Just found out that The Second Time Around has been ranked @letterboxd ’s 4th highest rated live-action short film of 2025
To have made a short film that’s reaching an audience is honestly incredible. Thank you to everyone who has watched and shared your thoughts. I’ve read every single review.
As a reminder the film is available to watch on Channel 4 in the UK.
📸 @rockersalmighty
THE SECOND TIME AROUND PREMIERE
Seeing it on a big screen, with proper surround sound and a full audience - it changed the film. Not just how it looked or sounded, but how it felt. In a way I can’t quite define. Ah. That’s probably the magic of cinema everyone’s always going on about.
Thank you to everyone who came along. Hearing thoughts and reactions to something that, until recently, only existed in my head was both wonderful and surreal.
Huge thanks to @regentstcinema for having us, our charity partner @mindoutlgbtq , @capturedbycorinne for the gorgeous photos, and the legend @kermodedodge for hosting our Q&A.
Very exciting things coming - watch this space x
The Second Time Around sadly didn’t make the Oscars Shortlist.
I felt like I should say something since (not sure if you’ve noticed but) we’ve been campaigning incredibly loudly and publicly. When we didn’t get it, I felt embarrassed at first. Like I’d failed in front of everyone. But I’m over that now. We tried. We took a swing! And it was always a huge swing! I’m grateful to have been in the conversation at all.
Luckily I know that the film and the campaign are totally separate things. There was a chance my overly critical brain would link the two and I’d feel like a talentless piece of shit. I won’t lie, that has crept in a little bit. But mostly I feel very proud of myself and grateful to every person who contributed their time, money, efforts, energy and talents to bring this film into existence.
And thank you to everyone who has watched the film on Channel 4, sent me messages about the film, left reviews on Letterboxd… it’s all very meaningful to me.
Let’s see what happens next.
x
Very proud to have The Second Time Around featured in Variety amongst this group of filmmakers.
I talk about how sketch comedy helped shape the structure, the impact of playing with tone & genre, and why casting really is the most important thing.
Variety has included our film among the front runners for the 2026 Academy Award for Live Action Short Film, with the shortlist announcement just over a week away.
🔗 link in bio
THE SECOND TIME AROUND | For Your Consideration - Best Live Action Short Film
“An absolute gem of a movie - strange and moving, with a fable-like narrative that gently draws you into its lovely melancholy heart.” - @kermodedodge
