August 5, 2025
Introducing Spirit of the North — A New Scriptwriting Initiative for Indigenous Voices
We’re excited to share that Rolling Pin Studios is in the early stages of developing a new initiative called Spirit of the North — a short scriptwriting opportunity aimed at Indigenous storytellers across Canada.
Our goal with this project is to spotlight stories rooted in lived Indigenous experience, and to help bring those stories to life on screen. We're looking to celebrate creativity, authenticity, and powerful storytelling that reflects the many voices and perspectives within Indigenous communities.
The heart of Spirit of the North is simple: to create space for meaningful stories to be heard, seen, and shared. We hope to support and collaborate with emerging Indigenous writers through this initiative in the near future.
More details will be announced soon — stay tuned.
June 19, 2025
Rollingpin Studios at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2025
We're thrilled to share that Rollingpin Studios was in attendance at this year’s Sheffield Documentary Festival, one of the leading documentary events in the UK and globally.
The week was packed with powerful films, thought-provoking panels, and incredible networking opportunities. It was an inspiring experience for our team to connect with fellow filmmakers, creators, and producers from around the world who are pushing boundaries in documentary storytelling.
While we didn’t premiere a film this year, our presence at the festival was a chance to engage with new voices, scout talent, and continue deepening our commitment storytelling. We’re excited about the ideas and collaborations sparked in Sheffield and can’t wait to bring some of that creative energy into our future projects.
Stay tuned—big things are coming!
April 12, 2025
Painted Room wins at Hastings Rock Film Festival
We’re proud to announce that Painted Room took home Best Micro Film at the Hastings Rock Film Festival 2025!
The festival, known for spotlighting innovative short-form and experimental cinema, was the perfect venue for Painted Room's haunting visual style and tight, emotionally charged storytelling. The film has been gaining attention on the indie circuit, and this win is a major milestone.
Director Alec Simmons and lead producer Julia Waller were also invited to speak at a Q&A session following the screening. Their talk delved into the film’s unique production challenges, creative decisions, and the collaborative spirit that brought Painted Room to life.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Hastings Rock jury and audience for this recognition, and we’re beyond excited to keep sharing this film with wider audiences.
March 1, 2025
Painted Room selected for Romford Horror Festival 2025
We’re excited to announce that Painted Room was an Official Selection at the Romford Horror Festival 2025, a dynamic and growing platform for boundary-pushing genre films.
The screening took place on March 1st at Premiere Cinemas in Romford, drawing a crowd of horror lovers, indie film buffs, and festival regulars. As part of the event, Painted Room’s director Alec Simmons participated in a Q&A session, discussing the film’s atmospheric style, psychological undercurrents, and the production process behind its eerie, claustrophobic world.
The audience engaged with thoughtful questions around influences, symbolism, and how the film fits within the emerging wave of intimate horror storytelling. Alec offered unique insight into how the film’s minimalism and tension were carefully crafted on a micro-budget—staying true to the vision while navigating the practical realities of indie filmmaking.
We’re honored to have been featured at Romford Horror Festival alongside so many bold and innovative voices in the horror space. Thank you to the festival team and everyone who came out to support the film!
August 14, 2024
Pre-Production Begins on New Film Exploring First Nations Sisterhood
We’re pleased to share that pre-production has officially begun on our next narrative project—an intimate story centered around two First Nations sisters who come together to share a sweatlodge ceremony.
Set against a quiet, atmospheric backdrop, the film explores grief, intergenerational healing, and spiritual reconnection through the lens of Indigenous womanhood. As the sisters enter the sacred space of the lodge, past wounds and shared memories surface, challenging them to confront what separates—and binds—them.
We're working closely with cultural advisors and Indigenous creatives to ensure the story is authentic, respectful, and rooted in lived experience. This is not just a story about ceremony—it’s about resilience, reconciliation, and the power of sisterhood in the face of silence.
The project marks a new direction for our studio, one that we hope honors both storytelling tradition and cultural nuance. More updates to come as casting and location scouting begin in the coming months.
