Realness With A Twist
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
Funding Futures Award Winner 2023
Iris Prize Youth Jury Award Winner 2023
Iris Prize Best British Nominee 2023
Film The House UK Parliament Film Competition - Nominated Best Director 2024
Bendigo Film Festival - Best Film Award 2024
British Short Film Awards - Best Short Film Nominee 2023
Independent Film Awards- Best Director 2023
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
