Showroom Shorts to celebrate 100th screening with a day of screenings & celebrations

By Ryan Finnigan, Programme Manager

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Warner Brothers and Hollywood classics like Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last, but in Sheffield, it is the 100th edition of the popular monthly short film night at Showroom Cinema that is just as impressive.

The South Yorkshire Filmmakers' Network has been working with Showroom Cinema to host monthly screenings on Tuesday evenings since the event's inception in 2011. Showroom Shorts is now the longest running monthly short film event in the country and celebrates its 100th edition on Tuesday 18 April with a full day of activities, providing a festival atmosphere open to all.

For one exciting day, the event will take over Showroom Cinema. Showroom Shorts 100 will showcase many captivating short films spanning the event's history, from new films to back catalogue favourites, with tickets for the day’s screening priced at just £5.

Showroom Shorts has not just showcased the work of independent filmmakers but has also helped to propel their careers and the 100th edition will also feature insightful talks, special guests and a drinks reception for celebrating and networking. Filmmakers and industry figures will be in attendance to offer sessions and advice to the next generation of Sheffield film talent.

Directors Molly Brown, Scott Bradley and Natasha Hawthornthwaite will talk about their filmmaking careers, with television director Sam Donovan (Severance, Three Pines, The Crown) delivering the keynote speech. For anyone looking to get into the film industry, there will be sessions from the Spirit of Independence Festival and industry experts from the British Film Institute (BFI) will be in attendance, including Ben Taylor, Talent Executive at BFI Film Hub North.

Rob Speranza of The South Yorkshire Filmmakers' Network has programmed and organised the event since its humble beginnings. Rob says:

"I've been so proud of hosting Showroom Shorts over the years, and I've really enjoyed seeing the event evolve over time. There's an enormous audience for short films these days, with more and more people embracing the format - and I can't wait to celebrate the 100th screening on the 18th of April. It's going to be a very special event indeed - don't miss it".

Tickets for Showroom Shorts 100 are priced at just £5 for the full day and are on sale through www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/showroomshorts100