Linda Ludwig & James Curle on A WITNESS, Neurodivergent Filmmaking, and Film Festivals | NFF2025

 

In this episode of The Official Selection Podcast x Norwich Film Festival 2025, we sit down with writing and directing duo Linda Ludwig and James Curle to talk about their courtroom drama A WITNESS, which received its world premiere at NFF2025.

The conversation also explores their wider festival strategy, from deciding when to work with a festival agent to targeting UK-based, BAFTA-qualifying festivals for a film rooted in the British justice system. They share candid advice on navigating premieres, managing rejection, preparing deliverables, and making the most of time spent at film festivals without burning out. Recorded during Norwich Film Festival 2025, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at filmmaking as advocacy, craft, and collaboration — and what it really takes to prepare a film for a meaningful festival life. 

About the series The Official Selection Podcast x NFF 2025 brings together selected filmmakers during the festival for informal conversations about their films, the festival experience, and the realities of independent filmmaking.