🍁 The latest with Holly Holdsworth - Autumn 2025

Hiya!

How was your summer? I was faced with six weeks of no work and so packed it full of self started projects instead. It was the kind of the summer I dream of; meeting new people, making films, family holidays, community events, writing, road trips and a bit of sun burn. And now Odeon have come to the rescue and let me serve popcorn for rent money.

The brilliant…

📹 I shot a new short film, Playback, with a wonderful group of collaborators. They’re the brilliant sorts who say “yes, we’ll make a film with a weird premise, with no money, on our precious free weekend”. I’m in awe of their generosity, talent and humour. The plan is to have the film ready before the end of the year and target some sci-fi/genre film festivals in the new year. If you have suggestions in that area would love to know them.

Playback ~ After years of carrying out revenge on behalf of other women, a female sniper must decide whether to reconcile with her past or continue her violent spree.

🚙 SWIF (South West Independent Film) went on tour across the South West. Marking two years since I started the weekly digests for filmmakers with a series of socials, screenings, networking and think tanks. It was a bigger undertaking than I realised at the beginning and the partner organisations were fantastic hosts. Thanks to BFI Network, Exeter Phoenix, Screams by the Sea Festival, FotoNow, Filmmaker Plymouth Social, Create Studios, All Set West, Shredenhams, Ric Rawlins and the many filmmakers who made it possible.

🥰 I got to spend time with the whole family in different configurations across the summer. As someone who constantly feels the need to be productive, these times are so precious and remind me to stop and appreciate who I have around me.

🌊 Fathom has a new poster! Long time friend, illustrator and writer Grace Westwood worked magic here. And she’s the latest victim in my plot to move all of my friends to the South West. Watch out, you might be next!

⏯️ Fathom will be screening in Bristol for the first time in just a few weeks. Part of the ‘Bluescreen’ short film night at The Cube Cinema on Wed 26th Nov. It usually sells out, so get your ticket quick. Would love to see you there.

The tough…

🤯 Trying to stay on top of stuff. Emails be flying, whatsapps be pinging, calendars be filling. I’m trying not to drop the ball on communications or accidentally leave someone on read. If that has happened, I’m really sorry.

The upcoming…

🍿 I’ll be at Aesthetica Film Festival in York next week, and will be a panel speaker at Sistaland Festival in Bristol. If you’re planning to be at either of those it would be lovely to catch up in person. (Had a great time as a speaker at Bath Film Festival recently too).

📹 Post-production for Playback is starting soon. It’ll be the first time vfx has featured in my work. Looking forward to growing my knowledge there.

📢 I’ll be First Assistant Director on two fantastic shorts next year; Roisin & Raela (a queer sci-fi romance which has an upcoming crowdfunder) and Text Me When You're Home (a social issue drama which won the IMDB x Bath Film Festival script to screen award).

🤔 Looking towards an online launch for Fathom in Spring. Trying to swot up on what makes a good plan in that regard (and making some embarrassing instagram reels in the process).

So that brings you up to date with me. What’s new with you? Drop me an email or text, or let’s meet in person in Bristol or at a festival!

All the best for now,
Holly

Where I am on the net