Solent graduate debuts film at BFI's flagship LGBTQIA+ festival

Originally from Leeds, Liam studied BA (Hons) Film and Television at Solent before undertaking an MA in Film Production. Excelling at both, Liam is now promoting his debut feature film, A Night Like This.

The British Film Institute's BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe. Taking place Wednesday 19 to Sunday 30 March 2025, BFI Flare celebrates queer cinema from around the world, and this year Liam's film, A Night Like This, is one of just sixteen titles selected as part of the festival's Hearts programme; a series focusing on features about love, romance and friendship.

As director, Liam recruited the skills of five other Solent graduates to shoot the film. From BA (Hons) Film Production, Jack Fielder served as second Assistant Director and Will Slade as third Assistant Director; Evan Davies was Unit Photographer; and Aaron West was B-Cam Operator. From MA Film Production, Holli Burrows was the feature's Production Designer. On his time at Solent, Liam says:

"It was incredibly formative for my identity as a filmmaker, both as an undergraduate and masters student. Practically, every assignment I worked on enabled me to develop skills and knowledge that I used throughout every stage of production for A Night Like This.

"Simply put, Solent was the first step on my path to making this film and whatever comes next in my career."

This production, which utilised the expertise of Solent graduates, showcases the work-ready approach to learning and teaching at the University, while Liam's success so early on in his career highlights the talent emerging from the Department of Film and Media. Course Leader Film and Television, Dr Stuart Joy, says:

"We are thrilled to see Liam's work receive it recognition it deserves. His success is a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication that our students bring to their craft. We look forward to celebrating this achievement and seeing where Liam's filmmaking journey takes him next.

"Our programme's emphasis on the relationship between practical learning, storytelling, and industry engagement - alongside the partnerships with organisations like City Eye, which supported the production of Liam's film with crew and equipment - helps graduates like Liam make significant strides in their careers. We will continue to provide the tools for success for every student at Solent, enabling them to carve out their own path towards achieving their goals."

As a top performer in the 2024 National Student Survey, scoring more than 90% across teaching, learning resources and academic support, Solent's Film and Television degree offers practice-led teaching alongside networking opportunities and theoretical approaches. Like Liam, graduates go on to pursue careers in a range of roles within film, TV and media at iconic organisations such as Disney, Warner Bros. and the BBC.

A Night Like This is being shown on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March at BFI Southbank. Tickets are now sold out, and further releases will be available here.

Image credit: Evan Davies