Past Event
Cannes to Soho
A Post-Festival Creative Social
The Ultimate Industry Debrief As the international film circuit concludes and the London scene gears up for a peak summer production season, SHY Films invites you to the Karma Sanctum Soho on Tuesday, 26th May, for a night of cinematic connection and post-festival inspiration.
Fresh from the buzz of the world’s most iconic film festival, join us to find the missing piece of your production puzzle—whether it’s a Director, Producer, or Lead Actor. This is your prime opportunity to move your projects from “in development” to “action!”.
ON THE CALL SHEET:
- Interactive Pitch & Connect: 20 minutes of high-energy sessions to find your next collaborator while the festival energy is still electric.
- The Creative Voices Panel: Featuring industry guests discussing the 2026 film landscape and the impact of recent festival trends on UK independent film.
- Underground Networking: Talk shop in the plush, velvet-clad heart of Soho’s most iconic creative hub.
- Festival Beats: Enjoy live entertainment from rising musical talent to set the mood for the summer season ahead.
When: Tuesday, 26th May 2026 | 18:00 – 22:00
Where: Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, 20 Warwick St, London W1B 5NF
Agenda
- 18:00 – 19:00: Post-Festival Networking & Welcome Drinks
- 19:00 – 20:00: Live Music: Festival Beats
- 20:00 – 20:20: Pitch & Connect: The Summer Slate
- 20:20 – 21:00: Social Networking
- 21:00 – 21:40: Creative Voices Panel & Q&A
- 21:40 – 22:00: Final Connections & Farewell Drinks
Tickets
- Early Bird: £6
- Standard Price: £12 Limited availability. Early booking is highly recommended.
🌼 Who Should Attend
🎬 Actors
✍️ Writers
🎥 Directors & Producers
🎶 Musicians
🎨 Creatives of all disciplines
🐰 Organiser
SHY Films
Independent film production company & creative community
Monthly gatherings | Live entertainment | Creative networking
🔴 Live Streaming
Streaming on social platforms (where available)
👗 Dress Code (Optional)
Spring Elegant • Creative • Pastels or a touch of floral 🌸
📜 Refund Policy
Please note tickets are refundable up to 10 days before the event.
The dress code is smart-casual
EVENT DATE
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Event Starts: 6:00 PM
Event Ends: 10:00 PM
Stay Tuned
Presenter
Ena Begovic
GUESTS
Ruhi Hamid
Oscar Nominated Director
Stephen Lennhoff
Director/Producer
Simona Lazarova
Paloma Siblik
Actor
Jonathan Hansler
Actor
Rob Marshall
Creative Director & Producer
Paul Chiedozie
Creative Producer
Martin Razpopov
Actor
emma dark
Filmmaker
Dale Reynolds
Actor
Makeup Consultant
Opal
Makeup artist
✨ GET EVENT-READY: 15-Minute Express Glow-Up Sessions with Opal ✨
EXCLUSIVE EVENT OFFER | Tuesday, 3rd February | Karma Sanctum, Soho
Opal Griffith is thrilled to invite you to an exclusive beauty experience in the heart of London. Whether you are arriving from the office or preparing for the evening’s festivities, Opal is offering 15-minute express makeup treatments to ensure you look and feel your absolute best.
Film Screening
**Event Announcement: Exclusive Screening of ‘The Country Gentlewoman’! **
SHY Films is thrilled to host an exclusive screening of the highly-anticipated film ‘The Country Gentlewoman’ at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel. Join us on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 7:00 PM for a cinematic experience to remember. The Film: A witty spoof of a primetime TV cooking show, directed by Hope Lines and Ellie Dinnes, ‘The Country Gentlewoman’ presents an unexpected narrative. It follows hostesses Arabella and Margaret as they blend unexpected elements, from wine to unique cleaning products! We are delighted that the cast and crew will be in attendance for a special Q&A after the screening. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Ellie Dinnes
Hope Lines
Performing Artists
Paloma Siblik
Singer
Cryptic Prophet
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Meershr
Singer
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Media Professionals
Marie Pecriaux
Videographer
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Tahra Sebti
Multimedia Producer
Chris Power
Photographer
Host
Ena Begovic
Harrite Olivia-Wilson
ORGANISERS
HARRY HAROON
RICHARD MICHALEC
Live and unmissable! We’re streaming the entire event live on our social media channels.
Disclaimer : Please note that the guests listed have confirmed their participation for Tuesday 26 May However, we cannot guarantee their attendance on the day.
Disclaimer : “Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image for social media and marketing.
Location:
Karma Sanctum Soho London
20 Warwick Street London W1B 5NF United Kingdom
Previous Event Highlights
Saie Surendra
Film Director
Independent Film Curse of the Influencers, Directed by Saie Surendra, Born from SHY Films Events, Hits the Festival Circuit
SHY Films is delighted to celebrate the success of Curse of the Influencers, an independent film directed by Saie Surendra, which originated from our Soho networking events. The film’s talented cast and crew first connected at one of our SHY Films gatherings — a space designed to bring together creative professionals from across the industry to collaborate and inspire one another.
In 2024, Curse of the Influencers premiered at a SHY Films event, giving our community the very first glimpse of this bold and thought-provoking project. Since then, the film has continued its journey on the international festival circuit, earning acclaim for its compelling storytelling and standout performances under Saie Surendra’s direction.
This achievement perfectly reflects the spirit of SHY Films events — fostering genuine connections that spark meaningful collaborations, and celebrating the creative projects that are born within our vibrant community.