The London Documentary Network (LDN) hosted its 21st short film competition in Shoreditch last week, solidifying its status as a key hub for nonfiction filmmakers in the capital.
The competition, titled ‘Doc in a Day,’ took place from 21-22 September and challenged teams of budding filmmakers to create a short film based on a one-word theme – ‘desire’ – in just 36 hours.
Led by documentary film enthusiast Paul Hulligan, the LDN has grown from small beginnings into a thriving community, boasting more than 3,000 members on its Meetup group.
Hulligan, who originally moved to London from Wrexham, reflected on the network’s significance: “For me, this event embodies London because this city is about finding your community.
“Back home I struggled to meet like-minded people who loved documentary film, but here it was easy and now I’m hosting events that draw 60-70 people every time.”
After the intense 36-hour production period, filmmakers reconvene a week later for a screening of their films, where a panel of industry professionals judges the entries and provides constructive feedback.
The winners are then invited to pitch a project to film production company, Spring Films.
This competition’s judging panel featured Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards-nominated director, editor, and producer Thomas Meadmore, whose work has featured on Netflix, ITV and Sky.
Joining him were Nic Guttridge, a BAFTA-shortlisted and Grierson Award-nominated documentary director and producer, and Figs Jackman, executive vice president for documentary film and executive producer at Spring Films.
The winning film, Being Xion, was produced by five strangers and told the story of a young trans woman’s yearning to be seen, loved, and accepted in a world where societal and cultural norms often cultivate feelings of isolation and shame.
The judges praised the film’s intimacy, insightfulness, and its ability to challenge viewers to think differently.
Julia Mariasova, one of the creators behind Being Xion, spoke about the deep sense of connection formed through collaborative filmmaking.
She said: “When you’re creating something with a group of strangers, you connect on a very deep level.
“By the end of the second day, I felt like these were my best friends, and I want to continue working with every one of them.”
The competition doesn’t just build connections—it also has the power to change lives.
Joe Lee, 44, now a professional filmmaker, entered his first ‘Doc in a Day’ competition nine years ago while working in IT.
With no prior experience, he made his very first film during the event.
“It wasn’t great,” Lee admitted, “but it set me on the path to becoming a filmmaker.
“Since then, I’ve had films shown at festivals, travelled the world, shot with big organisations, and now I lead a video team for a news site.
“To anyone considering entering, I’d say give it a go – you might become a filmmaker one day too!”
Beyond its short film competitions, the LDN also hosts social events and documentary screenings across the capital, fostering a supportive community for documentary enthusiasts at all stages of their journey.
All image credits: Oliver Halls
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