British Short Film Competition 2
 MAGID / ZAFAR
During a shift in the kitchen heat of his dad's takeaway, Magid is faced with a choice: do what is expected of him or follow his heart? A stunning portrait of masculinity in a working-class British Pakistani community, shot with frenetic energy in gorgeous 16mm. |
 A Round of Applause for Death
Death takes centre stage in Stephen Irwin’s widely celebrated new animation, where faceless spectators applaud surreal situations. The increasing histrionics of these murderous dreams feel like a barbed satire on our dubious fascination with the inevitable. |
 Beyond the Rush
This intensive crash course in British Caribbean history covers everything from Windrush, Carnival and community projects in Luton. Fun but honest, Beyond the Rush ponders what has changed in the last 60 years and why that communal feeling has started to fade. |
 Humble Pie
Tony, a hungry bloke, has the depth of his gluttony tested when he’s graced with a life-changing opportunity; the chance to eat a “once in a lifetime pie”. This surrealist comedy on greed and obsession will have you belly laughing and your belly growling. |
 No Mean City
In Belfast, two workmen and an apprentice roam through the city at night, replacing old sodium street lights with sparkling LEDs. Beneath their glow, the city grapples with change as progress marches on. |
 Giants
Drifting through his post-industrial town scavenging for scrap, isolated teenager Sandy finds unexpected purpose after meeting conspiracy theorist Don, who tasks him with destroying a local wind farm. |
 Our Wayne
A conversation between two estranged brothers from Yorkshire. In search of reconciliation, this film is honest, direct, deeply personal, beautifully observed and subtly ambiguous. You might never see a better documentary in three and half minutes than this. |
 PEN MARI
Uncomfortable and a tad grotesque, this thrilling fever dream follows a man in search of a horse’s skull to lead a traditional Welsh folk procession. Pen Mari plays on the weird, surreal and mundane that comes with celebrating tradition in the modern age. |