As well as celebrating the work of local 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 2026 winner in the category - Best Live Action Film (Fantastical). Come along to celebrate the achievements of new Irish creatives and meet the filmmaking stars of the future.

SHORTLIST

Gabriel’s Trumpet (Dir: Thomas Bennett)

Amidst a crumbling Belfast, Gabriel’s Trumpet is a hi-8 mystery short film that plunges into the disappearance of a young man and the pursuit that follows.

Body Of (Dir: TJ Harvey Kelly)

A guilt-ridden young girl seeks refuge in a church at night, meeting an enigmatic group of worshippers. However, she quickly discovers that she may not be as welcome as they let on.

I Like This Boy (Dir: Alex Mullet)

A lustful girl spirals into an emotional and physical implosion after an obsessive crush on a boy who doesn't know she exists.

Night Shift (Dir: Matthew Nugent)

A night guard undertakes a new role in an abandoned orphanage. What starts out as an uneventful shift, suddenly descends into chaos as he spots some unusual activity on the CCTV cameras.

An Ríomh (Dir: Eleanor Shannon)

One date, one choice, one reckoning - What begins as a chance at love descends into something far more sinister.

Barracuda (Dir: Izzy Dalton)

Jack realises his fish are slowly disappearing one by one; and his younger brother Andrew us acting very strangely at night.

Lived Once Buried Twice (Dir: Olivia Rose Beatty)

A spine-tingling true tale of two graverobbers who think they've hit the jackpot when they hear of an invaluable ring buried six feet under.

A Few Seconds of Heaven (Dir: Scott Livingstone)

Alone on his birthday, a young man awaits something ominous ahead of him.

The Cow Consort: Voyage Inaugural (Dir: Harvey Neale)

A surreal dystopian tale set after the AI singularity. This is the start of a discontented Consorts journey; he must travel through his dreams to learn more about himself.

Ziggurat (Dir: Max Hendrickson)

A leader obsessed with progress into the skies, nears the culmination of his work.

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 16+ due to adult themes and strong language.

Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’, is an exciting month-long programme of screenings, film education events, talks and workshops on the short film genre and short form storytelling. We have programmed a season of the very best international short films, classic heritage shorts and cartoons, as well as showcasing short films made by local young filmmakers.

Cinemagic 'On the Pulse' is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen.