The brand new Short Film Showcase added for our second year, we are so proud to showcase some of the best and most exciting new filmmakers within the LGBTQIA+ community. Starting with an animated musical homage to classic Hollywood and ending with an epic, almost 30 minute look at the horrors of the feelings you feel before going on stage, this showcase delves into the weird, the wonderful and in your face camp value, as it boasts a mix of films that delve into the experiences of being a queer person as well as films that manage to show off impressive filmmaking by queer people. 

Broomsticks on Broadway

Exclusive Manchester Screening

Written and Directed by Gordon Howie – Starring Valesca Florijn, Lotte Milder – UK, 2024, 5 minutes 

In this whimsical short animated musical, Fellinda Cauldron is inspired by the moon to make a magical dancing potion. Can she over come her doubts and complete her bubbling brew? Broomsticks on Broadway celebrates the joyful aspects of the creative process; paying homage to MGM musicals and old Hollywood glamour with a spooky twist. 

The Voice of Fear

UK Premiere

Written and Directed by Henrique Arruda – Starring Renata Carvalho, Britnney Hill, Ruby Nox – Brazil, 2024, 5 minutes 

In how many worlds has your fear trapped you? This film may not give you an answer, but it’ll show you some of mine. 

Pulpe

Northern UK Premiere

Written and Directed by Théo Beaudéan – Starring Sylvain Baumann, Joris Digianantonio, Mika Stefan – France, 2023, 16 minutes 

Gaspard has just been dumped. Before leaving, Leo, his ex-boyfriend, gives him a sweater that he loves dearly, as a last souvenir.. But Gaspard finds it hard to move on. 

Veneralia

World Premiere

Written and Directed by Kate Canning and Abi Welch – Starring Dayna Sinclair, Nina Sin-Fai-Lam, Karol Zawadzka, Shannon Borton – UK, 2023, 5 minutes 

Veneralia is a movement-driven experimental film, exploring queer pleasure and body horror, whilst celebrating historically villainised women. 

Be Not Afraid

Exclusive Manchester Screening

Written and Directed by Nate Burrows – UK, 2023, 3 minutes 

A man journeys to an island inhabited by strange creatures, coming face to face with the unfathomable triggers an otherworldly transformation. 

The Journey Home

Exclusive Manchester Screening

Written and Directed by Noah Lei Underwood – Starring Louis Norton, Noah Lei Underwood – UK, 2024, 3 minutes 

A creature considers its current bindings and finds them wanting. 

What I’m Hiding from You…

Exclusive Manchester Screening

Written and Directed by Conor Devlin-Powell – Starring Isidro Ridout – UK, 2023, 5 minutes 

A short semi-animated experimental horror film about masking neurodivergence. 

SIREN

Northern UK Premiere

Written and Directed by Scott Fowler – Starring Boston Gallacher – Netherlands, 2023, 7 minutes 

SIREN is a short experimental dance film, utilising contemporary dance to explore the non-binary/trans experience. SIREN is a short story of a curse. Our central figure finds themself in the familiar situation of being seen by a crowd, where they are confronted with their unorthodox reaction to fear. Gorging on the hidden lives of many and riding the high of their nervous system, the heightened state of danger blooms into ecstasy, disgust and rage. 

Ursula

International Premiere

Written and Directed by Kwame Berry, Co-Directed by Peter Samuel – Starring Kwame Berry, Amber Walden, Rashad Irvin, Tiffany Adams – USA, 2023, 19 minutes 

The children of a fallen screen star must settle their differences when their once famous mother is linked to a string of murders. Based on the 2013 Best Play Nominee “Ursula: A Dysfunction in Two Acts” at New York Theater Festival. 

The Breakup

European Premiere

Written and Directed by Bruno Mattos Rubeiz – USA, 2024, 3 minutes 

A couple who share a strange enjoyment have an argument. 

Stage Fright

Northern UK Premiere

Written and Directed by Alexandre Leroy – Starring Délia Espinat Dief, Gilles Graveleau, Marie Benati, Antoine Vinck – France, 2022, 28 minutes 

Lily is a young actress going on stage for the first time. Unfortunately, she is late for the performance... But she faces stage fright, forgotten lines, and battles with the people around her. That is only the beginning of her nightmare.