Programme 2023

Dr Yannis Tzioumakis

Yannis Tzioumakis is Reader in Film and Media Industries in the Department of Communication and Media, School of the Arts. He teaches courses on American independent cinema and on the political economy of global entertainment with particular emphasis on Hollywood cinema.

Vova Duniak, Aidil Bin Supaat Faizi, Chin Fung So, Lewis Topping, and Yue Zhu

Chinatown / 2050 is a joint project by Architecture students Vova Duniak, Aidil Bin Supaat Faizi, Chin Fung So, Lewis Topping, and Yue Zhu. The project explores the past, present, and potential future of the Liverpool Chinatown, the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Over time, and as Chinese communities were progressively integrated in their respective urban contexts, Chinatowns all over the world have opened up and become entertainment and touristic destinations, and often theme parks of themselves and targets of gentrification. This project asks: can Chinatowns be meaningful today? A thorough design-led research on the Liverpool Chinatown reveals that the seemingly quiet district still gives space to many activities and anticipates playing an active role in defining the future of the city. In their presentation and film, the students will explore the three key themes of the project: history, boundaries, and community, with the aim of reimagining the district as a gateway to the city centre of Liverpool.  

Bronte Marsh

Bronte Marsh is a third-year student studying Music. She will be giving a presentation on Autism and Music Therapy, showing how music can be a powerful way of helping and nurturing individuals with autism.

Kurtis Hallett

Kurtis Hallett is a student on SOTA's new Game Design course. In this video he will be showcasing footage from some of his work this year, including examples of model design, world building, 3D animation, and also some live recorded game play.

Nell Beaumont

Nell Beaumont is a third-year student studying English Literature at the University of Liverpool. The work she will be sharing is an introduction to an anthology of women’s literature that was created as part of the Women Writers module. The writings discussed all sit beneath an overarching theme of water and demonstrate an argument around water offering an alternative space to phallocratic land. Drawing on connections between women as bodies of water, and man’s inability to tame the unruly nature of fluid spaces, the piece aims to articulate the liberating potential that watery spaces offer. 

Katie King

Katie King is a third-year student studying Music and Technology. She will be giving a talk about her research into why women make up only 5% of those pursing career paths in music tech, and what specifically are the obstacles that prevent or discourage them from doing so.

Women in STEM - Rachel Clemett, Lauren Sladdin, Esme Thomas, Isaac Ashfield and Charlie Stevens

Women in STEM is a Liverpool-based female-fronted group not limited by a specific genre - likened to artists such as Black Country, New Road, Kate Bush and Mitski. They’re known for their folk/classical instrumental section, complex vocal harmonies and lamenting lyricism, the band already has a small cult following from their few gigs.  

The band consists of Rachel Clemett on flute, saxophone and vocals, Lauren Sladdin on vocals and keys, Esme Thomas on bass and vocals, Isaac Ashfield on drums and Charlie Stevens on guitar. The members met while studying music at the University of Liverpool and blend their prior mix of classical and self- taught backgrounds to create their unique sound. 

Anna Hart

Anna Hart is a third-year music student whose main instrument is saxophone. Having a particular interest in musical theatre, she enjoys playing pieces that tell a story. She also enjoys exploring experimental playing techniques that extend the range of sounds the saxophone can make. For the SOTA showcase concert she will be performing the virtuoso piece ‘Ku Ku’ by Australian composer Barry Cockcroft (b.1972) which uses advanced playing techniques to mimic the sound and flight of birds. 

Jake Scott

Jake likes to write in any form, and his areas of interest include dragons, poeticism, and LGBTQIA+ themes. He is currently studying on the MA Creative and Critical Writing course (2022-2023), and 'Dead Name'/'Trans Joy' was submitted as part of his portfolio for ENGL792: The Social Voice. Jake's one-act play ‘Mother & Son’, which began its life in ENGL790: Creative Writing Workshop 1, is currently entering rehearsals for a run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

Jonah Williams

Based in Liverpool, UK, Jonah P S Williams is a first-class BA(Hons) music graduate with expertise in a wide array of fields, specialising in audiovisual composition, orchestral arrangement, and musical directing. Beginning with electronic keyboards, he has over 10 years of experience as a performer and has utilised his skill not only in a live setting, but also through his role as a musical director for the Liverpool University Student Theatre. A keen composer, he has created an extensive portfolio in the art of Audiovisual Composition, capturing the sound of different styles to reflect on screen action, drawing from his passion for both classical music theory and more contemporary music production. Beyond Audiovisual music, he additionally works in filmmaking and musical theatre, and he has helped produce and direct multiple productions. He is currently studying the MA in Music and Audiovisual Media at the University of Liverpool.  

Viral Video

What does it take to make a video go viral? The Viral Video collection comprises the work of three videos and fifteen final year Communication and Media students, The collection demonstrates students’ understanding of the theory and practice of viral media production, and the use of video as communicative tool across social, educational and commercial contexts, experimenting with digital activism, e-learning and travel marketing genres to create videos with contagious characteristics that encourage organic sharing. The montage includes the following videos:

The Ultimate Side Hustle for a Busy University Student - Carol Ibrahim, Niamh Gunn, Harry Lee, Zach Zachariou, Yutong Liu

Best Things to do on Lark Lane - Ana Miller Amado, Yuqi Fan, Nick Sunderland, Sheng Xiao, Jesslyn Marianne Kantono

The Unsung Heroes of Tennis - Jack Cole, Anyu Hu, Michal Sinkevic, Aoife Diamond, Zhicong Liang

Labeeba Miah

Labeeba Miah is a student in the Department of Philosophy, currently completing her final year. Her areas of interest include Asian Philosophy, Sociology of Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Psychiatry. For the SOTA showcase she will be giving a fascinating presentation about her work with the student outreach project Play Your Part, a brilliant initiative that enables students to take an active role in helping fight the Cost of Living Crisis, for example by running free-of-charge breakfast and afterschool clubs in and around the Liverpool area. 

Merciful Sound

Merciful Sound is the university’s student run record label, an opportunity for students to experience the challenges and rewards of running an independent record label. Currently in its 3^rd year, Merciful Sound has released new music each year, with a focus specifically on grassroots music by new and up-coming local acts.

Hotel Iago

Formed in 2020, Hotel Iago (Instagram: @hoteliago) have quickly turned heads with their poetic and catchy songs. Comprised of five members from all over the UK, the band met as students where they instantly bonded over their love of bands such as Radiohead, The Strokes, and Pixies. Their line-up consists of Fraser Cattini (vocals and rhythm guitar), Darren Bello (lead guitar), Angus Snowden (backing vocals and bass), Gracia Baines (drums), and Dan Abu Ali (keys). Their latest single ‘Punchline’ is part of this year’s releases for The University of Liverpool’s student run label Merciful Sounds (Instagram: @mercifulsound)  

Acknowledgements

Student Technicians

Jonah Williams
Kimberley Rodriguez
Liam Lowe

Student Producers

Liam Lowe
Oliver Carter
Gracia Baines

Marketing 

Belinda Kletz

Producer

Dr Liam Carey

With special thanks to

School of the Arts Student Experience & Employability Teams

FilmBuddy Media Industries Training

Tung Auditorium