Character-driven dramas from across the UK exploring male familial relationships with complexity, depth and cinematic flair.

This screening includes a special introduction by actress and festival director, Gem Carmella (Gangs of London) and is followed by a Q&A, and an award presentation by Philip Ilson (London Short Film Festival)

Gowk (15)
Dir. Ryan Pollock (15min)
Set in a decaying Scottish housing estate and based on a true story, Gowk follows a young boy as he begins to unravel a secret family wound upon visiting his mother in hospital against his father’s will.

Chinaman (15)
Dir. Rob Chiu (12:38min)
Set in a Chinese takeaway in the north of England, 1989. When a group of customers turn hostile, a father and his eldest son are forced into a confrontation that exposes everything they cannot say to each other.

Gumball (12)
Dir. James Murray (4min)
While down at the seaside, a father attempts to build the beginnings of a new relationship with his son.

How to Wash a Body, How to Cleanse a Soul (12)
Dir. Luke Bather (19:47min)
The first time Jack ever sees Richard, his biological Dad, is two hours before Richard's funeral…

Yellow Bucket (15)
Dir. Simon Brooke (15:29min)
A scientific discovery rocks Connor and his family.

Short Sighted Cinema CIC // The Shortest Nights film festival
BIFA qualifying 'The Shortest Nights' Film Festival returns 5-8th September 2026