Earlier this month we sent a delegation of filmmakers to the prestigious short film festival in Clermont-Ferrand. The mission –  to take part in the annual Clermont Talents Connexion, a programme designed to help up and coming filmmakers find information, inspiration, and industry connections.  We’ve been part of the programme for several years now and filmmakers who take part always benefit from the event. 

We talked to two of the filmmakers – Alex Lawther and Aleksandra Semkina – who attended, to find out more about their experience. 

Hi both, starting with the fun question – If you could watch one film on a loop forever, what would it be? 

Alex: TOKYO-GA by Wim Wenders

Aleksandra: It’s an impossible question! I’m doing the best I can and naming three: Nicolas Roeg’s DON’T LOOK NOW, Claire Denis’s BEAU TRAVAIL, and THE ASTHENIC SYNDROME by Kira Murtova

Could you tell me why you were first interested in taking part in the Clermont Talents Connexion 2025? 

Alex: The opportunity to take part in one of the largest film markets in Europe and to experience the slightly mythical Clermont Ferrand film festival.

Aleksandra: Clermont-Ferrand is one of the best festivals in the world for short films, so getting the chance to take part in Talents Connexion was a no-brainer for me. I’ve been working my way into the industry since graduating from film school three years ago, and this festival is an amazing place to get your work seen by the right people. 

Talents Connexion, especially, is a great opportunity to meet industry professionals, make connections, and hopefully open doors for future projects

What was your first impression of the festival and the programme?

Alex: There are teenagers queuing up in the cold for short films at 9am!

Aleksandra: I’ve never been to a short film event on this scale before—it was massive! Just looking at the accreditation list was overwhelming; it felt like the entire industry was there. And the programme? I had no idea where to even begin since I barely knew any names. But that was also what made it so exciting

What was the highlight of the event? 

Aleksandra: One of the biggest highlights for me was the industry panels. I didn’t expect them to feel so intimate, but they really gave a great chance to connect with professionals—not just those attending but also the ones leading the discussions. 

The best panel of the week for me was on short film distribution; it was both insightful and super engaging. And I just have to mention the German party in that stunning palace

What most surprised you about the Talents Connexion? Was there something you weren’t expecting? 

Alex: The generosity of the short film world – people are really curious about what you’re making and who you are, in a really open minded way.

Aleksandra: What surprised me the most was how approachable and open the industry professionals were. I expected it to feel a bit intimidating, but instead, the atmosphere at Talents Connexion and the Market was really welcoming.

Would you recommend the event to other filmmakers? 

Alex: Yes! It’s an excellent experience.

Aleksandra: I’d definitely recommend it. It’s an incredible networking opportunity to connect with producers, distributors, and potential collaborators. 

Being in that kind of environment really helps you understand how the industry works and where your projects might fit in. Plus, if you get the chance to pitch at a big event like this, it’s a really valuable experience that can help you grow as a professional

What’s the best thing that the event has given you?

Alex: I got to meet maybe 20, 30 festival programmers and hear about their festival – and speak to several producers about a new short I’m working on.

Aleksandra: The event really changed my perspective. I originally planned to self-produce my new short and go very low budget, but after receiving a lot of interest, things are starting to feel way more doable. I’m now thinking about finding a producer and applying for funding. Seeing how other filmmakers navigate this process gave me a clearer sense of what’s possible.

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