WRITER · DIRECTOR · PRODUCER
An Imperfect
Cadence
Short film · 2025
16 min · Drama
Shot on Arri Alexa Mini LF
UK · English
In the ruthless world of elite orchestra, talented young harpist Yvonne Mears is invited to audition for a seat with the Royal Philharmonic. It is the chance she has worked her whole life for.
But as the audition nears, Yvonne's hands begin to discolour and blister. With her health failing, her mother Maria, a once-lauded harpist herself, offers to play the blind audition in her place. Yvonne refuses: a seat won by proxy means nothing. When Maria insists, Yvonne starts to wonder whether her mother is trying to support her, or to resurrect her own faded career.
On the morning of the Emerging Musician's Fellowship, Yvonne slips out early to Cadogan Hall, locking Maria inside the flat behind her. Seated behind the divider, she must deliver a masterful performance to a panel she cannot see. Then she must go home and face her mother.
"The acting from both leads adds to the realism of the story… with neither actress having previously played the harp before this film, the stand-in shots integrate perfectly into the scenes."
Interviewed by The New Current ahead of the film's first 2026 screening.
Read the interview →"We didn't take any shortcuts; we sourced a rare German Hörngacher harp and consulted with the former principal harpist of the Vienna Philharmonic."
"The biggest challenge was always around the harp playing—this had to feel real or the story would fall apart."
"I hope they reflect on the cost of ambition and the complexity of maternal support."
The film is currently exclusive to festivals. For programmers, press, or potential funders of the feature follow-up, get in touch.