Leila Lockley

We’re beyond proud to announce that SIDELINED has made the Official Programme for the @bifa_film & (newly) @bafta qualifying @womenxfest 2026 💐🥳💕

I was on the train back from Darlington to London after spending the weekend at the Writers’ Retreat at @womenxfest 2025. The night before, I’d won Best Screenplay for my short film Doctors & Nurses. I’d spent the weekend watching a programme of fantastic, inspiring films and talking to wildly talented, passionate filmmakers. My new screenplay was writing itself in my head already. On that 2-hour train journey back home, I wrote the first draft of what would eventually become SIDELINED. I’ve never had something pour out of me and onto paper that quickly before.

Externalising the themes of this film into a cohesive narrative was rewarding enough. Having the project backed and spearheaded by the wonderful Kyle Campbell-Pope @4.folds was another unexpected victory. Getting the short made into a living, breathing thing with the most gifted and joyous cast and crew was a dream. Having people say the story resonated with them was the final cherry on top. And yet the feeling keeps growing!

It’s weird to think if and when SIDELINED would’ve been born if I hadn’t gone to Darlington that weekend. I’m so happy that I did, and so grateful of the space that @carisrianne, @pearl.ah_ and the entire Women X Team have created to nurture, uplift and champion female talent in every way. It’s an honour to be associated with this festival. Thank you.

SIDELINED will be screening as part of the Homecoming programme. Darlington. September 20th. 11:45am. We’ll see you there!