Hangnail (Dir: Grace Connor)

Erin’s dream night becomes a relentless nightmare leading to the question of will her naivety get the better of her?

Academy (Dir: Max Davies)

A girl returns to her old ballet studio to liberate herself from the past.

Son (Dir: Tom Jancso)

Now that Oli is growing up and exploring his own independence, John fears being left behind.

I Don’t Trust People (Dir: Francisco Barradas)

The phone rings. Lily picks up. She smiles. Six hours pass – games, laughs and confrontations later, the FaceTime call ends.

The Crow’s Call (Dir: Ella Sheffield)

In 1890s Cornwall, 15-year-old Mae discovers freedom through a lonely scarecrow.

Flowers for the Resting (Dir: Adella Morton)

Five-year-old Fiora wanders away from her distracted mother at a picnic and comes across the body of a teenage girl.

The Unchanging Sea (Dir: Patrick Sheard)

A sailor’s wife yearns for her husband, as he’s ventured off to sea.

What Was Lost (Dir: Simeon Gooderham)

A poignant and introspective character study following the journey of Robyn, a young woman struggling to find her place in the world.

When This You See (Dir: Megan Lyons)

Hester, a humble woman governed by the effects of a distant war, and her spirited young daughter, Asmi, await the return of her son from battle.

Moth! (Dir: Lilith Allen)

Follow 15-year-old Sophia as she navigates the world and her relationships with those around her in the aftermath of her first major breakup.

Streetlands (Dir: Michael James & Patrick Sheard)

A group of underprivileged hooligans & the carefree youth who run the streets are faced with the reality of their situation by someone among them.

Dad (Dir: Milan Hunjan)

After numerous attempts to try and salvage their relationship, Ty eventually expresses how he’s feeling towards his dad.

Cake (Dir: Fran St Clair)

For Layla, life is anything but a piece of cake.

Red is My Favourite Colour (Dir: Olivia White)

Dating apps spawn toxic men; with red flags everywhere. But red is Birdie’s favourite colour!

Every year Cinemagic receive hundreds of entries into CINEMAGIC YOUNG FILMMAKER from young people wishing to share their stories with a wider audience. In 2023 they received over 700 short film submissions from the next generation of young creatives, from throughout the UK and Ireland, and are delighted to share with you the competition shortlists.

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 15+ due to adult themes and strong language.

Screening as part of the Cinemagic Film Festival. For more information about the festival visit cinemagic.org.uk.