Every single year, Cinemagic Young Filmmaker receives hundreds of brilliant entries from the next generation of creatives. For 2026, we were thrilled to welcome over 400 short film submissions from across the UK and Ireland! We are excited to present this year's official competition shortlists, and this specific showcase celebrates the very best Experimental and Documentary films.

With our Experimental titles get ready for bold, boundary-pushing films where traditional rules are completely thrown out the window to bring unique, fresh perspectives to the screen. The Documentary lineup includes eye-opening, honest films where real-world stories and authentic voices come together to challenge, inspire, and change how we see the world around us.

SHORTLIST - EXPERIMENTAL

One Second Late, Dir: Noah Berridge & Yuli Freed

Nothing at All, Dir: Leszek Cygan

Metamorphosis, Dir: Anna Lisiana

Tele’vision’, Dir: Joshua Savage

Desire, Dir: James Ho & Mar Kubiakk

Perfect Take, Dir: Scheanel King

The Painter, Dir: Julia Hadlo

The Fragrance, Dir: Carla Massié

The Fall of Us, Dir: Katie Thomas

Reverie of the Dreamt, Dir: Siyu Chen

Barren, Dir: Freya Marshall, Adrian McDonnell & Jemima Durden

Virus, Dir: Rancho Zhu

I Wanna Go Home, Dir: Alycia Potter

Anthropos, Dir: Kit Warner

The Accidental Apocalypse, Dir: Emilia Lawrence

SHORTLIST – DOCUMENTARY

A World for Short People, Dir: Luca Pappalardo

Reel Hero, Dir: William Fell

A Conversation with Mr. John Gunn, Dir: Isabella Benbow

Boxer, Dir: Adrian Voong

47 Kilns, Dir: Joseph Maclachlan

Other, Dir: Fionn Bowes

Share the Pulse, Dir: Siana Chana

The Blacksmith’s Tale, Dir: Oran Toland

Trad, Dir: John McGarry & Nieve McAlpin

Dredging Heritage, Dir: Cal Conroy

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.