We’re excited and honoured to welcome this year’s London Breeze Film Festival Ambassadors. From breakout talents already reshaping the industry to legendary creatives whose work has changed the way we see and tell stories, each brings their own connection to the world of bold, independent film. They’ve joined us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of London Breeze and to support our mission: championing emerging filmmakers, engaging diverse communities, and opening doors for the next generation of storytellers. Continue reading to find out more about them and their involvement in the 10th anniversary edition of London Breeze!
Chair of Film London and former Chairman of Film4, Daniel has been one of the London Breeze Film Festival’s strongest champions, bringing in some fantastic premiere and preview screenings. He has also run masterclasses, once with his documentary filmmaking brother John. Recently appointed President of Film at Lincoln Center, he is a veteran of the global film industry with decades of experience spanning production, exhibition, and the championing of emerging filmmakers. His leadership at acclaimed platforms - including Film4, where he oversaw award-winning films such as The Favourite, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Poor Things - embodies the same vision and commitment to nurturing talent that drives the London Breeze Film Festival.
Acclaimed actor, writer, and director Stanley Tucci has been a proud patron of the London Breeze Film Festival since its launch in 2016. A passionate supporter of independent cinema, Tucci has attended various festival events at one of his favourite venues, the Olympic Studios in Barnes. His long-standing support underscores the festival’s commitment to creativity and storytelling, and his patronage strengthens our mission to inspire and nurture emerging talent in film.
Legendary actress and director Vanessa Redgrave has been a cherished guest of the London Breeze Film Festival, taking part in several Breeze Q&A sessions over the years. Most notably, she joined us to discuss Sea Sorrow, her directorial debut, offering audiences a rare insight into her creative process and humanitarian vision. Her presence at the festival reflects our commitment to bringing world-renowned voices together with new generations of filmmakers and film lovers.
Acclaimed actor George MacKay, known for his intense and versatile performances in films such as 1917, Captain Fantastic, True History of the Kelly Gang, and The End, been an integral part of the London Breeze Film Festival since its very beginning, contributing in some capacity every year across the festival’s first decade. From Q&As to supporting emerging filmmakers, his consistent involvement has helped shape the festival’s unique spirit and sense of community. MacKay’s dedication to the festival reflects his passion for storytelling and his commitment to encouraging the next generation of creative voices.
BAFTA-winning actor Will Poulter joined the London Breeze Film Festival as a special guest in 2020. Known for his acclaimed performances in films such as The Revenant and Midsommar, Poulter brought his experience and insight to the festival, inspiring young filmmakers and audiences alike. His appearance highlighted the festival’s role as a platform where emerging talent can connect with leading figures in the film industry.
Alex Kayode-Kay is a multi-award winning, BAFTA NOMINATED director, writer and producer who trained at London Metropolitan University, graduating with a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree in Film and Broadcast . Armed with a passion for filmmaking & creativity, Alex also trained as an actor, performing for stage & screen. He directed and produced several short films, documentaries and music videos during this period. Among his credits, Alex has written, produced and directed the 2019 Edinburgh TV Festival New Voice Awards Best Pilot nominee, The Solution, and has written, produced and directed the historical/biographical drama The Ballad Of Olive Morris, which won Best Short Film at the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival and was nominated for Best British Short Film at the 2023 BAFTA Film awards. Alex's work has been screened and awarded all over the world, having played at festivals in countries such as Germany, Columbia, America, Italy, Brazil, South Korea and many more . Alex is currently developing feature film projects. He is also the inspiration behind and lead on the Young Black Filmmakers Fund initiative for London Breeze in partnership with TikTok and inaugurated in 2025.
"It's a pleasure to be asked to be an ambassador for London Breeze Film Festival, having seen first hand their commitment to supporting film and emerging filmmakers"
Louisa Connolly-Burnham is an award-winning writer-director-actress from Birmingham and founder of Thimble Films. A bold new voice in British cinema, Louisa is known for her emotionally charged, darkly sensual, female-led storytelling and her compelling presence both behind and in front of the camera.
In 2024, she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the breakout short film Sister Wives, alongside BAFTA-winner Mia McKenna Bruce (MUBI's How To Have Sex). The film won Best Short Fiction at London Breeze Film Festival 2024, and was long-listed for the Oscars and BAFTAs, as well as the BIFAs. Sister Wives went on to win 50+ awards at 100+ international festivals, including ‘Best Director' at The British Short Film Awards, HollyShorts, Sunrise Film Festival, The Shark Awards, One Fluid Night, and Brighton Rocks. It also took home Best British Short, Best Actress, and the Audience Award at The Iris Prize, sponsored by Pinewood Studios.
A passionate advocate for underrepresented voices in film, Louisa is the founder of Kulty, a safe and inclusive space for women, non-binary, and gender-queer filmmakers. She is also a member of Directors UK, WFTV and Cinesisters. In recognition of her creative achievements, Louisa was awarded a BFI scholarship to the Female Film Club, and served as a juror for the BAFTA x Rocliffe New Writing Competition. Her work has been featured in Variety, BBC News, Glamour, Collider, Deadline, Film Stories, British Cinematographer, Attitude, Diva, Pink News, Yahoo, Awards Daily, and more.
“I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the London Breeze Film Festival as an ambassador. It was such a joy to screen my short film Sister Wives at the festival. The atmosphere, the support, and the celebration of bold storytelling were truly unforgettable. Winning Best Narrative Short was an incredible honour, and I'm so grateful to be part of a community that uplifts diverse voices in film. I can't wait to continue supporting the festival and the amazing talent it champions.”
Maeve Murphy is an acclaimed writer-director whose films have screened at top festivals including Venice, Sochi and Raindance. Her debut feature Silent Grace was the UK entry for Cannes and named one of The Irish Times’ “Fifty Greatest Irish Films Ever Made”. Her follow-up, Beyond the Fire, won Best Film at the London Independent Film Festival, while Taking Stock was a Netflix hit after its Raindance premiere. Her acclaimed shorts - including the Venice winner Sushi and the multi-award-winning St Pancras Sunrise – continue to gain international recognition. Maeve’s multi-award winning short film, St Pancras Sunrise won an Honourable Mention at London Breeze Film Festival 2024, and this year, Maeve is serving on jury for the 10th edition LBFF.
"I am really honoured to be a new London Breeze Film Festival ambassador, as a film maker who had a film screened there last year I really enjoyed the festival which I felt was genuinely inclusive and supportive. They really treat their films and film makers with care. I'm also really pleased to be celebrating their 10 year anniversary with them and excited to hear about the 2025 programme. They have great taste in cinema!"
London Breeze is delighted to welcome Sundra Oakley to our roll call of Ambassadors in 2025. Sundra Oakley is a Jamaican-American actor based in Los Angeles and Paris, writer and producer whose screen credits include Washington Black (2025 Hulu/Disney+), Love Offside (2025), Bob Marley: One Love (2024 Paramount), Lonely Planet (Netflix), and the Audible Original Lovers Rock. A martial artist and multi-linguist, she is shaping the industry with a screenplay and documentary in development and her seminar ‘Inside Hollywood: The Business of Being an Actor’, guiding Jamaican actors on the business side of the industry. Her children’s picture book, Why Do I Get All the Kisses?, inspired by her son, has been translated into 22 languages. Off-screen, she’s a yogi and dancer who finds joy in the music of Peter Tosh, old-school hip hop, and plotting her next passport stamp.
“I’m deeply honoured to join the London Breeze Film Festival as an Ambassador, alongside such extraordinary company. It is a privilege to help support the festival’s inspiring and vital commitment to uplifting independent creators—especially those from underrepresented communities and cultures across the globe. I am both excited and grateful for what lies ahead and look forward to celebrating the powerful stories that will emerge through this remarkable platform.”
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