UK FILM REVIEW
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FILM CARNAGE
“There’s a clean edge to James Cleave’s directorial style, it’s intimate and focused, closing in but keeping plenty of movement to embrace the growing chaos. The pacing is done well to fit a lot into a short time without feeling rushed.”
— Film Carnage ✯✯✯✯
Synopsis:
A dysfunctional family plays a post-dinner round of ‘MAFIA’, a card game that soon spirals out of control as embarrassing secrets are revealed and uncomfortable truths are exposed, potentially changing the family dynamic forever. This comedy drama is a fast-paced ensemble, conveyed in real time, that explores themes including bisexuality, generational divides, ageism in relationships, and the prejudice and intolerance that can exist within a group of seemingly like-minded people.
Tagline:
There are no winners, only losers.
Info & Tech Specs:
TYPE: Short Film
GENRE: Comedy/Drama
RUNTIME: 16 mins 42 secs (Director’s Cut) / 15mins 35 secs (Festival Cut)
ASPECT RATIO: 1.85:1
CAMERA: Arri Alexa 35
LENSES: Carl Zeiss Ultra Primes
STATUS: Complete / Festival Run
Production Companies:
Trapdoor Films, in association with James Cleave Films.
Director’s Statement:
What drew me to ‘MAFIA’ from the very beginning, was writer Tom Ward-Thomas’s attention to a realistic and authentic family dynamic. It’s not often you find complex, truthful characters in a comedic setting, and yet his writing offers just that. Drawing parallels from my own life experiences and that of the cast, we were able to tell a fast-paced story that audiences will also be able to connect with on a number of levels.
Other important factors that drew me to the project were the discussions around ageism and the more uncommon relationships found between older women and younger men, as well as the complexities of all relationships; especially on the vastly underrepresented topic of bisexuality. With a writer who is bisexual, and several cast members of the LGBTQI+ community, I knew we would be able to capture these stories in a natural and funny way.
Mafia is a game I have played often with friends and family (one that can spiral and get personal quite quickly) and I instantly wanted the audience to take part. I now invite you to join in with this dysfunctional family and figure out who you think the Mafia of the group really are.
News & Publications:
Reviews and interview links* may contain spoilers.
UK Film Review (✯✯✯✯)
Film Carnage Review (✯✯✯✯)
WBOC-TV: Movie Review - Black Bag (2025) (USA & Non-EU Access) (MAFIA and James Cleave mentioned)
*Disclaimer: James Cleave Films is not responsible for any external content. Please see our Terms of Service for more information.
Billingsgate Market - Audience Choice Award Winner Billboard (2025)
Courtesy of Clearchannel &
The Soho London Independent Film Festival
WBOC-TV - Black Bag Movie Review by Marlon Wallace (2025)
Featuring James Cleave & MAFIA short film
Festivals
Winner
Best Cinematography - Rainbow Umbrella Film Festival (2025)
Audience Choice Award - Soho London Independent Film Festival (2025)
Best of the Fest: Audience Choice Award - Ocean City Film Festival (2025)
Nomination / Finalist
Best Ensemble Cast - Birmingham Film Festival (2024)
Bull Award - Birmingham Film Festival (2024)
Best Comedy Short - MiraBan UK Film Awards (2024)
Best Comedy - The Soho London Independent Film Festival (2025)
Best LGBTQ - The Soho London Independent Film Festival (2025)
Official Selection
SModcastle Film Festival (2024)
TweetFest (BIFA-Qualifying Festival) (2024)
Birmingham Film Festival (2024)
Sussex International Film Festival (2024)
MiraBan UK Film Awards (2024)
Rainbow Umbrella Film Festival (2025)
The Soho London Independent Film Festival (2025)
Two Short Nights Film Festival (2025)
Love Your Shorts Film Festival (2025)
Ocean City Film Festival (2025)
East london LGBTQ+ Film Festival (2025)
Hastings Rocks Film Festival (2025)
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (2025)
Winchester Film Festival (2025)
Georgia Shorts Film Festival (2025)
Unrestricted View Film Festival (BIFA-Qualifying Festival) (2025)
Honourable Mention
Judges’ Special Mention - Soho London Independent Film Festival (2025)
Semi-Finalist
London Rolling Film Festival (2024)
“Dinner table scenes are notoriously tough to execute—balancing blocking, pacing, and engaging visuals while managing the technical challenges of a multi-character scene on an indie budget is no small feat. But this short nails it…Despite the usual indie filmmaking constraints, the direction finds the perfect balance between chaos and clarity, keeping the energy high without ever losing focus. A brilliantly executed ensemble piece—funny, sharp, and deceptively difficult to pull off. Can’t wait to see what’s next!”
— Shivraj Aulakh (EOFlix Online Review)
Crew
Amy Richardson - Co-Hair and Make-up Designer
Meg Goram - Co-Hair and Make-up Designer
Lauren Gardiner - 1st Assistant Camera
Marta Malvestiti - Assistant Sound
Amar Singh Perihar - Assistant Sound
Alex Kiff - Camera Assistant
Radvile Talackaite - Stills Photographer
Claudia Kaye - Associate Producer
Shift4 - Camera and Lighting Rental
Cinestore UK - Clapperboard
Tom Ward-Thomas - Producer / Writer
James Cleave - Director
Paul O’Connell - Director of Photography
Christopher Dean - Editor
Danneile Davis - Production Manager
Mishael Holdbrook - Sound Mixer
Owen Tuknot - Sound Mixer
Jessie Jane Knowles - Art Director & Costume Stylist
Ella Robinson - Gaffer
CAST
Samuel Lawrence as Patch
Tom Ward-Thomas as Ralph
Lottie Tolhust as Chloe
Rosalind Adler as Cynthia
Fabrizio Tullio as Enzo
Matthew Wellard as Henry
Martin Ball as Mac
Cheska Hill-Wood as Emily
Fun Facts:
A total of 96 camera setups with a single camera were completed in the two days of principal photography.
The production comprised of over 50% female-identifying cast and crew, combined.
This is the third collaboration between director James Cleave and DoP Paul O’Connell.
BTS stills gratefully photographed by Radvile Talackaite (@tinginio_pantis)