Realness With A Twist

A black man stands with his eyes closed. Behind him, a pair of black arms from a dancer swirl over his head. Behind, judges hold up scoreboards of 10. Realness With A Twist is written in pink above. — A short film follows a young talented footballer called Simon, who’s secret passion for voguing collides with his teammates disapproval- until his best friend Les pushes him to reach out of his comfort zone to be who he truly is. Championing LGBTQ+ representation in football and championing the bravery it takes to be authentically yourself. This is Jo’s third collaboration with **Cassandra Virdee**.
Realness premiered at the BFI and screened on Channel 4. **It’s available via Channel 4 on demand.**
***Film4 and Channel 4 world premiere*** *2023*
***WINNER*** *FUNDING FUTURES AWARD 2023*
***WINNER*** *IRIS PRIZE YOUTH JURY AWARD 2023*
***WINNER*** *BEST FILM AWARD*- *BENDIGO FILM FESTIVAL 2024*
***WINNER*** *BEST DIRECTOR- INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS 2023*
***NOMINEE*** *BEST SHORT FILM- BRITISH SHORT FILM AWARDS 2023*
***NOMINEE*** *IRIS PRIZE BEST BRITISH 2023*
***NOMINEE*** *BEST DIRECTOR- FILM THE HOUSE UK PARLIAMENT FILM COMPETITION 24*

Long Beach QFilm Festival 2024
Queer Rhapsody Film Festival 2024
Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival 2024
London Independent Film Festival 2024
Rainbow Visions Film Festival 2024
Out Film, Connecticut LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2024
Roze Film Festival Amsterdam LGBTQ+ 2024
C/O Pop Festival Cologne 2024
Football Pride Manchester 2023
Bolton Film Festival 2023
Palm Springs Short Fest 2024
Out On Film Atlanta's LGBTQ Film Festival 2024