I am beyond thrilled to announce that Whispers: Waves of the Diary has reached the semi-finals at the Chicago Filmmaker Awards (Cifawards)! 🌟 This is an exciting milestone for my short film and an honour that connects me to a rich history of creativity and cinematic storytelling in one of America’s most iconic cities.

The Chicago Filmmaker Awards are inspired by Chicago’s historic role as a hub for motion picture production, a place where the film industry thrived long before Hollywood rose to prominence. In the early 1900s, Chicago was home to a significant number of production companies and filmmakers, making it a central hub for the American film industry. Though this prominence declined in the 1920s, the city’s film scene experienced a revival in the 1980s and continues to flourish today. Chicago has been the backdrop for numerous blockbusters, including The Blues Brothers, Sixteen Candles, and The Dark Knight, which all contributed to the city’s filmmaking renaissance.

The mission of the Chicago Filmmaker Awards is to recognise and reward the talents of independent filmmakers who are creating impactful works that are often underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood. Whether it’s behind the camera or in front of it, the festival provides a platform for diverse voices and unique stories that deserve to be seen. Cifawards offers a seasonal awards format, promoting the best films through social media and its official website, and hosts live screenings throughout the year.

Being selected as a semi-finalist is a tremendous honour for me. It means that the vision and creativity behind Whispers: Waves of the Diary are being acknowledged by an esteemed panel of judges at a festival that aligns with my passion for independent cinema. My film is a reflection of my love for Whitstable—a town of rich maritime heritage and serene beauty. Capturing the essence of Whitstable through a blend of experimental storytelling, cinematic techniques, and evocative soundscapes has been a deeply rewarding creative process.

To be recognised by Cifawards, a festival that has its roots in Chicago’s inspiring history of cinema, is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a tribute to the spirit of independent filmmaking. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of the Chicago Filmmaker Awards for selecting my work, and to my fellow filmmakers who share in the passion for storytelling that drives us all.

The competition is filled with incredibly talented filmmakers, and I feel privileged to be among them in the semi-finals. I look forward to the next stage and will continue to share updates as they come. Thank you all for your support—every bit of encouragement fuels the journey of telling stories that matter. 🎥✨