The Human Voice
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut presents a woman (Tilda Swinton) on the edge waiting for her lover to call. This short will screen at BFI Southbank and includes a pre-recorded intro and Q&A with Almodóvar and Swinton.
Find out moreThe shorts below will be free to access for the duration of the festival exclusively on BFI Player.
Kids Will Be Kids
Children worldwide can be unruly, wild and unmanageable. This is all part of growing up, even if it sometimes means going beyond the limits. These films, from the backstreets of Accra in Ghana and the Australian Outback, to rural life in India and Wales, and the dog-eat-dog world of a British estate, perfectly illustrate this. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
Bechora
Bitter Sky
Bittu
Chicken
An Everyday Act
Good Night (Da Yie)
My Time to Shine
Whether or not the world is a kind and accepting place, these films present grand visions of strength and self-discovery. And on life’s rocky road, there is something to be said for being certain about the person you are. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
Buck
Dungarees
The Name of the Son (El Nombre Del Hijo)
Panthers (Panteres)
Shagbands
Summer Shade
Secrets & Lies
Less peaks, more troughs. Whether it’s secrets or lies, these very personal stories range from the everyday to the far out, with characters who exude resilience and self-determination. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
Gramercy
Little Princess (Petite Princesse)
The Spark (Brûle)
Stray Dogs Come Out At Night
Witness
This is the Rhythm of My Life
Music, film, faith, costumes and colour lift our spirits and allow us to dream. Strip them away and life might be simpler, but it's the strength we find in these things that brings us together and, like the characters in these films, makes us eternally interesting. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
Asho
Henet Ward
Jambo Cinema
Mother
Mountain Cat (Shiluus)
Salsa
UK Focus
A chance to see some of the best in UK filmmaking talent, with a varied and diverse selection of stories. Crossing genres and styles, from horror and comedy to animation and powerful drama, this is a vital snapshot of new British filmmaking that’s not to be missed. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
Dolapo is Fine
Expensive Shit
Good Thanks, You?
Hungry Joe
Mandem
Shuttlecock
Two Single Beds
Wood Child and Hidden Forest Mother
We Built A World
In a year that has faced many challenges, we look to the perspectives of those we often do not see. In doing so we hold a mirror up to the world we live in. These films offer a moment to reflect and question, as well as engage with communities and their stories. Short films programmed by Nellie Alston, Philip Ilson, Aduke King and Elaine Wong
#FollowMe
Dafa Metti
A Horse Has More Blood Than A Human
Lizard
Loose Fish
Majority
Q&As with Short Film Programme Filmmakers
Watch-a-long the short film programmes on BFI Player before joining the programmers and filmmakers live on Zoom for a Q&A.
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: Secrets & Lies
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: Secrets & LiesQ&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: Kids Will Be Kids
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: Kids Will Be KidsQ&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: My Time To Shine
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: My Time To ShineQ&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: UK Focus
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: UK FocusQ&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: We Built A World
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: We Built A WorldQ&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: This Is The Rhythm Of My Life
Q&A with Short Film Programme Filmmakers: This Is The Rhythm Of My Life