NFMLA Virtual Conversation | FEMME (2023) and Feature Filmmaking

Join NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) for a conversation with the filmmakers of the feature film FEMME, which is in theaters this spring and premiered last year at the Berlin International Film Festival, based on the 2021 BAFTA-nominated short film of the same name. Filmmakers Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping will discuss the film and their process as both directors and writers, their journey with the film from short to feature, and advice they have for emerging creators.

This conversation will be moderated by culture writer, editor, and critic Shelli Nicole.

• About Sam H. Freeman:

Sam’s debut play SCARLET premiered at the Southwark Playhouse. He has worked extensively in television, selling his first original series UNMASKED to Freeform with See Saw producing.

He wrote the acclaimed third episode of INDUSTRY’s first season for HBO/BBC and has worked in rooms for THIS IS GOING TO HURT and THE POWER Season 2. He most recently developed an original series with Bad Wolf and HBO Max.

Sam co-wrote and co-directed the BIFA-winning, BAFTA nominated short FEMME starring Paapa Essiedu and Harris Dickinson, which debuted in competition at SXSW in 2021. He followed this up with his debut feature FEMME, collaborating once again with fellow filmmaker Ng Choon Ping.

The feature, produced by Agile Films and BBC Film, will have its world premiere at the 2023 Berlinale. Anton are handling worldwide sales.

• About Ng Choon Ping:

Ping recently directed a new adaptation of Miss Julie at the Hong Kong Arts Festival as well as Macbeth at the Bristol Old Vic. He has directed many lauded stage productions over the past decade at the National Theatre and, Royal Shakespeare Company and Young Vic, and he’s the recipient of multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his work.

Ping co-wrote and co-directed the BIFA-winning, BAFTA nominated short FEMME starring Paapa Essiedu and Harris Dickinson, which debuted in competition at SXSW in 2021. He followed this up with his debut feature FEMME, collaborating once again with fellow filmmaker Sam H. Freeman. The feature, produced by Agile Films and BBC Film and executive produced by Marnie Podos, will have its world premiere at the 2023 Berlinale. Anton are handling worldwide sales.

• About FEMME:

Jules’ (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) life and career as a drag queen is destroyed by a homophobic attack. But after a chance encounter with his attacker, the deeply closeted Preston (George MacKay), he is presented with the opportunity to exact revenge. Unrecognisable out of his wig and make-up, Jules infiltrates Preston’s life and in doing so discovers the lines of seduction, revenge and power are blurred.

• About the moderator:

Shelli Nicole is a Detroit-born culture writer, editor, and critic. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Thrillist, Architectural Digest, Roger Ebert, and others. She is also the creator of the newsletter Hi Shelli!, where she often explores the connection between herself and pop culture. You can find her on Instagram and her personal website. She currently resides in Chicago where she is likely watching Rye Lane on repeat.