License For Nil

DIR. SHANE ROBINSON | 18 MINS 

Curtis is a straight-laced, no-nonsense TV licence inspector; his partner Fiachra is hard-drinking and quick-talking. Together, they try to rein in the residents of a remote Irish island and convince them to pay their licence fee. Highly stylised and featuring a cast of Tory Islanders, this unconventional buddy comedy is bursting with energy.

The Finger Nail in the Coffin

DIR. CONOR KEHELLY | 9 MINS 

The chaotic poetry of everyday life is translated into a surreal home drama riffing on the nuclear family in this rich, funny and absurd animation. Kehelly’s short is immensely playful; manipulating textures, sound design, and even accents to create a scattershot portrait of a deeply insecure society in crisis.

Mud Queen

DIRS. NATHAN FAGAN, LUKE DALY | 18 MINS 

Ryan and his excited mum are getting ready for his 12th birthday party, but as the night draws on, he wonders if her erratic behaviour might bring everything to a halt. Brimming with colour and life, this short film is nonetheless a sensitive portrait of a flawed but loving family unit.

To hear the latest about the 23rd Belfast Film Festival sign up to their e-newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/6C97D6C8008F94EC

For information on the full BFF23 programme visit: www.belfastfilmfestival.org