Mariana Ant is thoughtful and often visually absorbing, but its emotional gravity never quite pulls you all the way in.

What 1981 does particularly well is sit with the discomfort rather than smoothing it over. The Londons capture that volatile mix of excitement, confusion, and second-hand embarrassment that defines so many formative memories.

Director Mekhai Lee delivers a quiet, emotionally grounded piece that centres on perspective, communication, and the unspoken weight carried between family members.

While the short runtime means some ideas aren’t explored as deeply as they could be, the film’s subtlety and reflective tone leave a lasting impression. It Happened in August may be small in scale, but its emotional weight carries through.

Water Meadow is a punchy short with subtle themes of identity, crisis, and sisterly love. With audiences wanting more short bursts of entertainment, short films are on the rise, and Water Meadow is a must-watch for fans of dystopian and independent cinema.

There’s heart in every frame. Even when the execution wobbles, the intention is clear: to spotlight the compromises people make just to exist in certain spaces.

light 182 is a brief, deeply felt piece of filmmaking, one that lingers long after its final dedication fades. It’s a reminder of how personal history can merge with global tragedy, and how the ripple effects of loss live on in those left behind.

Cartoon Saloon recently came to Manchester to accept the prestigious Fellowship Award at the Manchester Animation Festival. Film Focus Online’s Alex Gilston sat down with founders Paul Young, Tomm Moore, and Nora Twomey to talk about the honour, their creative journey, and all things Cartoon Saloon.

Film Focus Online sat down with Jack Howard to discuss his jump from comedy to drama, the film itself, working with Caroline Goodall and Hannah Onslow, and more.

Witness is not about finding easy answers; it’s about what it costs to ask the hard questions.

The raw, passionate dialogue, committed performances and fantastic stylistic choices—along with fitting lighting and colour grading—immerse you in this claustrophobic scenario.

Liquor Bank is empathetic and sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the indispensable value of a supportive community.

Blake Buried a Body doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers a haunting experience that lingers well beyond its short runtime.