‘Cupcake saves the Not-Specific Ocean’: by LGBTQIA+ Families in Residence
As part of the Out at Sea programme at the National Maritime Museum, artist Emilia Nurmukhamet from Bold Mellon Collective led a creative, hands-on filmmaking journey for LGBTQIA+ Families in Residence.
Across three workshops, participants explored visual storytelling through collage-making, character creation and practical filmmaking. Together, the group developed and produced an original short film - ‘Cupcake saves the Not-Specific Ocean’ - created entirely from their shared ideas and imagination.
The sessions combined creative play with practical filmmaking techniques, allowing participants to learn how films are made while collaboratively shaping their own story. The workshops emphasised collective creation, with every participant contributing ideas that shaped the final film.
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Week 1: Imagining the world
Participants began by exploring storytelling through play and movement, including a lively round of movie charades.
The group then learned about film shot types, from wide shots that establish a setting to close-ups that reveal emotion, and discussed how filmmakers use these techniques to tell stories visually.
Using magazines, paper and drawing materials, the group created a large 'Out at Sea' collage, imagining what might exist beneath the ocean’s surface. This collaborative moodboard became the foundation for the film’s story, characters and visual world.
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Week 2: Building characters and story
In the second session, participants returned to the collage to explore the characters and ideas that had emerged.
Together, the group developed character profiles, asking questions such as:
- Who are they?
- What do they like?
- What do they want?
Using a 'story mountain' structure, the group mapped out the beginning, middle and end of their film before creating a storyboard of the key scenes.
Participants then brought their characters to life by crafting sock puppets using fabrics, googly eyes and colourful materials to create the film’s underwater cast.
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Week 3: Lights, camera, action
The final workshop focused on bringing the story to life on camera.
Participants revisited their storyboard, discussed dialogue and actions between the characters, and explored the different roles involved in filmmaking - such as actor, director and director of photography (DOP).
After practising on-set language like “Quiet on set,” “Camera rolling,” “Action,” and “Cut,” the group worked together to film the scenes using their puppets and props.
The final film
The workshops resulted in a joyful collaborative short film: “Cupcake Saves the Not-Specific Ocean.”
Have you ever felt misinterpreted or misunderstood because of who you are? Our differences are what make us extraordinary.
The film celebrates individuality, imagination and the power of working together, inviting audiences to “come and SEA” a story about belonging. The short film features original music by Dear Annie.
The completed film premiered at the Out at Sea event at the National Maritime Museum on 7 February 2026.
"It has been another fabulous experience - such great fun, and Emilia has been so encouraging and inclusive, and I can not praise her facilitation, technical knowledge and artistic abilities enough."
Cupcake Saves the Not-Specific Ocean
Created by the 2026 Families in Residence
Thank you to all the families who participated in the 2026 Family in Residence programme at the National Maritime Museum!
Emilia Nurmukhamet (she/they) is a Tatar performance artist, creative facilitator, and founding co-artistic director of Bold Mellon Collective. Their multidisciplinary, collaborative practice is grounded in play, mess and deep listening. Emilia has more than 10 years of experience leading & developing intergenerational workshops in movement, improvisation and DIY art-making across arts and education settings in the UK and internationally.
Bold Mellon Collective are an award-nominated arts collective dedicated to amplifying intersectional queer and migrant stories through dynamic, community-focused performances, workshops and events.
@boldmelloncollective @em_talgat
The National Maritime Museum doing LGBTQ+ History Month, using their collection to explore ideas around sexuality and gender, is fantastic.
LGBTQ+ Family Network
A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection.