Sofian Francis, Producer, LISFF 2026, Best British Short Film, ‘Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension’

- When and how did you get into writing/filmmaking?

As an actor i became pretty fed up of simply waiting for the opportunities i was vying for to come my way, i also often ended up working on projects which i had no desire to watch so decided that I’d come up with dream roles I’d love to play and endeavour to create them myself

- How often do you write/create/ develop ideas? Do you have a writing/creative routine? And what inspires you to write?

I write every single day, even if i only have time to make a quick note on my phone. Other days I’ll begin when i wake and won’t leave my desk until I’m ready to go back to bed. I’m a mix of a planner and a pantser. I am at times inspired by my own life experiences, by a word, a phrase or even current events.  I use an app called Milanote to plot and plan, i write my script using Final Draft then storyboard using Previs Pro. I currently have 15 projects in varying stages of development, a mixture of campaigns, micro shorts, shorts and features.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

It feels incredible to know that audiences have enjoyed and resonated with your work then felt strongly enough to show their appreciation with a vote. Stories are meant to be shared and witnessing audiences responding to all of the effort, energy, love and passion you poured into your project is unmatched

- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing/filmmaking in your genre/form? 

Well I don’t write strictly in one genre but one of my favourite things about writing is creating elements of misdirection, i find it fun creating twists and turns and i personally enjoy them when I’m watching a show. Something which can be difficult is killing your darlings, leaving out individually great elements you have written which don’t serve the story can be rough.

- How did you develop the idea for your LISFF/LISP-selected work? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

You’d never know it from watching the film but the inspiration for Dante’s Inferno - The Ascension was actually the callous murder of George Floyd at the hands of racist police officer Derek Chauvin. I came up with the idea to shoot a 2 minute anti - racism campaign with my horse Sparkle, something to challenge negative perceptions, misconceptions and stereotypes pertaining to the black community. It was sad to see so many people attempting to justify his murder based on his previous criminality or perceived character when people such as Dylann Roof, George Zimmerman & Kyle Rittenhouse were given every grace imaginable after murdering 12 people between them. Initially, much of the final scene was the entire film but i developed it from there.

- Can you please give us a few tips about filmmaking/ scriptriting/writing?

Write stories which interest you, you hold dear, valuable and engage you. Nothing will run out of steam faster than a story you don’t care about. For me, writing more than one story at a time is helpful, sometimes you really need a break from one, having 2 or 3 running concurrently keeps me productive yet rested. With regard to filmmaking, rule No1, find the right team, a team you can trust and have you and your projects best interests at heart. They wont always be as passionate as you are about your own project so treat them well, feed them well and show gratitude for their participation.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions/festivals?

The best thing about festivals is seeing the audience responses followed by feedback whether positive or negative, every day is a school day. Most challenging… not getting into festivals you either expected or hoped to get into and… the cost 

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers/filmmakers submit to LISP/LISFF?

I do indeed! What a lovely team to work with, professional, courteous, warm and welcoming! Great venue, communication, organisation, screening and panel afterwards. I’ll be entering my next film to LISP for sure ! Thankyou so much for having me and awarding me Best British Short Film!