About

WeAreDN

Since 2006 Directors Notes has scoured the globe for the very best that independent cinema has to offer, whilst sharing the inspiration and production stories behind the filmmaking of some of the world’s most talented directors. Eclectic in its tastes, Directors Notes is where you can find the most cutting edge short films, features and everything in between regardless of genre or technique. With the role of filmmaker more prevalent now than at any other point in history and as an official British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) qualifying platform, Directors Notes remains dedicated to revealing the What, How and Why of the greatest independent cinema being made today.

To speak to us about advertising, brand partnerships, custom curation or a member of the DN team participating in a film jury or panel discussion, please send us a message using the form below.

Who We Are

MarBelle | Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief

MarBelle has a strange compulsion to watch as many films as he can get his hands on and find jobs that give him a legitimate excuse to drill filmmakers about their work. Directors Notes is the multi-decade incarnation of this disorder and remains so much cheaper than film school.

Rob Munday | Co-Founder & Managing Editor

Obsessed with film, the internet and WordPress, Directors Notes is the place Rob gets to bring all his interests together and really geek out. When not writing for DN he can be found on Short of the Week or Vimeo.

Sarah Smith | Associate Editor & Head of Outreach

Sarah is a true multi-hyphenate within the film industry. Alongside her role at Directors Notes, her extensive festival experience ranges from MC and juror duties to previously serving as Deputy Director of Brighton Rocks, where she helped steer its growth into a BIFA-qualifying event. Sarah also produces for Brighton film collective The Imaginary Project and contributes as a freelance writer for publications including 1.4 and Shots Magazine.

Mark Brennan | Senior Writer & Programmer/Filmmaker

Mark wears all the hats the film festival circuit has to offer. As well as an active filmmaker, he’s the Director of BIFA-qualifying Exit 6 Film Festival and a Festival Strategist & Liaison at Festival Formula. He’s also a produced feature screenwriter.

Serafima Serafimova | Senior Writer & Programmer/Filmmaker

Serafima lives and breathes shorts, and when she’s not animating or cutting them in the edit suite, she’s usually watching or writing about them. She also draws and eats hot chillies.

Jesse Williams | Writer/Filmmaker

Jesse, a filmmaker with a passion for short films, is constantly inspired by the world of cinema. When she’s not creating films of her own, you’ll find her visiting film festivals, exploring new music or learning from the filmmakers that inspire her.

Dianora Hollman | Writer/Programmer

Dianora researches how movement weaves through space and life stories, converging in visual and cinematic forms. When not writing for Directors Notes, she’s exploring the crossroads of ecology and culture, petting donkeys, and wandering through hills.

Caleb Belle | Writer/Programmer

London-based, film-drunk, and always creating. Caleb lives in the glow of screens, amongst half-filled sketchbooks, and against far too many deadlines. Critic, artist, student. He’s obsessed with stories that stick.

James Maitre | Senior Writer & Programmer (Alum)

James is DN’s resident horror fan and is inspired by all academic, formal and Ethan Hawke-related aspects of filmmaking. When he isn’t writing for DN you’ll most likely find him on Bluesky, reading a graphic novel or and being sat on by his cat Peanut.

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear what you think about Directors Notes so please share any suggestions, comments or shoutouts with us below. Our submissions process can be found here.