I Hate Helen

  • Short Film Competition

Year: 2024

Length: 6 mins

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Premiere: NYC Premiere

Directed by: Katie Lambert

Produced by: Martha McGuirk, Rosie Brear

Starring: Kanan Verma (Priya), Chloe Petts (Ms Gibbs), Edie Allen (Helen)

SEE THE FILM

Friday Feb 20, 5:45 PM-8:30 PM – Friday Evening Program 1 – Short Films + QA

I HATE HELEN is a snapshot of teenage life, a short film about the tidal wave of gay lust some girls feel in school and letting those feelings just wash over you. But our protagonist, Emma, isn’t going without a fight. She hates Helen, and she hates the way she is feeling. This film is a love letter to being confused and angry. It’s about swimming and being a little pervert while trying to study for your GCSES. We made this with a queer crew around South East London and are delighted with this heartfelt mess of a result.

About the Director

Katie Lambert is an English woman interested in behaving badly, making mistakes and trying to make them look beautiful. Sometimes those interests coincide with film making. She runs MrMr Films with Martha McGuirk.

Photos

Awards

2025 Emila Romagna (Italy) – Best Film
2025 Emila Romagna (Italy) – Audience Award
2025 Short Com (UK) – Best British Short
2025 Ciclope (Germany) – Gold for Short Film
2025 YDA (France) – Gold for Short Film
2025 Woman X Festival (UK) – Best Film (nominee), Best Performance (nominee), Best Film Script (nominee), Best Film Cinematography (nominee)
2025 Exit 6 Festival (UK) – Best Cinematography (nominee)