Inspiring Connection
At Lunar Sands, we are devoted to supporting parents, guardians, and teachers to connect with their young people through the medium of film. We are passionate about storytelling, creativity, and empowering others to develop their confidence, communication skills, and self belief. All members of the core team are neurodiverse themselves, and trauma aware. We are inclusive, accepting, and curious.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Discover the passionate experts driving Lunar Sands’ mission.
Dr Mandy Stephenson
Writer, Producer, Lead facilitator
Mandy has a PhD in children’s film adaptations and 20 years experience teaching young creatives in the film school at Arts University Bournemouth. She has always had a passion for film and storytelling, and her teaching has always centred around identity, self expression, and inclusivity. Her research explores child development and trauma alongside the ways that creativity, play, and the imagination contribute to emotional wellbeing.
Gavin L Fry
Director, DOP, Producer
Gavin spent his childhood on film sets (such as Harry Potter!) with his uncle, cinematographer Roger Pratt BSC. He made his first music video for MTV at 19, his first indie feature at 24, and has worked across all areas of the film industry. Gavin has a passion for storytelling and pushing creative boundaries. He has always ensured that his sets are inclusive and that each individual’s strengths were recognised and developed. He is currently working on his first feature film as writer and director.
Dr Ian Stephenson
Sound, Lighting, Technician
Ian has 30 years experience of teaching digital effects at Bournemouth University to students from all areas of the globe. He has presented at the Siggraph conference in the USA on multiple occasions – including talking to Pixar about Pixar! He is also the author of a book on computer rendering. He is a foster parent, a musician, a sound technician and a lighting engineer.
Steff Lefler
Logistics & International Liaison
Steff is a lifelong creative, who brings a unique blend of 10 years professional HR experience for a national US non profit, credentials in social work, and a BFA in creative writing. She is a published poet, has a lifelong passion for creative expression, storytelling, and the power of language to help people feel seen. She’s currently working on her first full length novel and continues to build work that sits at the intersection of social equity, emotional wellness, and creativity.