Show Pony Scoops Best Short

Knock & Nash's short film Show Pony, directed by Jordan Tweddle and written by Lee Mattinson, has taken home the Best Short award at the Denver Film Awards. This win marks a significant achievement for the film, which has also garnered nominations at the Direct Monthly Film Awards, Monkeybread Tree Film Awards, and the London Director Awards.

A Bold Exploration of Trauma and Memory

Show Pony follows Malcolm, a former West End actor who survived a harrowing on-stage triple homicide attempt. Now, he leads an unconventional improvisational therapy class where participants reenact and rewrite their most painful memories. At its core, the film explores how revisiting trauma and altering its narrative can lead to healing, making for a surreal and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Director Jordan Tweddle delves into the fluid nature of traumatic memory, blending reality and imagination. “Trauma memories aren’t static snapshots,” Tweddle explains. “They warp and shift, blending fragments of the real and the imagined as the mind replays them.”

Striking Visuals and a Talented Ensemble Cast

A defining feature of Show Pony is its use of “white space,” a symbolic blank canvas where characters reenact and reinterpret their memories. Tweddle describes this space as “a counterpoint to the grounded, often harsh reality of the therapy room,” offering a visually dynamic way to navigate the characters’ emotional journeys.

The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, led by Richard Dixon as Malcolm. Supporting him are Mark Rogerson (Daniel), Briony Davies (Fiona), Katherine Littrell (H), Samuel Young (Paul), Llewyn Ayres (Simon), Jane Pratt (Val), and Helen Goldie (Janet)—each contributing humor, vulnerability, and depth to their roles. Their performances make Show Pony both emotionally resonant and captivating.

A Dedicated Creative Team

Behind the scenes, a talented crew helped bring Show Pony to life. Jordan Tweddle directed and produced the film, working from a script by writer Lee Mattinson. Ellie Rose served as First Assistant Director, while Chris Chapman led the cinematography. The camera department was overseen by Nic Sian, with sound work handled by Jeremy Bradbury, Jack Abernethy, and Kerry Ward. The film's evocative score was composed by Helen Lyon, while editing was skillfully executed by Elisa Cherene and Mitch Mimms. Their combined efforts helped shape the film’s immersive and visually striking storytelling.

The Festival Journey Continues

With its bold storytelling and striking visuals, the film continues to gain recognition, cementing its place as a standout short in the contemporary film scene.