Finding My Voice - UK premiere
Finding My Voice had its UK premiere yesterday at the Manchester Film Festival, screening at the Odeon on Deansgate (Screen 11) yesterday March 28 2026. The auditorium was about half full, which, for a small low-budget British film on a Saturday afternoon, wasn’t too bad—but you always hope to see a few more bums on seats.
Without going into spoilers, the story follows Melanie Kendall, a young girl dreaming of becoming a singer-songwriter. However, a troubled home life—particularly her relationship with her mum (played by Michelle Ryan)—throws up a series of obstacles. The film centres on whether she can overcome those challenges and find her voice, both literally and emotionally.
There are a few unexpected twists along the way. I would have liked a bit more screen time for Mel’s family, as they largely drop out until the final quarter, but what we do get works well. The two young leads—Anais Garness as Melanie and Lily Harvey as Freya, a kindred spirit she meets along the way—really shine. Anais, in particular, carries a huge amount of the film, and it’s especially impressive given this is her first major role.
Finding My Voice shares a clear thematic and tonal kinship with the old Play for Today series—grounded in social realism, with an intimate, character-led approach. It favours naturalistic performances and a quietly observational style, letting the emotional weight build subtly rather than relying on big dramatic moments.
After the screening, there was a short panel featuring writer Donna Taylor, director Arabella Burfitt-Dons, and Lily Harvey. Anais Garness was due to attend but had very recently given birth—great news, and both mum and baby are doing well. The Q&A itself was fairly brief (around 10–15 minutes), and while it was nice and informal, it would have been great to have a bit more time for audience questions.
Overall, I’d recommend catching up with the film when it gets a wider release. It’s another small but personal role for Michelle Ryan, giving her the chance to do the kind of grounded, character-driven acting she does so well. It’s also interesting to see her continuing that transition into more maternal roles as her career evolves.
Without going into spoilers, the story follows Melanie Kendall, a young girl dreaming of becoming a singer-songwriter. However, a troubled home life—particularly her relationship with her mum (played by Michelle Ryan)—throws up a series of obstacles. The film centres on whether she can overcome those challenges and find her voice, both literally and emotionally.
There are a few unexpected twists along the way. I would have liked a bit more screen time for Mel’s family, as they largely drop out until the final quarter, but what we do get works well. The two young leads—Anais Garness as Melanie and Lily Harvey as Freya, a kindred spirit she meets along the way—really shine. Anais, in particular, carries a huge amount of the film, and it’s especially impressive given this is her first major role.
Finding My Voice shares a clear thematic and tonal kinship with the old Play for Today series—grounded in social realism, with an intimate, character-led approach. It favours naturalistic performances and a quietly observational style, letting the emotional weight build subtly rather than relying on big dramatic moments.
After the screening, there was a short panel featuring writer Donna Taylor, director Arabella Burfitt-Dons, and Lily Harvey. Anais Garness was due to attend but had very recently given birth—great news, and both mum and baby are doing well. The Q&A itself was fairly brief (around 10–15 minutes), and while it was nice and informal, it would have been great to have a bit more time for audience questions.
Overall, I’d recommend catching up with the film when it gets a wider release. It’s another small but personal role for Michelle Ryan, giving her the chance to do the kind of grounded, character-driven acting she does so well. It’s also interesting to see her continuing that transition into more maternal roles as her career evolves.
Top Row: Panel attendees, Donna Taylor (Writer) and Arabella Burfitt-Dons (Director)
Bottom Row: Lily Harvey (Freya)
Bottom Row: Lily Harvey (Freya)