A short documentary following refugees in the fashion world screens at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, an Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying event
“FABRIC brings a human face to the refugee experience and seeks to change dominant narratives. We are thrilled to be selected for LA Shorts and look forward to sharing FABRIC with West Coast viewers.”— Anabelle Marshall
FABRIC, an affecting short documentary that explores the story of a Parisian fashion studio creating opportunities for refugees within French haute couture and society, will make its Los Angeles premiere at the 30th Los Angeles International Short Film Festival on July 30. LA Shorts, the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles, holds qualifying status with both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (OSCAR®) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
The LA premiere comes after the documentary’s global debut at the 34th Raindance Film Festival, where it earned a nomination for Best Documentary Short. During its Raindance screenings, FABRIC received four-star reviews, with We Love Short Film describing it as: “Elegant, compassionate and quietly inspiring, FABRIC is a documentary that leaves a lasting impression.”
Directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Anabelle Marshall, FABRIC offers a behind-the-scenes look at Espero Atelier, a Paris-based social enterprise that teaches tailoring to refugees and helps them find employment in the fashion industry. Through exclusive access to the atelier, the film follows refugee artisans as they prepare a unique fashion collection set to debut at the Musée d’Orsay on the eve of Haute Couture Week.
The documentary highlights the work of Maya Persaud, co-founder of Espero Atelier, whose organization provides refugees and marginalized communities with opportunities through fashion education, skills training, and job placement. Raised in San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Hawaii, Persaud has lived in Paris for many decades and previously worked as a fashion model, maintaining strong connections to the luxury fashion world.
FABRIC traces the journeys of Espero team members Ibrahim, Suad, Haider, Sumaiya, and Cynthia—from Guinea, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and Congo, respectively—as they prepare for the landmark show, documenting their personal and professional development and showing how Espero’s efforts have helped them integrate into French society.
Alongside Persaud and the Espero Atelier artisans, the film includes perspectives from the fashion and culture sectors, such as Catherine Brickhill, a former Alexander McQueen and Givenchy designer who now mentors at Espero, and Sylvain Amic, who served as President of the Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie during filming.
Director Anabelle Marshall stated: “Motivated by the remarkable work of Espero, a Paris-based nonprofit fashion collective, and in light of global events, Fabric humanizes the refugee experience and reframes the common narrative. It shows how displaced individuals have been brought together by resilience and a shared humanity, using their talents to forge a creative community. We are deeply honored that FABRIC has been officially selected by the LA International Short Film Festival, and we eagerly anticipate presenting the film to audiences on the West Coast.”
Espero Founder Maya Persaud commented: “The refugees I work with have endured profoundly difficult circumstances and have emerged to rebuild their lives in truly inspiring ways. I am delighted to share their stories through FABRIC and to highlight their dedication and outstanding skills within the fashion industry.”
Produced by Tiny Circus Productions and Hemeroscope Studios, FABRIC is a UK-France co-production led by a team of female filmmakers from global majority backgrounds, committed to telling stories that build empathy and intercultural understanding.
FABRIC will screen at the 2026 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival on July 30.
Notes to Editors
For press inquiries: sanam@tinycircusproductions.com
Tiny Circus Productions
Tiny Circus Productions is an independent film production company focused on creating and delivering high-impact stories across documentary, short-form, and scripted content. Founded in 2025, Tiny Circus is driven by a commitment to authentic storytelling, creative integrity, and the exploration of diverse cultures and communities.
Hemeroscope Studios
Hemeroscope Studios is an independent audiovisual production company based in London and Paris. Founded by writer-director Sabrine Dahaut (IMDb), the studio partners with emerging authors, creators, small businesses, and NGOs to develop and produce original narrative and unscripted films, plays, and podcasts. Its work highlights unique voices and perspectives shaped by lived experience, crafting stories that are visually striking, emotionally resonant, and designed to foster empathy while deepening our understanding of the world.
Sanam Hasan
Tiny Circus Productions
+44 7837 441248
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Fabric Trailer
