As well as celebrating the work of young filmmakers, the showcase allows next-gen creatives to view films made by their peers and offers opportunities for them to network and talk movies!

At the showcase the shortlisted films will be presented before we announce the 2023 winners for Animation and Documentary. Come along to celebrate the achievements of young people and meet the film making stars of the future.

Competition Shorts

Witch of the Woods (Dir: Kayleigh Smith)

A young girl is sent to spend the weekend with her estranged Grandmother, the rumoured ‘Witch of the Woods’.

Spideog (Dir: Lisa Kearney)

An animated short about schadenfreude in Irish society. The story is told through a little robin who feeds off the misery of others.

The Tell-Tale Heart (Dir: Max Hendrickson)

A stop motion re-telling of the classic Edgar Allen Poe short story, in which a man is driven to insanity by the presence of his older companion’s pale blue eye.

Stan By Me (Dir: Rachel Dixon)

Stan By Me is a geriatric spin on a coming-of-age story about a grumpy, resentful character called Mervin. Despite the overzealous encouragement of Stan, his jolly neighbour, Mervin's aches, and pains overshadow every possibly joy in life.

When It Rains (Dir: Daniel Ritchie)

A collection of stories and experiences from the skateboarding community in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.

Horizons (Dir: David Thomas Johnston)

Are we leaving nature behind? This hypnotic documentary contrasts the stability of the natural world with the ridiculous speed of modern life.

Pain in the Hole (Dir: Rab McPhee)

Filmmaker Rab McPhee investigates the world of hot sauce as he contemplates whether he must suffer to make great art in this surreal documentary/comedy.

Living The Hospitality Lifestyle (Dir: Fabio Ciccarelli)

A love letter to the hospitality industry and the people who comprise it.

Bloodshed (Dir: Eva Babington)

Tilly, Miah, and Safa are three young woman who endure debilitating period pain. Following an adolescence with little menstrual education, support, or relief, they navigate the physical and emotional toll of intensely painful periods while trying to maintain a normal life.

Screening as part of Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’ Short Film Festival.

On the Pulse is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen and BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, awarding funds from National Lottery.