Thank you to our sponsors!
For the most up to date information on events and tickets for this year’s festival, head over to our website.
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
AWARD SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
4. Welcome to NFF2024 6. Our team 8. Grand Jury 14. Schedule 17. Feature films 31. Short film strands 71. Industry sessions 88. Official Selection
Spotlight on Shorts
NFF Awards 105. Nominated films
We’re thrilled to be back, and we’re super excited to host this year’s festival at the beautiful Cinema City Norwich, enhancing your experience with state-of-the-art facilities in a charming, historic setting. From November 11th to 24th, our festival will showcase a dynamic mix of short films, feature screenings, and insightful industry panels, as well as special presentations and live performances. As a BAFTA and BIFAqualifying festival, we continue to champion creativity and innovation in film. With our commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable, Norwich Film Festival is the perfect winter entertainment for all. Join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience this season!
In this expanded edition of our programme, you’ll find all the usual information about our films, our screenings, and our events, but also so much more. We’ve included extended info on all of the above, as well as highlighting our nominated films, and we’ve added a special spotlight section, giving an insight into some of the films from our NFF2024 Official Selection.
For more details, visit norwichfilmfestival.co.uk
Thanks to Our Team!
Kellen
Playford HEAD OF FESTIVAL
Siobhan Ennis HEAD OF PRODUCTION
It takes so many talented and dedicated people to run a festival each year, and we are hugely thankful to every single person involved.
Sava Radulovic HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
Ewan
Tough HEAD OF PROGRAMMING
Penny Bartram HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Zoë Blacklock PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR
Ishnoor PROGRAMMING ASSISTANT
Rory Heaton PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Matilda Green COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
Joe Bird PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Libby Chipperfield FESTIVAL ASSISTANT
Festival Trustees Keith Johnston (Chair), Ellie Nixon, Beth Sowerby, Debbie Gray, Tom Martin, Simon De-lacy Adams
John Collee, Olivia Colman, Brian Cox, Stephen Fry, Hugh Jackman, Julian Jarrold, Nina Nannar, Tim McInnerny, Richard
Sawdon Smith, Alan Waters
Each film submitted is carefully reviewed by at least five members of our 200+ member Online Screening Committee. The top-rated films are
then revisited by our Executive Team, who finalise the Official Selection and nominate standout films for our Jury, composed of esteemed industry professionals. Each year, we bring together a diverse group of artists to judge these nominated films and highlight their favourites.
Carly is an experienced editor with over 12 years in TV and film. Her credits include Extraordinary, Doctor Who, and A Thousand Blows (Disney+), as well as The Crown and Belfast. She’s a BAFTA Connect member and was featured in Broadcast Magazine’s ‘Hot Shots’.
Based in Burbank, CA., Andrew is an Oscarnominated filmmaker who co-wrote and codirected One Small Step at Taiko Studios and worked as an animator on Disney films like Frozen and Zootopia. His short film The Brave Locomotive won Best Animated Film at NFF2023.
Fabian has over 20 years of experience at Cartoon Saloon, serving as Animation Director on Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner, and co-directing the Annie Award-winning There’s a Monster in My Kitchen. He’s also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Hanna is a London-based critic, author, and broadcaster with over a decade of experience covering film and culture. Her work has appeared in outlets like The Guardian, GQ, and Empire. She co-hosts the Fade to Black podcast and is the author of Strong Female Character: What Movies Teach Us.
After 15 years as an international DJ and record producer, Julian transitioned to visual effects in 2004, rising to CG Supervisor at Double Negative. He later joined ILM, supervising projects like Solo: A Star Wars Story and Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness He’s currently VFX Supervisor on The Acolyte.
Kata is a Croatian director and animator, known for her award-winning graduation film Cockpera With a background in fashion design and animation, she’s contributed to set and costume design, film distribution, and programming. Currently, she leads Croatia’s ASIFA chapter and is working on her short film Nightbloom.
Charlotte is a screenwriter, director, and actor known for her dark, witty female-led writing. She’s developing TV projects with Olivia Colman and Keeley Hawes, and her short Everybody Dies Sometimes... won Best British Short at the British Short Film Awards. She recently directed The Booker Prizes Short Films.
Sam is an award-winning cinematographer. He has worked on projects such as Misfits, The Crown, and Paddington. Starting in short films and commercials for brands like Nationwide, he rose to Second Unit DOP on dramas like Next of Kin. Sam later became main unit DOP on Doctor Who and Sandman.
Sam is a BAFTA-nominated UK-based animation director. Passionate about animation’s accessibility, she explores diverse subjects from microbiology to personal experiences. Her latest film, Visible Mending (2023), was commissioned by the BFI and created through MediaActive Projects. Sam heads the Animation Programme at the Royal College of Art, UK.
Nadira is a Scotland-based producer who won the 2023 BFI & Chanel Filmmaker Award, BAFTA Scotland Best Feature Film Award, and BIFA Breakthrough Producer Award for her debut feature Winners . Her produciotn company develops narratives elevating ethnically diverse voices, focusing on first-generation immigrants and refugees in the UK.
Sasha is a BAFTA-nominated director from New Zealand, now based in Los Angeles. Her documentaries Kofi and Lartey and Kamali earned widespread acclaim, with Kamali winning Best Documentary at Norwich Film Festival. Sasha is currently developing feature films, including BETA , a female lead sci-fi set in the Bay Area - and her debut feature Grafted was released in late 2024.
We’re excited to welcome audiences to this year’s festival! Our new venue partner, Cinema City, will be hosting all, bar one, of our screenings and events , making it the central hub for everything happening during the festival. You can find more information about the events in this programme or by visiting our website.
Unless stated otherwise, all screenings will be rated 18+, but we’ll have options for younger audiences as well. Tickets for all events can be purchased directly through Cinema City’s box office, and for added convenience, tickets for other events are available via our website — just scan the QR code at the back of this programme to book. While some tickets may be available at the door, we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment. See individual listings for pricing details.
We’re also excited to once again offer a filmmaker hub at the John Hurt Education Centre in Cinema City, providing a space for filmmakers to pick up their lanyards, network, and relax before screenings. A big thank you to Artlist for sponsoring this space.
For full details on this year’s festival events, visit norwichfilmfestival.co.uk/events.
11th November
20:00 - 23:00
Shakespeare in Love + Q&A With John Madden
£10-£15
13th November
12:00 - 13:00
Panel on AI in Filmmaking
£5
13:15 - 14:15
The Director’s Take (Live Podcast)
£5
14:45 - 15:45
The Art of Sound Editing
£5
16th November
10:00 -11:30 Family Friendly Shorts
£6-8
12:00 - 13:30 The Mix Tape Vol. 1
£6-8
13:00 - 14:00
Editing with Carly Brown
£3
14:00 - 15:30
International Mix
£6-8
16:00 - 17:15 VFX of The Acolyte
£5
18:00 - 20:15
Women In Film + Q&A
£6-8
15th November
20:00 -21:45 Nosferatu
Norwich Playhouse
£23
16:00 -17:30 Emerging Talent
£6-8
17:45 -20:15 Awards Ceremony INVITE ONLY
20:45 - 22:15 Late Night Shorts
Volume 1
£6-8
17th November
10:00 - 11:30
The Recollection Collection
£6-8
12:00 - 13:30 Mixtape Volume 2
£6-8
14:00 - 15:30
Animated Shorts
£6-8
16:00 - 17:30
British Mix
£6-8
18:00 - 19:30 East Anglian Shorts
£6-8
18th November
18:30 - 20:30 The Draughtsman’s Contract (35mm)
£10-12 19th November
18:00 - 20:30 LGBTQ+ Shorts + Q&A
£6-8
20th November
18:30 - 20:30 All We Imagine As Light
£8-10
20:45 - 22:15 Late Night Shorts Volume 2
£6-8
21st November
18:15 - 19:45 Where Are We Now?
£6-8 20:15 - 21:45 Comedy Shorts
£6-8
23rd November
10:30 - 12:00 Life Finds a Way
£6-8
12:30 - 14:00 Mix Tape Volume 3
£6-8
13:00 - 14:30 BBC Writer’s Room
£3
15:00 - 16:00 Film as Activism
£3
16:30 - 17:30 In Conversation with Jost Trett
£3
24th November
10:30 - 12:00 Something Completely Different
£6-8
12:30 - 14:00 Real Stories
£6-8 14:30 - 16:00 Oska Bright Shorts
£3
All events are taking place at Cinema City Norwich
NFF2024 officially launched in style on Friday 18th October. The evening brought together sponsors, friends of the festival, and local press to celebrate the release of the full festival programme and the start of ticket sales.
Keith Johnston, NFF’s chair of trustees, delivered a warm speech, thanking supporters and highlighting the diverse programme in store for this year’s festival.
With events spanning feature films, short films, and industry panels, the programme promises to make NFF2024 a standout event. Guests had the chance to discuss the screenings and talks they were most looking forward to, adding to the event’s celebratory mood.
The Yard Coffee was the perfect venue for the launch, offering a relaxed yet vibrant space for attendees to socialise and share their enthusiasm for the festival, all while sipping on film-themed cocktails.
This year’s film line-up offers a diverse range of cinematic experiences at some of Norwich’s most iconic venues. At Cinema City Norwich, enjoy Shakespeare in Love with an exclusive Q&A, and Peter Greenaway’s visually striking The Draughtsman’s Contract on 35mm film.
Also, don’t miss an advanced preview of
All We Imagine As Light, an evocative exploration of the human condition. For something unique, head to Norwich Playhouse for Nosferatu, accompanied by a live musical score for an eerie, unforgettable experience.
Tickets are available directly from the venues.
Dir. John Madden, 1998, 123 mins
11th November, 20:00-23:00 Cinema City screen 1 Sponsored by
A young Shakespeare, out of ideas and short of cash, meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays.
For the opening night of NFF2024, join us for a screening of John Madden’s 1998 classic Shakespeare In Love. This screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A with director John Madden, offering fresh insights into this Oscar-winning romantic drama.
The Norwich Film Festival is set to open with a grand screening of Shakespeare in Love on November 11th, marking the beginning of two exciting weeks of cinema in the heart of Norwich. This special event, sponsored by Holkham Estates, offers more than just a film screening—it will include a highly anticipated post-screening Q&A with director John Madden in person and actor Joseph Fiennes joining virtually. The event will be hosted by renowned film critic and writer, Hanna Flint, making it one of the festival’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited evenings.
The Film:
Shakespeare in Love, released in 1998, remains one of the most beloved films of the late 20th century, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film tells a fictionalised account of young William Shakespeare, played by Joseph Fiennes, as he grapples with writer’s block while working on what would become Romeo and Juliet.
Along the way, he finds inspiration in his muse, Viola de Lesseps, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, a young woman who longs to act at a time when the stage was off-limits to women. Their passionate, forbidden romance intertwines with Shakespeare’s writing process, blurring the lines between his life and his work.
Directed by John Madden and written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, Shakespeare in Love captivated audiences with its sharp wit, sweeping romance, and imaginative portrayal of Elizabethan England. The film’s blend of history and fiction, along with its homage to the theatre, made it a standout at the Academy Awards, where it won Oscars for Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow), Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench), and Best Original Screenplay, among others.
The Norwich Film Festival is thrilled to bring this timeless classic to the big screen again, giving both longtime fans and newcomers the chance to experience it in a cinema setting. The screening at Cinema City, a venue known for its intimate and historic atmosphere, will create the perfect environment for this celebration of art, history, and love.
Hannah Flint FILM CRITIC/WRITER
John Madden DIRECTOR
What makes this event particularly special is the opportunity for audiences to hear from the minds behind Shakespeare in Love. After the screening, a live Q&A session will take place, featuring director John Madden in person. Madden, whose directing credits also include The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, will share behindthe-scenes stories from the making of the film, offering insights into how he brought
Joseph Fiennes LEAD ACTOR
this unique vision of Shakespeare to life.
Known for his ability to bring rich historical settings and character-driven narratives to the screen, Madden is sure to provide fascinating commentary on his approach to this project, which has since become a classic of modern cinema.
Joining the discussion virtually will be Joseph Fiennes, whose portrayal of Shakspeare was both heartfelt and iconic. Fiennes’ performance as the young playwright won him critical acclaim and cemented his status as one of the leading actors of his generation.
During the Q&A, Fiennes is expected to reflect on his experience playing one of history’s most celebrated writers, the challenges of stepping into Shakespeare’s shoes, and his thoughts on the film’s enduring legacy.
His insights will be particularly valuable to fans of the film, as well as aspiring actors and filmmakers looking to learn from his career.
The Q&A will be moderated by Hanna Flint, a respected film critic, writer, and author. Known for her thoughtful and incisive commentary on cinema, Flint will guide the conversation and bring her own expertise into the mix. She will not only pose questions to Madden and Fiennes but also engage the audience, making this an interactive and enlightening session. Flint’s involvement promises to elevate the event even further, as she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for film to the discussion.
This event kicks off two weeks of incredible cinema at Norwich Film Festival 2024, offering a unique opportunity to revisit a beloved classic and gain exclusive insights from the filmmakers and actors who brought it to life.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing it for the first time, this unforgettable evening promises to be a festival highlight. Don’t miss out on the magic - secure your tickets now and join us on November 11th at Cinema City for an evening of love, theatre, and timeless storytelling.
Dir. F.W. Murnau, 1922, 88 mins
15th November, 20:00-21:45, Norwich Playhouse
Ahead of Robert Eggers’ eagerly anticipated reimagining of the film releasing in January 2025, we are offer a thrilling cinematic experience with a special screening of Nosferatu at Norwich Playhouse. This 1922 silent horror classic, directed by F.W. Murnau is one of the earliest vampire films and remains an iconic piece of cinematic history. To make the event even more memorable, the film will be accompanied by a live score performed by Bristol-based band Minima, known for their powerful and atmospheric music that perfectly complements silent films.
Nosferatu is a German Expressionist horror film that has stood the test of time, widely regarded as one of the most influential horror movies ever made. Loosely based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the film follows the eerie Count Orlok, portrayed by Max Schreck, who moves from his remote Transyltvanian castle to a town in Germany, bringing terror and death with him.
The film’s stark, shadowy cinematography and unsettling imagery have captivated audiences for over a century, cementing Nosferatu as a defining work in horror cinema.
Released during the silent film era, Nosferatu relied on striking visuals, innovative set design, and expressive performances to create a mood of dread and suspense. From the iconic image of Count Orlok’s elongated fingers creeping up a staircase to his ghostly appearance in the shadowy landscapes of Germany, Nosferatu uses light, shadow, and space to evoke a palpable sense of fear. The film’s use of natural settings, such as mistcovered mountains and dark forests, heightens the unsettling tone.
Despite its success, Nosferatu almost vanished from cinematic history. Bram Stoker’s estate sued the filmmakers for unauthorised adaptation of Dracula, leading to a court ruling ordering all copies of the film to be destroyed. Thankfully, a few prints survived, and the film was later restored, allowing modern audiences to appreciate its eerie brilliance.
What sets the NFF2024 screening of Nosferatu apart is the live musical accompaniment by Minima, a Bristolbased band renowned for creating original soundtracks for silent films. Known for their haunting, minimalist approach, Minima specialises in crafting immersive soundscapes that heighten the tension and atmosphere of the films they score. Their use of guitar, bass, drums, and synthesisers allows them to blend post-punk and gothic influences into a modern soundtrack that feels perfectly suited to silent horror classics like Nosferatu.
Minima’s live performances are as much a part of the experience as the films themselves. Their music adds an extra layer of emotion, fear, and intensity, drawing audiences into the world of the film. For Nosferatu, they have composed a score that mirrors the slow-building dread and tension of the narrative, with dark, moody tones that complement the film’s shadowy visuals. From quiet, eerie soundscapes that create a sense of foreboding to more intense crescendos during scenes of terror, Minima’s music will bring Nosferatu to life in an entirely new way.
This fusion of live music and silent cinema offers a unique and visceral experience for audiences. As the music swells and fades in real-time, it heightens the emotional impact of the film’s key moments, allowing viewers to feel the creeping dread and growing tension as if they were experiencing it firsthand. The result is an unforgettable combination of visual and sonic artistry that pays homage to the original film while adding a contemporary twist.
The film also reflects the cultural anxieties of its time, released after WWI during economic hardship in Germany. Its plague-like imagery, symbolizing contagion and societal decay, remains hauntingly relevant today.
For cinephiles and horror fans, Nosferatu is essential viewing, and the NFF2024 screening with Minima’s live score offers a rare and thrilling experience.
Over 100 years after its release, Nosferatu still captivates audiences. Its influence is evident in countless horror films, from the use of shadow and light to the enduring fascination with vampires. The film’s lasting power lies in its ability to evoke primal fears - of the unknown, death, and the monstrous. Unlike later romanticized versions, Nosferatu ’s vampire is grotesque and terrifying.
The Norwich Film Festival’s November 15th screening of Nosferatu promises to be a highlight. Pairing Murnau’s eerie silent masterpiece with a live score by Minima, it offers an unforgettable blend of film, music, and atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, this is a rare chance to experience Nosferatu on the big screen with a live soundtrack that enhances its chilling impact.
Dir. Peter Greenaway, 1982, 108 mins
18th November, 18:30-20:30, Cinema City screen 1
We are excited to present, in collaboration with Cinema City, a special 35mm screening of Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982). This is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the film as it was originally intended, on 35mm—a rare treat for cinema lovers, as it marks the first non-digital screening in Norwich in nearly a decade.
The Draughtsman’s Contract is a key work in Peter Greenaway’s impressive filmography, which established him as a director of international renown. The film is set in 1694 and follows an arrogant young draughtsman who is hired to create twelve drawings of a wealthy estate in exchange for sexual favours from the lady of the house. As he completes his drawings, hidden secrets and darker plots come to light, leading to a mysterious murder. The film’s narrative is intricately woven with biting wit and sharp dialogue, making it a highly engaging puzzle for audiences to unravel.
What makes The Draughtsman’s Contract so captivating is not only its plot but its visual and auditory richness. The film is filled with lavish, meticulously designed costumes and exquisite set pieces that evoke the opulence of 17th-century English country estates. Each frame is composed like a painting, filled with carefully placed details that offer clues to the film’s deeper mysteries. Greenaway’s collaboration with composer Michael Nyman further elevates the experience. Nyman’s score, with its hypnotic and repetitive patterns, adds to the film’s sense of tension and intrigue.
For those who have never seen The Draughtsman’s Contract, this is a chance to experience a pivotal film from one of the most visionary directors of the late 20th century. For those who already know the film, this 35mm screening offers a fresh and immersive way to appreciate Greenaway’s artistry. In an era where films are often consumed on small screens or through digital formats, this event reminds us of the power of seeing cinema in its original form—projected on film in a darkened theatre, surrounded by fellow viewers.
Sponsored by
Dir. Payal Kapadia, 2024, 118 mins
20th November, 18:30-20:30, Cinema City screen 3
In a bustling city like Mumbai, where dreams and struggles coexist in a delicate balance, All We Imagine As Light delves into the intricate lives of three hospital employees: Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty. As they navigate the challenges of their daily existence, Kapadia offers an intimate glimpse into their world, exploring the complexities of workingclass life against the backdrop of one of India’s most vibrant yet unforgiving urban landscapes.
Director Payal Kapadia, acclaimed for her distinctive narrative style, brings a fresh perspective to the screen. Her Cannes Grand Prix-winning film masterfully blends verité techniques with surreal elements, reflecting both the harsh realities and fleeting beauty within the chaos of city life. It captures the essence of urban migration and the dislocation many face in pursuing a better future.
Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty’s stories intertwine as they confront personal struggles, societal expectations, and economic hardship. Each character represents a facet of resilience, offering a compassionate portrayal of life in Mumbai that deeply resonates with viewers.
The cinematography vividly conveys Mumbai’s vibrancy and oppressive nature, weaving through streets, hospital corridors, and
intimate spaces. Surreal touches reveal the characters’ inner lives, highlighting their dreams and fears.
All We Imagine As Light is a meditation on survival, hope, and the quest for belonging.
Sponsored by Skyline IFE, this screening promises a moving experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a groundbreaking portrayal of urban life in contemporary cinema.
Proud to support Norwich Film Festival
“…I have to say what an absolute spectacular event this is, I haven’t stopped saying wow wow wow!!!” Rebecca, Google review
“The Christmas event was just so magical, don’t think about this one just book and go - you will not be disappointed.”
Inspire 787715, Tripadvisor review
Find out more at holkham.co.uk/christmas
With tours of Holkham Hall by candlelight - as seen on Channel 4craft and art workshops and our festive market, Christmas at Holkham is looking truly magical.
Explore the world of short films at Norwich Film Festival with 20 unique screenings at Cinema City. This year, we’re showcasing over 140 films from 20 countries, offering a diverse range of stories — from heartwarming dramas to groundbreaking experimental pieces.
Whether you’re a casual movie-goer or a cinephile, our programme has something for everyone. Get your tickets from Cinema City!
13th November, 18:00-20:15
Cinema City, Screen 2
Representing a diverse range of genres, styles & themes, join us for a selection of eight short films directed by women, followed by a panel and Q&A with selected filmmakers.*
End of Infinity (9m)
Two women swap jokes and comfortable silences on a bus journey through the English countryside, but their relationship is more than it seems.
Gardening (14m)
In the aftermath of sexual assault, a woman retreats into the garden of her mind to search for answers.
Bathsheba (13m)
A widow, struggling to readjust to a life of grief, unexpectedly meets a woman whose presence is transformative.
First Timer (15m)
It’s Meghan’s first week on the job as a carer. She visits the elderly Bonnie who has a refreshing, yet challenging approach to her personal care.
Latch (6m)
After soothing a crying baby, Thea feels like a natural mother—until another woman claims the baby is hers, leaving Thea questioning her bond with her own child.
A refugee doctor seeking government aid faces a tough choice at her job centre: work as a cleaner or face sanctions in the system she hoped would support her.
When teenager Siah decides to take a nude selfie, she feels both exhilarated and mature. But when she finds her photo has been shared, her sexual agency all but evaporates before her.
An essay film that celebrates femininity. Over 30 women throughout Germany reflect on what it means to exist as a person read as female in a world that was not made for them.
A post screening Q&A will be hosted by Niamh Brook and will feature Myah Asha Jeffers (Bathsheba), Flora Charlotte Lopategui (End of Infinity),
Hannah Kathryn Kelso (First Timer), and Ruby Abbiss (Latch).
*Please note filmmakers appearing in the Q&A are subject to change.
16th November, 10:00-11:30
Cinema City screen 3
Amy and Frog (11m)
A lonely young girl’s encounter with a mythical being at the park takes her on an adventure to a new world where magic and friendship beckons.
Broomsticks on Broadway (5m)
Fellinda Cauldron is inspired by the moon to make a magical dancing potion - can she overcome her doubts and complete her bubbling brew?
Treat the whole family to a collection of vibrant, family-friendly short films for all ages. From heartwarming stories of belonging to madcap adventures, these films will captivate both the young and young-at-heart!
Bongo’s Big Adventure (25m)
After he ruivns his Christmas with a mistake, Ash’s Granddad tries to cheer him up with an old TV show, a children’s musical starring a honey badger called Bongo.
Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite (13m)
Night has fallen but something has awoken. 9 year old Elsa is stirred from her sleep by peculiar sounds echoing from downstairs…
A cat cafe in the heart of Paris becomes a secret city hotspot as the cats open a jazz cafe in the middle of the night.
Sophia the squirrel embarks on a journey of self-discovery, helping her navigate emotions of grief after the loss of a close friend.
A British-East Asian school kid faces her fears when her home-cooked packed lunch is scrutinised.
Geoffrey buries his phone and shuns technology in a one-man silent rebellion against the modern world.
16th November, 12:00-13:30
Cinema City screen 3
An Angel On Oxford Street (9m)
Saul reluctantly ventures to Oxford Street in London, where an unexpected encounter with a rough sleeper transforms his life.
Looking for the perfect introduction to the Official Selection of short films at Norwich Film Festival 2024? Join us for a curated selection of seven inspiring short films spanning a variety of genres and themes.
Dream Burger (9m)
Luke and Simon always go for burgers together after tennis. But this time, Luke wants to tell Simon how he really feels about him.
Goodbye Forever Maybe? (14m)
A stranded astronaut attempts to write his own eulogy.
Homeless Isaac hides in Victoria’s home after returning her forgotten bag. As he stays hidden, an unexpected bond forms between them.
The remarkable and little-known story of Troi Lee, the unstoppable force behind the UK’s deaf music and rave scene.
A father and son running a makeshift hospital on the front line of war, face a tough decision when a platoon of soldiers approaches their building.
A visceral dance film about a young man who is struggling with his mental health.
16th November, 14:00-15:30
Cinema City screen 3
Clodagh (17m)
A lonely priest’s housekeeper encounters a young Irish girl of exceptional talent.
Embark on a cinematic journey around the world with our international short film screening, showcasing diverse languages, cultures, and genres. Experience the richness of international storytelling in this curated strand.
Set in 1956, 8 year old Nabil navigates through new social norms he cannot fathom that impact his next door best friend in post nationalised Egypt.
In the late 90s Paris suburbs, 17-year-old Emilie’s father angrily refuses to pick up her friend at a party. Emilie and her mother spend the night searching, reshaping her view of her father.
Ben, an ambitious Asian-American man shaped by his father’s immigrant experience, is visited by a familiar face on his way to the top.
When a bombing destroys his house, a father gets stuck under the rubble and desperately looks for help to save his injured daughter. Inspired by true events.
High schooler Mira hides her pregnancy due to stigma and plans to give her baby to a local couple posing as pregnant. When labour begins, secrets are revealed.
16th November, 16:00-17:30
Cinema City screen 3
Awaiting the Lightning Bolt (4m)
Renato, an eccentric Renaissance inventor, seeks to capture lightning in a jar. As he defies sceptics, his quest becomes a thrilling adventure of love and nature.
Discover the future of filmmaking as we showcase short films by student talents. Be captivated by fresh perspectives, creativity, and the innovative storytelling of the next generation.
Sponsored by:
Bannkorb (18m)
A former SS colonel lives a secluded life in a hut deep in the forest. The idyll proves to be a facade as the demons of the past continue to haunt him.
Death Code X (25m)
Ilja, a crisis worker, hides his struggles after a traumatic case. But when a suicidal driver pushes him to the edge, he’s forced to confront his unresolved past.
An Indonesian boy falls in love with a blue-haired hairdresser, deciding to gather all his friends to create the greatest magic trick ever seen.
A hospice videographer records a terminally ill man’s disturbing last words and must decide whether to reveal them to his daughter, knowing they’ll change her life.
Bullied and exhausted, a boy returns home as rain falls. Upon entering, he transforms into a tree-like figure. His mother approaches silently, holding an axe.
Steak (8m)
A birthday party preparation is thrown into chaos by an awful event.
16th November, 20:45-22:15
Cinema City screen 3
Autophagy (11m)
A waterborne disease ravages a town. As societal hatred grows, a couple must choose: pay for medication or drink the water and face rejection.
Dormant (9m)
A man cares for his comatose wife at home. After a transgression, he fears something sinister has awakened in her.
An audience favourite returns! Late Night Shorts is back with a new selection of horror and dark comedy short films that’ll send shivers down your spine and leave you laughing in the dark.
On the day of his grandma’s funeral, 17-year-old Red faces multi-generational demons in this surreal horror film exploring colonial trauma and Black family histories.
In this supernatural dark comedy, a pathetic Irish fishmonger must survive a sex pact with an ancient fish creature in order to save his mother’s soul from burning in hell.
In a surreal dystopia, a travelling salesman encounters a singing behemoth. This two-headed monstrosity tempts him with a terrifying proposition.
Pobl Bachyn (11m)
After a breakup, Adam seeks comfort with friends, but at midnight, a chilling local tradition threatens to turn his visit into a nightmare.
Estranged siblings Martin and Sam’s walk in the woods turns into a nightmare when a lone hiker blurs the line between reality and delusion.
A young woman battles for her life against a relentless masked killer.
17th November, 10:00-11:30
Cinema City screen 2
And Granny Would Dance (10m)
Marmar listens to the stories told by her grandmother’s friends as they play an illicit game of cards.
Is memory a name, or is it a place?
Through recollections of lost lands, relationships, forgotten languages, dances, scents, and blended identities, this screening explores what we’ve left behind—and how those imprints shape who we’ve become.
Balkan, Baby (19m)
Martina, striving to fit in as a “good immigrant” in Germany, meets Dunja, a confident young woman proud of her origins. This encounter forces Martina to confront her own repressed identity.
Bo Jacquo (18m)
Actor Daniel prepares for a Mafia movie scene about his father’s death, delving into childhood memories that deeply impact his life.
A British Sikh living two lives, tries to connect with her mother and tell her the truth but will the ancestral traditions that are embedded and the emotional pressure hold her back.
Brown Brit (12m)
Brown Brit follows a woman’s journey from an arranged marriage in 1987 India to her new life on a North London council estate raising three children.
Tamagoyaki (4m)
When Aya moves to the UK from Japan, she slowly starts to realize the cultural differences in love and affection that make her start to question if she is loved by her mum.
Weave (12m)
When a young black girl is being coaxed to hide her Afro by her fiercely protective father, she learns his motivations and concerns are to save her from suffering the same fate as her mother.
17th November, 12:00-13:30
Cinema City screen 2
Shortly before the end of the summer holidays, a country boy spends his savings on his dream of a city hairstylewith surprising results.
A young non-binary person feels overwhelmed and wants to escapeliterally, to the moon.
Be transported by an exciting range of short films from across our Official Selection, spanning a vast range of genres, themes & languages.
Isaac weaves through various friends at a Bonfire night, wondering whether he should send pictures to the man on his phone.
After striking up an unlikely-friendship, a British-Chinese lion dancer must come to terms with his shame towards his own traditions before it’s too late.
Val, a century-old vampire, starts university but faces tension as her grieving mother struggles with her leaving home for a new chapter.
The story of the Brighton Table Tennis Club reveals the impact of the game on both players and mentors alike.
ParKaty, facing an abusive home, bonds with photography student Vanesa, who lends her a camera. Through it, Katy documents and becomes aware of her harsh reality.
The life of a South Indian man whose love for flowers goes unnoticed.
17th November, 14:00-15:30
Cinema City screen 2
Dodo‘s father is a big blue bird. One day he flies away from the window, and hasn‘t come back. From then on, Dodo stops growing up.
In 1983, a lieutenant at a defence base receives an alarm of five incoming nukes. Facing conflicting data and protocol, he must decide whether to retaliate. Based on a true story.
Explore a captivating collection of animated shorts, where whimsy, emotion, and creativity reveal animation’s limitless possibilities.
Sponsored by:
A young boy tries to comfort his grieving mother.
A captain suffering from PTSD, lives with his daughter & struggles with a harsh life. One day something unexpected happens.
Dong-Dong, often ignored by other kids, buys magical candies that let him hear his old sofa talk. As he explores the candies, he discovers surprising new conversations.
A woman tries to find a place to fit in a weird world full of containers and eventually feels whole again.
A robotic vacuum suffering from burnout quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community and a greater purpose on a quiet street where two lonely rabbits are stuck in perpetual loops.
Four starving plants scavenge to exist on the edge of an arid slate mine. Then they discover something that gives them purpose and allows them to thrive - jazz music.
British Mix
17th November, 16:00-17:30
Cinema City screen 2
Delivery (25m)
A newly-qualified midwife experiences the most physically and psychologically challenging night shift of her career.
Experience the best of British storytelling in our diverse short film showcase. From comedy to drama, explore a tapestry of genres, tones, and themes that reflect the richness of British filmmaking talent.
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Patience (14m)
In a week of patient visits, seasoned nurse Flora mentors student Kev. Amid highs, lows, and bonding, Kev discovers his potential, reigniting Flora’s passion.
Fei Li is the top violinist in her youth orchestra. When another violinist arrives to challenge her place, her anxieties take a monstrous physical form.
In a future drained of colour, Oscar and his ailing husband struggle with a cruel and hierarchical medical system where energy credits are the new currency.
Aurora is asked to look after her friend’s cat, but as events take a turn for the worse, she is forced to ask herself - am I a good person?
Under the care of his struggling wife, a retired rhubarb farmer begins to experience vivid and disturbing hallucinations.
17th November, 18:00-19:30
Cinema City screen 2
Discover East Anglia’s stories and talent in our local short film showcase, celebrating the region’s culture, landscapes, and creativity.
Sponsored by:
For Georgia & Ella, passing their GCSEs is no laughing matter. So when they discover they have failed maths, they take matters into their own hands...
Living in the shadows of unthinkable loss, one man seeks solace from the one person who knows him best, his future self.
The captivating term for a gathering of butterflies is a ‘kaleidoscope,’ and what better way to honour this enchanting fact than through a short film!
A young footballer faces a tough choice: pursue her dream of going pro or care for her grandmother Maggie, whose memory of her own football career is fading.
After her mother dies mysteriously, Dani is haunted by her mother’s ringing phone, uncovering dark secrets that unravel her world.
Jas kisses Adam, then rejects him, leaving him heartbroken. At home, she just wants peace but faces her meddling flatmate Ben’s matchmaking schemes.
On a British farm, Nizar, enslaved and in debt, dreams of reuniting with his family but faces new peril when a volatile arrival disrupts his plans.
A bitter-sweet story of a man spending one last weekend away with the one he loves the most.
19th November, 18:00-20:30
Cinema City screen 3
Bender Defenders (25m)
In East London, four queer martial artists gather to celebrate trans people, discussing how anger, pain, friendship, and joy drive their resistance and unity.
Come along and watch this amazing collection of LGBTQ+ short films from our Official Selection, exploring identity, relationships and more, followed by a Q&A with selected filmmakers.
Burning World (12m)
The world is on fire, why not start a band? Over the course of one night, we follow the newest punks brave enough to take the stage.
Man>Code (15m)
Lucas’s casual fling with Theo takes a strange turn when his ex unexpectedly returns home early.
Maud et Luna (10m)
After weeks of secretive work, Luna finally unveils her painting to her girlfriend, Maud.
Roses (15m)
Rosa finds herself unexpectedly spending an evening out alone as her daughter throws an 18th birthday party.
Some Kind of Paradise (21m)
In a chance encounter on Grindr, a reclusive barman at an Arkansas line-dancing bar connects with a charismatic Hollywood actor.
A post screening Q&A will be hosted by Niamh Brook and will feature Ira Putilova (Bender Defenders), Alec Huggins (Maud et Luna), and Coral Knights (Roses).
*Please note filmmakers appearing in the Q&A are subject to change.
20th November, 20:45-22:15
Cinema City screen 3
This year we’ve got so much horror & dark comedy that we’ve had to create a whole second screening! From twisted tales of revenge to eerie encounters with the unknown, each story is packed with unexpected twists, macabre humour, and chilling suspense.
When a lab-grown vegan meat develops teeth, the company owners face an escalating set of moral dilemmas, as the situation spirals out of control.
Madeline’s House (3m)
A little girl, Madeline, takes us on a tour of her beloved childhood home as she slowly remembers the strange and disturbing events that led to her death.
Bobby’s tales of hunting game on the plains of Tanzania inspire a sinister side in her mollycoddled co-worker Lucas.
Chased by his nightmare knife hand, the paper boy has to confront his real fear which supposed to be his hope.
17-year-old Bonnie takes a cleaning job at Mr. Roach’s eerie house, only to uncover dark secrets that reveal her employer’s true, sinister nature.
Alone in a laundromat at night, two strangers realize they’ll never see each other again and decide to trade secrets.
Late at night, a lone fisherman discovers he is not the only one hoping to hook something.
Mike’s muddy feet lead him to discover he sleepwalks at night. With a GoPro, he tracks his eerie nocturnal journey, revealing a terrifying nightmare.
21st November, 18:15-19:45
Cinema City screen 3
154 (19m)
A kindergarten teacher is assigned to educate an advanced prototype of artificial intelligence, on the condition that he approaches it as a child.
The public’s fleeting feelings about the world’s future and potential ending are explored, capturing the beauty and fragility of the planet on 16mm film.
The fragile modern world and how it connects us is under focus in this brand new strand for 2024. Featuring explorations of AI, influencer culture, the planet, and our desperate need for human connection in a digital world - this screening takes a look at where we are now, and where we could be going next.
Believing that his way of life is under threat, a Clown records a message for the world. But does he really mean it?
In the dull world of Verrucaway, a pharmaceutical company, Paul’s life changes when the power of Iris, an AI assistant, is unleashed.
In the remote Scottish countryside, a downtrodden woman finds herself entangled in a newly-discovered influencer culture.
Two computer programmers developing a weather forecasting AI are unnerved to discover their creation is far more powerful than they’d imagined.
A lonely old woman desperately searches for human connection on the internet.
21st November, 20:15-21:45
Cinema City screen 1
Join us for an evening of hilarious comedy shorts. Featuring famous faces and stories that appeal to all senses of humour, this screening has something for all to enjoy. Always our most popular screening!
Fierce-ish Grace (5m)
As Grace steps into her pay review, she prepares to unleash a version of herself that only her bathroom mirror has ever seen.raph
Offline (16m)
Things get out of hand when a major security brand, an advertising agency and a production company meet at a so-called offline meeting, to try to agree on the final cut of a commercial film.
Le Charade (3m)
A psychotic episode ensues after a lonely mime’s imaginary friend breaks up with him and he is forced to re-enter society.
Sleepyhead (10m)
17-year-old Rae, chronically ill and chronically awesome, dreams of escape and plots revenge on her clueless doctors.
While Mike waits for his first date with Lara, his imagination runs wild, dreaming up many scenarios in which the date could go wrong. The longer he waits, the crazier his imagination becomes.
It’s Frank and Ollie’s first day at ‘work’ and things don’t quite go the way it does in their favourite movies. Ultimatums can be tricky in this workplace comedy with a twist.
Jay and Ellie heat things up, but Jay’s struggling. In the bathroom, he and his wise-cracking penis, Dick, debate toxic masculinity and manhood.
Following a surprisingly successful date, a lonely man faces a race against time to rid his apartment of a dark secret.
A mime performer battles a right-wing government’s attack on the arts, rallying for a silent revolution to save his beloved craft from extinction.
23rd November, 10:30-12:00
Cinema City screen 3
Detours Ahead (8m)
A road trip traces a transition of grief to acceptance through valleys, junctions, and detours.
Join us for a selection of shorts celebrating the power of human nature, community & perseverance. From the story of a vibrant Iranian community hiding in plain sight, to the romantic tale of a young couple finding connection through sign language, this is a strand celebrating the paths we forge to get to where we need to go. Life always finds a way.
Sponsored
by:
Echo (20m)
Ania and Bartek, two stuttering teenagers undergoing speech therapy, are learning to like themselves and stop being afraid.
Striving to build a successful life in London, Reza places an ad in a peculiar newspaper and discovers the Iranian community hidden in plain sight.
A family drama, about a non-verbal autistic six-year-old boy who with the help of his older sister, proves that his high support needs can’t stop his potential.
Gareth, an anxious teen, and Sadie, a spirited girl who communicates through BSL, seek connection on a romantic night, battling both personal barriers and a chaotic world in this black-and-white love story.
Sculptor Kenny Hunter undertakes Scotland’s first Covid memorial, dedicated to frontline NHS workers, for the Royal College of Surgeons.
23rd November, 12:30-14:00
Cinema City screen 3
A sinister farm accident leaves Cáit with a terrible decision to make.
Join us for a captivating short film screening showcasing a diverse selection of films from various genres and themes. From gripping drama to whimsical comedy, each film offers a unique perspective, promising an unforgettable journey through the art of storytelling.
A philosopher and his girlfriend involuntarily must spend a night at a nudist campsite, which is far beyond their comfort zone.
Grace turns up to Mr Freeman’s house to demand he pay for all the overdue bills he owes the council - but he prefers a more spiritual approach.
Three sisters must remind mankind to respect the earth in order to protect their future.
Sardonic Cynthia walks us through a play-by- play of a recent “squicky” date, requiring her to confront some uncomfortable truths.
Two interwoven moments in the relationship of a couple affected by the contaminated blood scandal, revealing their sacrifices, their love, and the things they never felt safe to say.
24th November, 10:30-12:00
Cinema City screen 3
Crevette (5m)
A young woman faces her fear of pregnancy when she can no longer ignore the presence of the embryo in her freezer.
A magical realist anthology follows eight encounters with a mysterious masked figure. Each character searches for someone as their stories culminate in a fateful evening at an American diner.
Lovers of the weird and wonderful – if you’re looking for something a bit different, this is the screening for you! With surreal stories, unique perspectives & unexpected journeys - this audience favourite strand is back for its third year and is not to be missed.
When a strange being appears, Fred’s neighbourhood is frightened. Only Fred dares to approach the intruder, opening up a world that had yet been closed to him.
A man tries to open a pistachio nut... and other things.
A road trip to a wedding pushes a dysfunctional family to the brink after their journey descends into a claustrophobic hallucinatory nightmare.
In order to find her pet cat, a young toilet attendant has to sell her feet pics to a deranged river hunchback and find her way to a shadow puppet theatre adaptation of her life.
Recordings of a Weather Camera (18m)
At a ski resort, a weather camera installed to display majestic mountain panoramas casually captures a panorama of human abominations.
24th November, 12:30-14:00
Cinema City screen 3
Expiration Date (14m)
A son reflects on his father’s position as the sole operator of a 4th-generation dairy farm, and his own decision not to carry on its legacy.
Step into the world of real stories and remarkable journeys with our documentary short film screening. Explore the depth of human experience and diverse perspectives in these captivating narratives.
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Lost Land (13m)
Jefry and Samuel move to Maldonado to study but face identity struggles. Jefry must find his way to escape the city’s stifling grip.
Follow the Dogs (6m)
A portrait of the relationship between healthcare and creativity, through the unique lens of cancer patient Warren Hastings as he recovers from treatment.
Born into a dreamless world of violence, Paul reimagines his life, from childhood heroin addiction and criminality to the pursuit of hope and human connection.
In the underground world of diffing, a community finds solace in their passion, as they navigate personal struggles and challenges both on and off the road.
For migrant communities joy is political, and in London’s underground Asian rave scene there’s a new generation of rhythmic resistance unfolding.
Six For Gold follows Ellie-Bea Thomas, a Team SOGB rhythmic gymnast with Down’s Syndrome, as she goes for gold at the Special Olympic World Games.
24th November, 14:30-16:00, Cinema City Sir John Hurt Centre
A pick ‘n’ mix of some of the highlights from our friends at Oska Bright. This screening packs a punch and is a great way to see a little bit of everything from the 2024 edition of the Oska Bright Film Festival - the world’s biggest film festival featuring learning disabled and autistic people.
A Tale of Swords and Smoke
Michael Strachan Brown, 7m, UK
Dead Cat Film
Josie Charles, Nathan Miller, 5m, UK
Unscarfed
Anita Bruneburg, 9m, Germany
Glitch
Dan McGowan, 13m, UK
Holiday Maker
Harry Mead, 7m, UK
Happy Okay Mate
Luke Collins, 4m, UK
My Cameras
Lucy Skuce, 6m, UK
The Cunning
Alexandra Maher, 14m, UK
Conor Powell, 5m, UK
Good Vibrations
Tamsin Louise Parker, 5m, UK
Chicken
Lucy McNulty, Emma Pollard, 14m, Canada
Get ready for an exciting day of expert-led industry sessions designed to spark creativity and enhance your filmmaking skills on Wednesday, November 13th. We’re hosting The Director’s Take podcast, a panel exploring the role of AI in filmmaking, a session on sound editing from Oscar-winner Nina Hartstone and Emmy-winner Louise Burton, and we dive into VFX of The Acolyte’s with Julian Foddy from Industrial Light and Magic.
Throughout the rest of the festival, we also have workshops on editing with Carly Brown, a BBC Writers Room workshop, a talk on film as activism, and a talk with a local filmmaker about his experience in the industry — all at Cinema City.
Full details on our website.
Join industry experts Josh Davies (Artlist), Joe Murray (Meantime Studio), and Jon Dunleavy (Norwich University of the Arts) for an in-depth exploration of AI’s rapidly growing role in filmmaking. Josh Davies, an expert in AI-driven tools, will discuss how platforms like Artlist are transforming post-production
workflows. Joe Murray brings his experience in combining cuttingedge technologies with creative projects at Meantime Studio, while Jon Dunleavy, an award-winning animation filmmaker and educator, will share insights into the future of storytelling through AI. This session will dive into AI’s practical applications across production, including how AI can enhance efficiency and creativity.
Jon Dunleavy
Joe Murray
Alongside the technical benefits, the panel will also explore the ethical challenges AI poses to the industry. From concerns about creative control and authorship to the potential impact on jobs within the industry, this discussion will address the complexities of AI’s growing presence in filmmaking. Whether you’re curious about AI’s potential to streamline processes or concerned about its broader implications, this talk will offer a thought-provoking look at the future of AI in the film industry.
Josh Davies
Hosted by writer and broadcaster Georgy Jamieson, this session promises engaging insights from industry leaders shaping the intersection of AI and filmmaking.
13th Nov. 12:00 -13:00 Cinema City
Hosted by directing rising stars Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad, The Director’s Take is a podcast which explores how you go from directing something with your mates, to being one of the most senior decision makers on a film set. Whether it is the two of them breaking down the craft and trials of directing, or one of their industry guests dropping knowledgenuggets for you to consume, they will offer you a unique look behind the
curtain to demystify the process of becoming a successful director in Film & TV.
Today’s guest is the wonderfully talented screenwriter, director, and actor, Charlotte Hamblin.
13th Nov. 13:15-14:15
Cinema City
Oz Arshad and Marcus Anthony Thomas
Charlotte Hamblin’s writing is femaleled, dark, and witty. She’s developing several TV projects, including The Commandments with Olivia Colman and The Close with Keeley Hawes. Her TV credits include Hanna for Amazon. In film, she’s working on The 12 Dates of Christmas. Charlotte’s directorial debut, Everybody Dies Sometimes , won Best British Short at the British Short Film Awards and screened at Tribeca.
Marcus started his media career co-creating a comedy podcast before moving into filmmaking, earning his MA in 2015. His short films, like Bubzy and No Exposure, have screened at prestigious festivals, including BFI Southbank. A graduate of the National Film and Television School, he has directed award-winning films such as The Retreat and Caterpillar. He also shadowed directors on House of the Dragon through a Warner Media mentorship. Currently, he’s represented by United Agents and developing TV and film projects.
Oz transitioned from a decade-long teaching career to filmmaking, attending the NFTS Diverse Directors program. His award-winning shorts, including Cur:few, The Right, Nasrin, and Expiation, have screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals. Selected for Warner Media’s mentorship, he shadowed Miguel Sapochnik on House of the Dragon and directed an HBO documentary. A BBC Writers Room finalist and BAFTA Connect member, Oz is currently developing new projects. His latest short film, Opening Up, screens on 17th November as part of East Anglian Shorts.
Are you looking to create an impactful soundtrack for your film? Whether it’s a micro-budget short film or a Hollywood blockbuster, sound has the power to drive the narrative and enhance characters for every story, genre and platform. Award-winning Sound Supervisors Nina Hartstone (Bohemian Rhapsody, Gravity) and Louise Burton (Saltburn, Moonage Daydream) will showcase real world examples from their own careers to show how to create impactful sound for every film.
Nina Hartstone
Nina Hartstone has worked in film sound for over 30 years and is passionate about nurturing the next generation of sound creatives, with a particular focus on encouraging diversity in this area of film production through equal representation. Her credits include Gravity, Gosford Park, Enola Holmes and Saltburn. Her work on Bohemian Rhapsody won her an Academy Award, as well as BAFTA, AMPS and MPSE Awards. She also recently won an Emmy for the highly acclaimed David Bowie documentary.
Louise Burton is an Emmy winning Dialogue and ADR Editor, Sound Editor and Music Editor. Louise has worked on multi-award winning films such as Bohemian Rhapsody as well as box office hits such as Saltburn, Kneecap, The Northman, and Moonage Daydream. She also has experience in HETV, working on shows such as Douglas is Cancelled, The Devil’s Hour, and The First Lady and has worked on video games, most notably Horizon: Forbidden Wes t.
13th Nov. 14:45-15:45
Cinema City
We are thrilled to welcome back to NFF Julian Foddy, renowned Production VFX Supervisor on Star Wars: The Acolyte, to host an exclusive VFX workshop. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Julian has worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest films, including The Dark Knight Rises, Fast & Furious 6, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
13th Nov. 16:00-17:15
Cinema City
In this session, Julian will take audiences on a journey through the visual development process, starting with concept art, storyboards, and pre-visualization. He will discuss the technical challenges of creating a new era within the Star Wars universe, while offering detailed breakdowns of key VFX moments and showcasing never-before-seen behind-the-scenes material.
Julian’s extensive experience, including work on The Mandalorian and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse
of Madness , has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in visual effects. This workshop will offer a rare opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the cutting-edge techniques and creative decisions that shaped The Acolyte, one of the most highly anticipated shows in the Star Wars universe. It’s a must-attend event for aspiring filmmakers, VFX artists, and fans eager to explore the future of visual effects in blockbuster entertainment.
As Production VFX Supervisor on Star Wars: The Acolyte , Julian Foddy led all aspects of the series’ visual effects, working closely with show creator Leslye Headland. Julian Foddy
16th November, 13:00-14:00
Cinema City
Carly Brown, with over a decade’s experience in film and television, has built an impressive career working with major platforms like Netflix, BBC, HBO, and Disney+. She began her journey at The Mews Post Production House, where she discovered her passion for editing. After university, Carly worked as a self-shooting researcher on projects such as The Jump and The Jonathan Ross Show.
Carly’s portfolio includes cuttingedge projects like BAFTA-nominated Extraordinary and high-end dramas such as Industry, Doctor Who, and Champion. She has also worked on The Crown and Belfast, where she honed her skills as an Assistant Editor before progressing into full editorial roles.
Carly Brown
Recognized as one of Broadcast Magazine’s ‘Hot Shots’ and a participant in Edinburgh TV Festival’s ‘One to Watch’ talent scheme, Carly continues to make her mark in the industry.
She is a member of BAFTA Connect and the British Film Editors Guild, balancing her professional work with personal passions for theatre, photography, and running. Here, she discusses her transition from Assistant Editor to Editor, whilst offering essential advice on assembling raw footage and how to work best with Directors and Producers in the edit.
23rd November, 13:00-14:00, Cinema City
Simon Nelson is the Development Executive for BBC Writers – a department dedicated to the development of talented writers across the UK. Simon will discuss the work of BBC writers as well as giving his insights into what he looks for in a great script as well as providing some tips on how to make your script
the best it can be. He has worked in drama for nearly three decades in both the BBC and the independent sector – as script editor, story liner, producer, director and executive. Before that he worked in national and regional theatres right across Britain and Ireland.
This event is jointly hosted by Norfolk Screen.
23rd November, 15:00-16:00
Cinema City
Billie Melissa Rogan is a filmmaker, film journalist, and the founder of 54:17, a production company that collaborates with families who have loved ones on death row in the US to tell their stories through film.
Movies have the power to change lives, and in 2019, Billie experienced this first hand after seeing Destin Daniel Cretton’s film Just Mercy, which altered the course of her life.
Now a graduate of The New School in New York City, where she was an Impact Entrepreneurship Fellow, Billie works with families who have loved ones on death row in the US to tell their stories through media. While there, she started her production company, 54:17, which has produced short
Billie Melissa Rogan
videos, research, and social media graphics in collaboration with lawyers and families in order to help tell stories of injustice.
She joins us to screen her short documentary Fighting to Live, While Waiting to Die, which tells the story of Billie Jerome Allen, who is currently on federal death row with a case of innocence. Following the screening, there will be a discussion on how media moves the needle in cases of injustice, the importance of building meaningful relationships as documentary filmmakers, and how we can all make a difference in the issues we care about with the skills we already have.
23rd November, 16:30-17:30, Cinema City
Josh Trett, writer/director and cofounder of Norwich-based Trett Films, delivers a workshop to help you break into the video production industry. With tips for pitching your ideas, approaches to choosing and purchasing equipment, creative storytelling techniques, and how to balance your critical business
skills with your all creative visions. The session will also aim to explore the sheer variety of job roles in the industry.
Josh’s latest short film, Dial, will be screened on Sunday 17th November as part of the East Anglian Shorts strand.
Our networking events at NFF2024 are perfect for filmmakers looking to connect, share ideas, and build valuable industry relationships.
Each weekend morning we’ll be holding informal coffee mornings for invited filmmakers to join us and meet each other. We’re also looking forward to a drinks reception on Friday 22nd November, designed to create a welcoming space for relaxed conversation and collaboration.
Filmmakers are required to register their interest in advance, helping us tailor each event for an optimal networking experience. Whether over a morning coffee or evening drinks, these gatherings offer an ideal chance to exchange insights, discuss projects, and meet other creatives.
154 (Andrea Sbarbaro, Riccardo Copreni, Italy, 19)
A Grade Students (Cameron Perry, United Kingdom, 4)
A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies (Matt Harris, United Kingdom, 1)
A Summer’s End Poem (Lam Can-zhao, China, 15)
Alleviate (Daniel Keeble, United Kingdom, 14)
Amy and Frog (Paul Williams, China, 11)
An Angel On Oxford Street (Paul Shammasian, United Kingdom, 9)
And Granny Would Dance (Maryam Mohajer, United Kingdom, 10)
Autophagy (Edie Lawrence, United Kingdom, 11)
Awaiting the Lightning Bolt (Marco Russo, Italy, 4)
Back of the Net (Klara Kaliger, United Kingdom, 15)
Balkan, Baby (Boris Gavrilović, Germany, 19)
Bannkorb (Vincent Ercolani, Julius Schulze Farwick, Nicholas Dues, Germany, 18)
Bathsheba (Myah Asha Jeffers, United Kingdom, 13)
Bender Defenders (Ira Putilova, United Kingdom, 25)
Black & White Duppy (Tom Blackman, United Kingdom, 19)
Bo Jacquo (Mikaël Fitoussi, Grégory Fitoussi, France, 18)
Bonfire (David McShane, United Kingdom, 5)
Bongo’s Big Adventure (Matt Branston, United Kingdom, 25)
Broomsticks on Broadway (Gordon Howie, United Kingdom, 5)
Brown Brit (The Romantix, United Kingdom, 12)
Burning World (Benji Human, United Kingdom, 12)
Calf (Jamie O’Rourke, Ireland, 15)
Camping in Paradise (Eirik Tveiten, Norway, 23)
Clodagh (Portia A. Buckley, Ireland, 17)
Clown Island (James Baines, United Kingdom, 3)
Crevette (Sven Bachmann, Elina Huber, Noémi Knobil, Jill Vágner, Switzerland, 5)
Dawn Every Day (Amir Youssef, Egypt, 20)
Dead End (Fabienne Priess, Levin Tamoj, Germany, 9)
Death Code X (Alexander Löwen, Germany, 25)
Delivery (Ben Lankester, United Kingdom, 25)
Detours Ahead (Esther Cheung, Canada, 8)
Dial (Josh Trett, United Kingdom, 15)
Dodo (Yi Luo, China, 13)
Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite (Kelly Diapère, United Kingdom, 13)
Dormant (Niels Bourgonje, Netherlands, 9)
Dream Burger (Sami Kali, Switzerland, 9)
Echo (Emi Buchwald, Poland, 20)
End of Infinity (Flora Charlotte Lopategui, United Kingdom, 9)
Expiration Date (Giles Perkins, United States, 14)
F.O.G (Malinda Kaur, United Kingdom, 11)
Fierce-ish Grace (Amaya Owen Rowlands, United Kingdom, 5)
Final Demand (WR Saunders, United Kingdom, 14)
First Timer (Hannah Kathryn Kelso, United Kingdom, 15)
Fishmonger (Neil Ferron, United States, 25)
Follow the Dogs (Isabel Garrett, United Kingdom, 6)
Gardening (Sarah Beeby, United Kingdom, 14)
Goodbye Forever Maybe? (Karoline Björk, Sammy Paul, United Kingdom, 14)
Happy Meat (Matt Green, United Kingdom, 16)
Hard To Swallow (Magali Miniac, France, 18)
Horse in a Blue Tuxedo (Holden Boyles, United Kingdom, 20)
How Did I Get Here (Kate Hamilton, United States, 17)
How The World Is Going To End (Vladislav Motorichev, United Kingdom, 7)
How To Skin A Cheetah (Meghan O’Shaughnessy, Ireland, 20)
I Would Like to Live on the Moon (Emily Burke, United Kingdom, 2)
In Loving Memories (John Eaton, United Kingdom, 8)
In Our Hands (Camillo Sancisi, Italy, 5)
In the Shadow of the Cypress (Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani, Iran, Islamic Republic of, 20)
Iranian Yellow Pages (Anna Snowball, United Kingdom, 12)
Is Anyone Alive? (Omar Elemawi, Palestine, State of, 9)
Just Kids (Jackie Bao, United States, 5)
Last Remembrances (Martin Luna, United States, 13)
Latch (Ruby Abbiss, United Kingdom, 6)
Le Charade (Erika Totoro, United States, 3)
Le Château Des Chats (Ottilie Collingridge, United Kingdom, 3)
Lionhead (Alvin Yu, United Kingdom, 15)
Lost Land (Zeyu Wang, Peru, 13)
Madeline’s House (Eliska Dvorackova, United Kingdom, 3)
Magic Candies (Daisuke Nishio, Japan, 21)
Man>Code (Adrian Gardner, United Kingdom, 15)
Maud et Luna (Alec Huggins, Not Specified, 10)
Meow! (Michal Vojtěch & Ariel De La Garza, United Kingdom, 14)
Midnight Rising (Aileen Ye, United Kingdom, 8)
Minus Plus Multiply (Chu-Chieh Lee, United Kingdom, 4)
Moving Parts (Hugo Docking, United Kingdom, 3)
Next in Line (Seyma Dag, Not Specified, 9)
Offline (Mauritz Brekke Solberg, Daniel Fure Schwarz, Norway, 16)
One Track Mind (Faye
Isherwood-Wallace, United Kingdom, 7)
Open (Richard Paris Wilson, United Kingdom, 9)
Opening Up (Oz Arshad, United Kingdom, 11)
Patience (Louis Chan, United Kingdom, 14)
Penny drops (Louis Shergold, United Kingdom, 14)
Perfect City: The Bravest Kid (Shengwei Zhou, United States, 6)
Pipedream (Aaron Dunleavy, Brody Salmon, United Kingdom, 13)
Pobl Bachyn (Kiri Pritchard McLean, United Kingdom, 11)
Portrait (Grace Louey, United Kingdom, 12)
Promising Signs (Isaac Maddock-James, United Kingdom, 11)
Quiet Life (Ruth Pickett, United Kingdom, 11)
Raindog (Euan Munro, United Kingdom, 13)
Recordings of a Weather Camera (Bernhard Wenger, Austria, 18)
Red Sky at Night (Kieran Stringfellow, United Kingdom, 19)
Rice Ball (Kristina Pringle, Taiwan, 3)
Roach (Angelica E. Gayle, United Kingdom, 14)
Rock Paper Scissors (Franz Böhm, United Kingdom, 20)
Room Taken (TJ O’Grady-Peyton, Ireland, 18)
Root Note (Guy Larsen, United Kingdom, 7)
Roses (Coral Knights, United Kingdom, 15)
Safe (David Yorke, United Kingdom, 1)
Say Wuff! (Fabian Podeszwa, Germany, 16)
Seeking Thomas (Julia Lisa Zlotnick, United Kingdom, 4)
Shé (Snake) (Renee Zhan, United States, 16)
Sitter (James Arden, United Kingdom, 10)
Six For Gold (Fabia Martin, United Kingdom, 22)
Sleepyhead (Milly Garnier, United Kingdom, 10)
Some Kind of Paradise (Nicholas Finegan, United States, 21)
Speed Queen 51 (Sarah Nocquet, France, 12)
Sunny Life Farms (Ben Liam Jones, United Kingdom, 10)
Sunshower (Jintong Song, China, 9)
Talking Heads (Dominik Danielewicz, Dario Attanasio, United Kingdom, 7)
Tamagoyaki (Meg Igarashi, United Kingdom, 4)
Tell Me What You Want (Lea Thurner, Germany, 11)
Tennis, Oranges (Sean Pecknold, United States, 11)
The Awakening (Al Campbell, United Kingdom, 15)
The Bell Never Rings Again (Matthias Fuchez, United Kingdom, 15)
The Generators (Georgie CowanTurner, United Kingdom, 13)
The Golden Boy (Elizabeth Peace, United Kingdom, 16)
The Influence of Ping Pong is Big (Caleb Yule, United Kingdom, 12)
The Lure (Tony Hipwell, United Kingdom, 1)
The Man Who Loved Flowers (Sonu Thomas, United Kingdom, 3)
The Möbius Trip (Simone Smith, United Kingdom, 17)
The Real Thing (Charlie Fink, United Kingdom, 15)
The Steak (Kiarash Dadgar, Iran, Islamic Republic of, 8)
The Surrogate Girl (Onur Güler, Turkey, 16)
The Trail (Joseph Ollman, United Kingdom, 14)
Three Hares (Paloma Baeza, United Kingdom, 5)
Turn Up The Bass (Ted Evans, United Kingdom, 12)
Tusky (Steven Boyle, United Kingdom, 15)
Unprecedented Crimes (Samuel Hurlock, Joseph Beverley, United Kingdom, 7)
Verrucaway (Magnus McCullagh, Charlie Brafman, United Kingdom, 18)
Victory To The Mimers (James Green, United Kingdom, 15)
We Beg To Differ (Ruairi Bradley, Ireland, 13)
Weave (Martyn Lee, United Kingdom, 12)
What We Wished We Could Be (Luke Shelley, United Kingdom, 21)
Where The Light Falls (Lewis Fernandez, Not Specified, 17)
Wish You Were Here (Ramzey Sabbagh, Fhuad Braimoh, United Kingdom, 7)
You Land (Debora Maité, United Kingdom, 15)
Your Next Breath (Meg Wriggles, United Kingdom, 22)
Want to find out even more about all the films screening at NFF2024? We’ve grabbed a handful here to shine a spotlight on, but you can read more on all our films by heading over to our website.
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Screening as part of Something Completely Different
Sunday 24th November, 10:30-12:00, Cinema City
A road trip to a wedding pushes a dysfunctional family to the brink after their journey descends into a claustrophobic hallucinatory nightmare.
Words from the director:
I wanted to make a short film about a family taking a road trip, but instead of reaching their destination, they find themselves stuck together in a kind of dream space hell zone. When I started to write the script, I just had a baby, and the pandemic hit. Experiencing new motherhood was a joyful and happy time, but life was also chaotic, and so I envisioned this family unit imploding as they try to reach a happy destination - a wedding.
I wanted each family member to feel irritated by each other and evoke the feeling of the unit being trapped inside its own dysfunction and with a complete lack of self-awareness.
Directed by: Simone Smith
Written by: Simone Smith
Produced by: David Neilson, Lewis Wardrop
Starring: Fiona O’Shaughnessy, Mirren Mack, Stephen McMillan, Andrew Flanagan
Country: United Kingdom
Duration: 17:08
When constructing characters and story details, everything became a metaphor for that greater contradicting idea. The endless cycle of comfortable dysfunction.
The characters, and the whole world’s mood and atmosphere, needed to feel complex in texture and detail. From camera to production design - every detail had to evoke a sense of timelessness and purgatory, and every department’s creativity was essential in bringing that energy to life.
This is my first public-funded film (everything before this was selfproduced on zero budgets), so to have Short Circuit/BFI Network believe in me has been incredibly encouraging. And beyond this, to receive positive feedback from audience members and the press is just wonderful and very unexpected. Making the film took an incredible amount of preparation and research, and I loved this challenge, but on a deeper level, I love what the film and the process of making it revealed itself to be. It was the process of feeling free during a complex and chaotic time in my life. Paradoxically, it’s the desire to be free from the madness (even if that freedom doesn’t last)
Simone Smith
that is revealed in the storymirroring my life experience then. I’m grateful to see it now because I was being true to myself throughout the process; however abstract the expression, it all comes from an authentic and heartfelt place. Thanks so much for watching.
Screening as part of Late Night Shorts Vol. 1
Saturday 16th November, 20:45-22:15, Cinema City
In this supernatural dark comedy, a pathetic Irish fishmonger must survive a sex pact with an ancient fish creature in order to save his mother’s soul from burning in hell.
Words from the director:
Despite all the hell-blisters and tentacle sex, Fishmonger is a very personal film.
I spent the majority of my life deeply wanting to be somebody else. I hated my body, I hated my belly, my hair, my chipmunk cheeks, my inability to talk to girls or play sports.
As an altar boy, I would literally kneel in front of a crucifix and beg God,“Please make me like Chip Reno” (Chip was the coolest boy in my sixth grade class).
Directed by: Neil Ferron
Written by: Neil Ferron, Alexandra Dennis-Renner
Produced by: Valerie Steinberg, Jordan Willcox, Neil Ferron
Starring: Dominic Burgess, Donnla Hughes, Penny O’Brien, Mari Weiss, Mark Bramhall, Ron Bottitta
Country: United States
Duration: 25:00
Everything that Christie feels in this story—self-loathing, inadequacy, fear—is something that I struggle with. To this extent, Fishmonger is a wild and weird comedy born out of lumpy vulnerability.
Also, this film is an elegy. In 2017, my Uncle Tom took his life. Tom was a 6’5” ER nurse with a ZZ Top beard and a laugh that sounded like a choking hyena. An unforgettable weirdo.
Tom’s death ripped a hole in my family, and it ripped open something in me. I have struggled with anxiety and suicidal ideations all my adult life, and when Tom killed himself, it felt like I had permission to do the same.
So Fishmonger is my attempt to celebrate and mourn Tom—to hope that, in his final moments, he imagined something wild, ridiculous, and beautiful in his final moments.
“
And it’s also my attempt to start a conversation with myself and others about suicide, to speak the unspeakable act in hopes of keeping it at bay.”
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Screening as part of Emerging Talent
Saturday 16th November, 16:00-17:30, Cinema City
Germany, 1945: The Second World War is over. Josef, a former SS colonel, lives a secluded life in a hut deep in the forest. His only companions are his bees and a rabbit that he reads to. The idyll proves to be a facade, when the demons of the past haunt Josef. In his nightmares they confront him with the truth, which he tries to drown in alcohol.
Directed by: Vincent Ercolani, Julius
Schulze Farwick, Nicholas Dues
Written by: Vincent Ercolani, Julius Schulze Farwick, Nicholas Dues
Produced by: Susanna Schmaußer, Katharina Hein
Starring: Mathes Dues
Country: Germany
Duration: 19:14
Language: German
Words from the director:
Could we all have become perpetrators during the Second World War? This is the question we must ask ourselves if we want to deal with National Socialism. A topic we must continue to deal with, because although it has been dealt with many times, it does not lose relevance – On the contrary, now that the last survivors are dying, it is up to us to ensure that this terrible chapter of history is neither forgotten nor repeated.
No one is born a perpetrator, yet any one of us could become one ”
Directors’
The short film Bannkorb deals with the subject of guilt. It reminds us that the horrors of the war and those who advocate it with conviction must never be trivialised. The end of World War II by no means meant the end of National Socialism and anti-Semitism. To this day, such views persist in the minds of many people, as the anti-Semitic hostilities and terrorist attacks of recent years alone vividly demonstrate.
Julius,
Mathes, Nicholas, and Vincent
Hosted by rising directors Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad, The Directors’ Take podcast delves into the journey from directing with friends to becoming a senior decision-maker on a film set. Through discussions on directing or insights from industry guests, the show offers a behind-the-scenes look at becoming a successful Film & TV director. Today’s guest is the talented screenwriter, director, and actor, Charlotte Hamblin.
We believe it is important to approach the subject from a new perspective. An important step should be to acknowledge that no one is born a perpetrator and yet
any one of us could become one. Too many people claim that their grandparents were not perpetrators of the Second World War, when millions of people were. This denial of the past must end.
Directed by: Ben Lankester
Screening as part of The British Mix Sunday 17th November, 16:00-17:30, Cinema City
Newly-qualified midwife Mary experiences the most physically and psychologically challenging night shift of her career as she oversees two life-and-death pregnancy cases.
Words from the director: Delivery
I first met trainee midwife Rosie Chappel when I directed her in Who’s Counting?, a fundraising commercial for UK pregnancy charity Tommy’s. The idea for Delivery came to me months later when Rosie shared a photo of her dressed in her scrubs, announcing that she had only 5 weeks left of her training.
I approached Rosie with the idea for the film: a newly-qualified midwife undertaking the most challenging night shift of her career.
Written by: Ben Lankester
Produced by: Bophanie Lun, Joe Binks
Starring: Rosie Chappel, Jordan Kouamé, Emily Laing, Alita Simpson, Alison Rose, Aoife Gaston, Christina Balmer, Shri PatelCountry: United States
Country: United Kingdom
Duration: 25:00
Together over the following year, via countless Zoom calls, Google docs, voice notes and text messages and using Rosie’s own lived experience, we developed a story that would be brimming with authenticity, pulling inspiration from Rosie’s recollections of heartbreak and despair in the patient rooms, of tension-filled
moments in the operating theatre, and of quiet calm and connection in the spaces midwives retreat to during these gruelling shifts in increasingly understaffed and underresourced maternity wards.
Every cast member and head of department we subsequently brought on board had the shared ambition to make Delivery as true to life as possible, with the goal of shining a light on an underrepresented profession at a time of great strain on the NHS and its frontline workers.
Screening as part of Animated Shorts
Sunday 17th November, 14:00-15:30, Cinema City
A robotic vacuum suffering from burnout quits its job at a hospital and sets out to find community and a greater purpose on a quiet street where two lonely rabbits are stuck in perpetual loops.
Directed by: Sean Pecknold
Written by: Sean Pecknold
Produced by: Sean Pecknold
Starring: Kent Chen
Country: United States
Duration: 10:53
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Words from the director:
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.
I saw this on a souvenir cup in the back of a dusty gift shop in Chinatown on one of my many walks around the neighbourhood, and that short poem sparked the seed for this film.
I wanted to create an animated short that dealt with the issues that have been on my mind throughout the 2 year pandemic; loneliness, ageing, dying, the afterlife, the need for community, and the importance of being snapped out of whatever loops we may find ourselves stuck in.
To create an animated ballet where an old rabbit befriends and dances with a philosophical robotic vacuum cleaner? Why, that might just be the perfect way to explore these themes in a new way.
The main characters of Tennis, Oranges are inspired by friends we met while living and working for many years on Chung King Road in Chinatown, Los Angeles. The man walked with 2 canes to open the community centre every day, and the woman sat for 10 hours in front of
her Gift Shop in a very small chair. Since this project began, both of those friends have since passed away, but their memory and spirit have continued to inspire this film.
Our first animation studio in Los Angeles was on a quiet street in Chinatown called Chung King Road. It’s a pedestrian only street lined with gift shops, art galleries, and small markets. During our 4 years there I witnessed the movement of the street, the people, the fading colours, and the stories. I was always inspired by the rhythm of the street; the opening of the shops was so consistent you could set your watch to it. So I always wanted to make an animation inspired by the mystery and magic of that street.
Sean Pecknold
The production of the short began in the summer of 2020 with design and construction of the main community centre set. During November 2020 we finished the community centre interior and finished creation of the 2 main rabbit puppets along with their wardrobe. In December 2020, we created the Redwood forest and finalised the community centre set. Animation began in February of 2021, and has continued off and on since then.”
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Screening as part of Women In Film
Wednesday 13th November, 18:00-20:15, Cinema City
In the aftermath of sexual assault, a woman retreats into the garden of her mind. Searching for answers and struggling to do ‘the right thing’, she realises that she must regain her voice and find new paths to healing, before she and her garden are destroyed completely.
Directed by: Sarah Beeby
Written by: Louisa Wood
Produced by: Jo Lewis
Starring: Evanna Lynch, Freddie Fox, Simon McBurney
Country: United Kingdom
Duration: 13:54
Words from the director:
Over the last couple of years my desire for uplifting films has increased significantly. Today’s world is not short on crisis and many of them feel like insurmountable challenges. Hope is essential. I believe art does not exist in a vacuum, and given the contemporary zeitgeist, I think it’s important to tell stories which are optimistic. I want Gardening to be such a film, a film that explores the possibility of healing and repair, inspired by my own experiences of sexual assault.
Gardening is set in the mind of a woman called Leonora. Inspired by the psychoanalytic research of Carl Jung, her inner world is represented metaphorically as a garden filled with anthropomorphised
plants buzzing with life force energy. Rendered in bright colours with a nostalgic 70s design, this world provides a dose of escapism for the audience. An absurdist comedy underpins the writing and the visual style and provides some comic relief to the subject matter.
Although Gardening is an optimistic film about healing, it is not a film that avoids the difficult truth about trauma. I believe it is important to show some dark moments to acknowledge and validate how hard the aftermath of assault can be. My progress has been marked by my ability to revisit memories of the event without becoming too overwhelmed with emotion. In Gardening,
we see Leonora learning to manage her emotions too when she works with the Venus Fly Trap (anger) to stand up to the Red Hot Pokers (fear). At the end of the film, we are relieved as the garden begins to recover to its former vitality. The Red Hot Pokers that were strangling the life force explode and then compost into the ground, signalling the trauma has turned into growth (what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger). However, they never completely leave, reflecting that the experience is never really forgotten.
In the #metoo era, sexual violence can be a contentious subject. So far, many people have come forward to tell their stories, and we have seen different perspectives in film. However, many of these stories have ended with statesanctioned sentences or revenge, which I find unrelatable and disheartening.
Conviction rates of acts of sexual violence have fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic, and even if someone is prosecuted, the prison system is underfunded, and reparation is not guaranteed. The possibility for recidivism remains high. Cancel culture is a type of trial by public opinion lacking due process, and problematic since shaming people rarely results in meaningful change. The question that persists for me is the question of justice; how to achieve justice and what it provides to a survivor. My experiences with restorative justice inform the ending of Gardening.
Restorative justice differs from retributive justice in that it shifts the paradigm from ‘what law has been broken and what is the punishment?’ to ‘who has been harmed and what do they need?’. The choice of restorative justice may seem idealistic or tepid to some. Still, it is worth noting that studies show it reduces recidivism by 26%, and in my experience, it was the only effective way to get my perpetrator to recognise his transgression. Restorative justice also enables a survivor to control their own healing process, be heard, and have closure.
Sarah Beeby
Saturday 16th Nov
18:00 - 23:00
Cinema City
Nominated filmmakers, sponsors, and special guests are invited to an exclusive evening of celebration, with pre- and post-ceremony drinks reception for mingling, networking, and connecting with our passionate festival team.
Molly Naylor
The evening will be hosted by the wonderful Molly Naylor, who’ll bring her charm and expertise, as we unveil the winners across each award category.
It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate the artistry and dedication behind this year’s standout films and to experience the vibrant community spirit that defines NFF. This will be an evening dedicated to cinematic excellence, new connections, and the inspiring creative energy of the Norwich Film Festival community.
With over 1400 submissions this year, from 70 countries, it was incredibly hard to narrow down our official selection, and harder still to agree on our nominated films. A huge congratulations to all the nominated filmmakers is well deserved, and we are massively excited to announce the winning films at our Awards Ceremony on November 16th. Each winner will receive a £1000 cash prize alongside a custom NFF trophy and a commemorative certificate.
A huge thank you to this year’s Award Sponsors for allowing us to support and reward the filmmakers in each category:
Artlist
Meantime Studio
Norwich University of the Arts
Submotion University of East Anglia
This year, the Norwich Film Festival saw an incredible response from filmmakers around the world, with over 600 international submissions from 70 countries.
Per County
United States (194)
China (44)
Ireland (35)
Canada (29)
France (29)
Germany (29)
Per Continent
North America (241)
Europe (231)
Asia (112)
Oceana (21)
South Africa (13)
Africa (8)
Salmon Dir: Mattis Heurlin
Our Best International Film Award honours outstanding films from across the globe, celebrating unique voices and creative storytelling that transport audiences into new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. With submissions from over 70 countries and selections from 20, this category showcases the universal connections we share, from Norway to Italy and beyond.
Andrea Sbarbaro, Riccardo Copreni 19m | Italy
Boris Gavrilović 19m | Germany
Jamie O’Rourke 15m | Ireland
Have you been inspired by this year’s Film Festival?
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Discover how you could enhance your knowledge and push boundaries in your career by studying one of the many postgraduate programmes we offer, including:
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Film: Ceres
Dir: Amelia Sears
This award honours regional storytelling that beautifully captures the spirit, landscapes, and culture of East Anglia. Each nominated film brings unique, authentic voices to the screen, offering audiences a look into the vibrant narratives that flourish within our local communities. These films remind us of the depth and richness in our own backyard, adding an essential layer to the festival’s celebration of cinematic diversity.
This award is sponsored by the University of East Anglia.
Film: Death of the Gods Dir: Leto Meade
Highlighting outstanding work from students across the globe, this award recognises innovative storytelling and technical skill, offering a platform to showcase the next generation of cinematic talent. Each nominated film contributes to the festival’s mission to support new voices, capturing bold ideas and unique narratives. This category is a festival favourite and an inspiring look at the future of film.
This award is sponsored by Norwich University of the Arts
Alexander Löwen 25m | Germany
Neil Ferron 25m | USA
20m | Ireland Franz Böhm 20m | UK
Dadgar 8m | Iran10m | UK
Simisolaoluwa Akande
This award proudly recognizes exceptional films that delve into real-life stories, exploring a wide array of diverse issues with both depth and sensitivity. Through authentic storytelling, these films resonate deeply with audiences, provoking thought, inspiring reflection, and igniting meaningful conversations about the world we inhabit.
Film: The Brave Locomotive Dir: Andrew Chesworth
The Best Animated Film Award celebrates the remarkable artistry and limitless creativity inherent in the medium of animation. From the vivid, fantastical worlds that captivate our imaginations to the imaginative characters that embody compelling narratives. These animations will enchant audiences of all ages, revealing the enchanting power of storytelling.
7m | UK
UK
Nishio 21m | Japan
Film: The Golden West
Dir: Tom Berkeley & Ross White
This award honours outstanding filmmaking from the United Kingdom, shining a spotlight on distinctive voices and narratives that resonate deeply within British culture and beyond. Each nominated film serves as a testament to the incredible talent and innovative creativity present in British cinema, offering fresh and thought-provoking perspectives on universal themes.
This award is sponsored by Artlist
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SHOWCASING INDEPENDENT FILM NFF2024