Meet the cohort taking part in New Voices: Step Up, in partnership with Bristol AF Productions. Across four months, these screenwriters and directors will receive mentoring from one of the contributing mentors: Paul Holbrook, Sophie Reynolds, Dionne Edwards, or Xenia Glen.
Yas Haghighat (she/her)
Yas (/jɑːs/) is a Thai-Iranian, Bristol-based filmmaker whose work is deeply influenced by the three cultures of her upbringing. Combining observational realism and peripheral perspectives, her storytelling explores heritage, tradition and social advocacy. Her films capture quiet voices, most recently highlighted by her nationally recognised, BBC-featured series of short films on ‘consent’.
Harry Webb (she/her)
Harry is a Cornish emerging filmmaker, drawn to unvarnished human stories. She values community and creating welcoming spaces for people to get involved in film. She is currently developing a short she’s written, inspired by her experience of growing up on a dairy farm.
Mikael Techane (he/him)
Born and raised in the UK, Mikael Techane is a filmmaker and photographer based in Bristol, England. Inspired by the crossroads of identity, environment, heritage and culture – Mikael works to champion the untold stories of those around him.
Nat Wood Fox (she/her)
Nat is an emerging comedy scriptwriter and playwright. Having grown up in London in the seventies, she was inspired by her dad’s love for classic British comedy, particularly Laurel and Hardy. When not writing, Nat can be found volunteering at film festivals, combining her love of comedy, cinema and storytelling.
Archie Rowell (he/him)
Archie is a film and theatre director, writer and actor. Based in Dorset, he runs his own company, OffPiste Theatre, where his work has been selected for BAFTA-Qualifying film festivals such as Aesthetica, theatre that has been funded by Arts Council England and he’s created film commissions across the country.
Abi Peszel (she/her)
