An imperfect cadence

Set in the ultra-competitive world of elite orchestra- Yvonne Mears, a talented young harpist, who upon receiving an invitation to compete for a seat with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, must prepare for an audition that could change her life forever. As the audition draws nearer, Yvonne’s hands start to discolour and blister. With her health deteriorating, Yvonne’s mother Maria, a once lauded harpist herself, offers to play the blind audition on her daughter’s behalf. Yvonne knows that even if her mother is successful, the accomplishment holds no meaning unless she secures the seat herself. When Maria insists, Yvonne begins to question whether her mother’s motives have more to do with resurrecting her faded career, than supporting her through a difficult time. On the day of the audition, Yvonne heads to Cadogan Hall, but not before she locks her overbearing mother in the house. By the time Maria discovers she has been contained, it’s too late, Yvonne has already arrived for her audition. Seated behind the portable divider, Yvonne must battle through and deliver a masterful performance before a panel of unseen judges.

Louisa Connolly-Burnham, Jennifer Preston

Written & Directed by Nathan Haines
Produced by Nathan Haines, Sara Wilkins & Tom Lonergan
Cinematography by Richard Bell
Production Design by Hannah Backshall
Costume Design by Ilaria Mosca
Make Up by Ruth Pease & Loren Abbott
Edited by Emmalie El Fadli
Score by Federico Ferrandina
Sound Design by Dom Lancaster
Production Company Iron Box Films
Post-Production Company Disauthority

Unrestricted View Film Festival 2025 (BIFA)

Nomimations: Best Sound (Dom Lancaster), Best Actress (Louisa Connolly-Burnham)

Brighton Rocks 2025 (BIFA)

Kino Short Film Festival 2025 (finalist, BIFA)

London Breeze 2025 (BIFA)

Nominations: Best UK Short Fiction

Birmigham Film Festival 2025

Nominations: Best Local Film, Best Sound Design, Best Score, Audience Award, Bull Award (Best in Fest)

North East International Film Festival 2025 (BIFA)

TweetFest 2025 (BIFA)

UK Film Awards (IMDb)

Winner: Best Cinematography

Nominations: Best Short Film, Best Drama, Best Original Music, Best Actress

Soho London Independent Film Festival 2026