-clients/simon-ryninks

Thom Petty

Mentor: Lee Haven-Jones

Thom is based in the Staffordshire Moorlands. After working as a hospital doctor in the NHS, he trained as an actor at LAMDA and has worked across film, TV, theatre and audio.

As a writer/director, he’s currently building a series of work about marginalised and LGBTQ people in rural settings.

His latest short film, Ticker, was funded by the BFI Network and shot on 16mm film. It has screened at several BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals and has won multiple nominations and awards.

Thom recently received early development funding from the BFI for his first feature.

“I’m very excited to be part of the Directors UK Inspire Programme and to have the chance to be mentored by the brilliant Lee Haven-Jones.”

Website: www.lostnortherner.com

Instagram: @thethompetty

Tia Salisbury

Mentor: Rosie Gaunt-Mathieson

Tia is a Bristol based writer/director with a passion for exploring off-beat comedy and life’s many absurdities. Working across scripted, branded content and music promos, her shorts have screened and won at numerous BAFTA and OSCAR qualifying festivals. She’s received short film funding from BFI NETWORK and Exeter Phoenix and directed additional scenes on the independent feature 'Game' due for release in 2024 (Invada Studios). Tia is a recipient of the BCG Pro Production Award, finalist in the Sitcom Mission industry showcase and was recently shortlisted for a BBC Comedy Bursary. 

“Rosie Gaunt-Mathieson is big inspiration and a generous creative soul. Pinching myself to have made the 2024 cohort with her as my mentor! Inspire is a unique industry scheme which has come at just the right moment in my directing journey. And as a cherry on the cake, excited to connect and learn alongside the other mentees”.

Website: www.tiasalisbury.com
Instagram: @tiasalisbury

Toby Kearton

Mentor: Azhur Saleem

Toby Kearton is a British writer/director based in Suffolk and London. Having graduated at the New York Film Academy, Los Angeles, Toby has demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker, crafting character centric stories with meaningful themes and topics, such as mental health among veterans, Type 1 Diabetes and the lack of funds in the creative arts. He is known for his unique take on historical dramas in the short form, interested in the exploration of morality during the fog of war. With  his award-winning shorts selected at both BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festivals, Toby is currently developing his first feature film and has recently directed the pilot for a proposed TV series.

“I am grateful to Directors UK in helping me shape the next stage of my career through this supported mentorship with Azhur, who himself is an alumni of the Inspire scheme. I am eager to learn from a director who has experience balancing a creative vision with practical constraints, something I am keen to understand better in realising my current ambitions of transitioning to the long-form mediums of HETV and feature filmmaking”.

Website: tobykearton.com

Instagram: @tobykearton

William Webb

Mentor: Ed Bazalgette

Working across genres, Will's eclectic short films have played at BAFTA-qualifying festivals including Best Comedy nominations at Aesthetica and official selections from LSFF and PÖFF Shorts. He was awarded the BFI Future Film Award for Fiction in 2015. His current creator-led projects include a feature videogame adaptation and a Welsh comedy-mystery limited series, both showing his interest in playful genre elements within bittersweet, character-led stories.

"Coming from an indie background, Ed's invaluable experience in HETV will be central to helping me break into scripted, and more broadly, building the skills & confidence to take on bigger projects."

Website: www.willwebbful.com

Instagram: @willwebbful