Multi-talented British filmmaker, writer, director, and composer Kitty Harper is thrilled to announce that her powerful short drama Ma Prison has been officially accepted to screen at the 9th Annual Mindfield Film Festival, taking place August 27–30, 2026, at the historic Guild Cinema in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Ma Prison will screen on Saturday, August 29th, in the 1pm block at Guild Cinema. The film earned top honors in the festival’s May/June 2026 Bi-Monthly Competition, including the Diamond Award for Best Short Film, the Diamond Award for Best Actress (Sophie Bullock), the Diamond Award for Best Original Score (Kitty Harper), and the Platinum Award for Best Supporting Actor (Susannah May). These accolades advanced Ma Prison into consideration for the curated live festival program.
About the Film
Ma Prison follows a young girl (Sophie Bullock) grappling with the devastating loss of her mother while enduring bullying and an abusive relationship with her French teacher (Susannah May). As tensions escalate, she uncovers a deeper, unexpected truth behind her teacher’s harsh actions. The film delivers a poignant exploration of grief, empathy, anger, and the complex bonds that connect us.
Written, directed, edited, and scored by Kitty Harper, with executive producer Herb Jackson Jr. and producers Kevin McDonagh and Natalie Bark (in association with Movie Cauldron / I Ain’t No Herb Jackson Studios), the short blends psychological drama with emotional depth.
“Ma Prison represents everything I love about storytelling — blending my passions for music, filmmaking, and exploring human connections in unconventional ways,” said Kitty Harper. “To have the film recognized with multiple Diamond Awards at Mindfield and now selected for the live festival is incredibly exciting. I’m grateful to the entire cast and crew, especially Sophie and Susannah for their outstanding performances, and to the Mindfield team for championing bold, independent voices.”
Ma Prison previously screened at the 2025 Birmingham Film Festival and earned double nominations at the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Sophie Bullock) and Best Music (Kitty Harper’s original score).
