New short film Ma Prison enters competition at Birmingham Film Festival
LONDON, 14 October, 2025 – Multi-hyphenate film industry professional Kitty Harper wears a lot of hats. She’s a screenwriter, a playwright, a director, and a composer, finding inspiration and creativity in the beauty of life. Her latest project, MA PRISON, is a combination of her skills, as she was the screenwriter, composer, and director for the short film.
MA PRISON is centered around a young girl, played by Sophie Bullock, who is dealing with the loss of her mother. She is bullied by her abusive French teacher (Susannah May), but soon discovers a deeper truth behind her teacher’s actions.
The short film is the latest in Harper’s genre-bending works that explore human relationships in a non-traditional way. “I like to mix genres, one of my favourite styles being criminal love stories,” Harper says. “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a lot of my work is based around this sub-genre, how it’s viewed in different styles, settings and cultures. I like to form relationships that take us out of the norm. I’m not afraid to push boundaries and like to leave an impression.”
Herb Jackson Jr. served as the executive producer for MA PRISON. “I had the pleasure of meeting Kitty during one of my visits to Birmingham,” Jackson says. “Our collaboration illustrates the value of stepping outside our comfort zones and actively participating in environments where we can connect with others who share our values and support us on our journey. I truly appreciate the opportunity to work together and learn from one another.”
For Harper, working with Jackson was a collaborative process. “Starting a project is always the most terrifying part, but there are people willing to help. There is absolutely no harm, and certainly no shame, in asking,” Harper says. “Herb has been incredibly supportive and genuine throughout this entire process. I feel blessed to have found him and look forward to working with him in the future.”
Seeing the finished version of MA PRISON has only inspired Harper to create even more meaningful projects, and to pursue her passions further. “There’s nothing more magical than seeing your work on screen,” she says. “It’s even more magical when people talk about it.”
And people are certainly talking: MA PRISON has been accepted to the Birmingham Film Festival, a 10-day international film celebration showcasing professional and independent films from around the world, which runs in England from November 14 to 23, 2025.
Harper isn’t slowing down, either. She’s currently working on a series of shorts, some fundraising projects, and her first feature film, which feel like the natural next steps for a lifelong creative. “I took a screenwriting course in university alongside my music degree. With an extensive background in music and theatre, I grew up an aspiring musician hoping to conquer the stage and compose musicals,” she says. “After discovering screenwriting, this opened up a load more doors for me. I wrote and directed my first short soon after graduating, and have been creatively active ever since. I have composed soundtracks for several of my films, as well as keeping my passion for theatre alive, bringing all my creative worlds together.”
Kitty Harper and Herb Jackson Jr. are available for interviews, and more images and videos are available upon request.