Every year we receive hundreds of entries into CINEMAGIC YOUNG FILMMAKER from young people wishing to share their stories with a wider audience. In 2025 we received over 700 short film submissions from the next generation of young creatives, from throughout the UK and Ireland, and we a delighted to share with you the competition shortlists.

SHORTLIST - ANIMATION

Wasting, Dir: Laura Breslin

REM, Dir: Laura Masterson

Astray, Dir: Zachary O’Connor

From Inside, Dir: Lel Vaisla

Give It Up!, Dir: Alexander Bigaliy

Foreign Bodies, Dir: Lysander Wong

Fox, Dir: Cydnie Ann Dixie Dean

Solus, Dir: Rue Hughes, Cameron Hansen & Ell Claridge

The Trees Have Eyes, Dir: Charlie Johnson

Expectation, Dir: Corin Anderson

Blackout, Dir: Oliver Pearse

Life Cycle, Dir: Maisie Joy Ainsworth

SEN, Dir: Maxim Gehricke

Anhedonia, Dir: Arlo Rea

Loves Me Not, Dir: Isobel Rose Yit Ling May

Moonlight Haunts, Dir: Kayal Karuppiah

Dancing With The Stars, Dir: Heather Jane Edwards

I Remember Spring, Dir: Joshua Graham

Lipstick, Dir: Éilis Therese O’Neill

Content warning: This package contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

Age Suitability: This shorts package has been given an age recommendation of 18+ due to adult themes and strong language.