British writer-director-composer Kitty Harper’s short drama Ma Prison took home multiple honors at the 9th Annual Mindfield Film Festival, held August 27–30 at Guild Cinema in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The film received two of the festival’s top Diamond Awards, for Best Narrative Short and Best Supporting Actress (Susannah May), along with a Gold Award for Best Actress (Sophie Bullock) and a Bronze Award for Best Original Score (Kitty Harper).
Ma Prison follows Millie (Sophie Bullock), a young girl struggling with the recent death of her mother while enduring harsh treatment from her French teacher, Ms. Benoit (Susannah May). As the two remain trapped together after school, Millie uncovers a deeper truth behind her teacher’s behavior. The film explores grief, empathy, anger, and the hidden prisons people carry.
Harper wrote, directed, edited, and composed the original score. The film was produced by Kevin McDonagh and Natalie Bark through The Movie Cauldron and I Ain’t No Herb Jackson Studios, with Herb Jackson Jr. serving as executive producer. Paul Wren appears as Millie’s father. It was shot on location in Birmingham, England.
“To receive this kind of international recognition, standing alongside so many gifted artists, means a great deal,” Harper said. “I’m genuinely grateful to have been part of this festival.”
The Albuquerque wins add to the film’s growing festival record, which includes official selection at the Birmingham Film Festival and nominations at the Midlands Movies Awards. Mindfield Film Festival Albuquerque is a leading platform for independent and alternative cinema, featuring year-round bi-monthly competitions and an annual live event at Guild Cinema. The complete list of live festival winners is available at mindfieldff.com/live-winners-2026.
Ma Prison Trailer – Short Drama Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7n6x5LImzk
