Following the successful launch in 2018, Modern Films announce the return of the short film initiative 16 DAYS 16 FILMS supported by a new partnership with The Kering Foundation.

Inspired by the UN Women campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, 16 DAYS 16 FILMS is a short film initiative that focuses on new filmed content addressing these issues.

Launched in 2018 by Modern Films in association with UK Says No More, a national campaign focused on raising awareness, and preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence in the UK; 16 Days 16 Films is now returning for a second year and will run online from the 25 November to 10 December, between International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International Human Rights Day. New for 2019, Modern Films is pleased to announce a ground-breaking partnership with The Kering Foundation.

Established in 2008, the Kering Foundation is dedicated to combatting violence against women. By making this crucial mission the focus of every action and mobilisation campaign over the past decade, the Foundation has become a pioneer and leader to others on the road to change.

Modern Films was set up in 2017 as a female-led, social issues-driven film production, distribution and event cinema company, working on alternative models to bringing new and inspiring content to diverse audiences across various viewing platforms.

Last year, 89 films were submitted from UK filmmakers, including newcomers and starring such established names as Lesley Manville. The films were curated down to 16 finalists, where each were streamed for 24 hours only over a 16-day period. The entirety of the programme was then screened at the Channel 4 screening room, where the jury selected Jayisha Patel’s Circle (first prize), Miranda Stern’s Everybody’s Business (second) and Fiona Compton’s Silence, (third).

This year, the submissions net will expand to include France and Italy, while the UK will continue to be the hub of activity. Again, 16 short films will be selected and released each day of the 16 Days of Activism, supporting the goal to raise awareness of gender-based violence through the power of cinema and to push for change and accountability. 

The film awards will be deliberated by a select jury and announced at a screening event in London in December. The winning filmmaker and two runners-up will each receive a prize, while the first-place winner will also receive the opportunity to create a new public service announcement for UK Says No More.