Kristian Pringle is a British-Taiwanese filmmaker based in London. She works across narrative and commercial projects led by diverse voices, filling the frame with colour, heart and meaning. Kristian gave us the lowdown on her latest short film, screening as part of this year’s BFI London Film Festival (LFF).

Can you tell us about your film?

In Dreaming is an intergenerational story about the growing pains of youth, the tumultuous emotions of boyhood and what it means to be seen. It centres on a young boy with a burning desire to dance, but he must set his passion aside to tend to his duties at his family’s nail salon.

What was your starting point?

In Dreaming was loosely inspired by a father-son duo in my family, and the son’s experience growing up as a second-generation immigrant whose father is a nail technician, and the unwanted attention he got because of it. I wanted to make this film for East and South East Asian youth who are trying to find a sense of belonging, and explore what acceptance and compassion look like between a parent and child.

What it’s like having your film at the LFF?

I am incredibly honoured to have In Dreaming shown at LFF this year, amongst such great company, and to a home-grown audience who have been at the heart of this film. None of this would have been possible without the support from the BFI and our executive producers at Film London.

And what’s next?

Next up is a martial arts action film that I have written about a mother who faces the ultimate betrayal as she is hurled into an insane confrontation with angry creditors. It’s been a story I have been burning to tell for a long time, and I am over the moon that it is finally coming to life!

In Dreaming is screening as part of the I See Myself shorts at the BFI London Film Festival, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October 2026.