Snowball

Join us for a private screening of Snowball, an emotionally honest story about growing up in care, resilience, identity, and the long shadow of difficult systems.

This is an intimate early-access screening with limited seating, followed by a live conversation with the filmmakers and people behind the story.

Some stories were never meant to stay hidden.

Snowball is adapted from the lived experiences and biography of David Jackson, brought to screen in collaboration with MAD4 Films Ltd.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s–80s childcare system, the film explores the realities of growing up in care through a deeply personal lens, touching on trauma, survival, belonging, and resilience.

But Snowball is not simply a story about the past.

It speaks to experiences and questions that still matter now, particularly for those working across fostering, adoption, safeguarding, education, mental health, and care support.

Early responses suggest Snowball is the kind of film that stays with people and opens up difficult but important conversations.

One attendee from our January screening described it simply as:

Following the screening, guests will be invited to stay for a live Q&A and audience conversation with contributors behind Snowball and professionals connected to the themes explored throughout the film.

Panel guests include:

• Blaze – Host
• David Jackson – Screenwriter & Lead (“Snowball”)
• Mike McKenzie – Director
• Steven McKenzie – Production Manager & Co-Host
• Danny Butcher – Illustrator
• Rajinder Keohane – Counsellor & Psychotherapist

The discussion will explore the lived experiences behind the story, the emotional realities reflected throughout the film, and the creative process of bringing Snowball from page to screen.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in audience discussion following the screening.

MAD4 Films creates socially grounded films that explore fostering, care experience, identity, belonging, and the realities surrounding social support systems. The work is rooted in lived understanding and focuses on stories and perspectives that are often overlooked within mainstream media.

Through projects including Snowball and the award-winning Be-Longing, MAD4 Films explores themes including family separation, identity, cultural belonging, childhood trauma, resilience, and the long-term impact of the care system. The film focuses on the human experiences behind these realities and the conversations that are often left unheard.

Led by London-born filmmaker, educator, drummer, and creative Mike McKenzie, the company combines documentary, drama, and social impact storytelling to create emotionally honest films that encourage reflection and conversation.

Mike’s films have screened internationally, with Always The Pan Man winning Best Audience Film at the Portobello Film Festival. Be-Longing also received international recognition through selections at the Montreal International Black Film Festival, Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival, and Crystal Palace International Film Festival.

MAD4 Films continues to open conversations around care experience, representation, identity, and belonging in ways that feel personal, honest, and accessible. 🎬

• 🗓️ Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
• 🕑 Time: 1:45 PM – 4:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Courthouse Hotel Cinema, 19–21 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7HL

The venue is a short walk from Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus stations, with easy access via Underground, bus, and National Rail connections across London.

Please check TfL or your preferred travel app before travelling.

The venue has step-free access. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions before attending, please contact the venue in advance at [email protected].

Snowball will be screened as part of a private event with limited seating capacity.

The event includes:

• Private screening of Snowball
• Live Q&A and audience discussion
• Opportunity to meet the filmmakers and contributors

No wider public release has currently been announced.

Early booking is strongly recommended, particularly following previous sold-out screenings connected to MAD4 Films projects.

Early bird ticket pricing is available until 31 May 2026.

This screening includes themes and scenes some viewers may find distressing.

Content may include references to:

• childhood trauma
• bereavement and grief
• emotional distress and mental health difficulties
• neglect and abuse
• substance use
• strong language
• rape
• flashing/flickering imagery
• loud music and live performance

Viewer discretion is advised.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, United Kingdom

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