Introducing the Norwich Film Festival 2021 Official Selection
Featuring 133 short films from 21 countries, this is our largest Official Selection to-date – and it’s screening online & in venues this November.
Submissions Now Open!
7 Bananas
British
A once close friendship now sustained by likes, memes and ever-delayed meet-ups. When one dies, the other is forced to look beneath the surface.
Absolution
East Anglian
Eva and Luca attempt to re-piece their relationship following a traumatic incident in their past that still haunts both of them…
Adrift
British
After a hook-up at a kooky London mooring, Holly tries sneaking out but roommate Max is eager to get to know her, despite a series of red flags…
Affairs of the Art
Animation
59-year-old factory worker Beryl is totally obsessed with drawing, her fixation dominates the entire household – obsession is in the family’s DNA…
Ajotin
Student
An illegal Kurdish refugee borrows his dream car for a joyride around London. Freedom starts to get blurry when a series of misfortunes comes his way.
And after
Student
Mute and almost motionless behind a two-way mirror, a couple in their thirties watch their daughter being interrogated.
Anita
International
While attending her sister’s wedding in India, Anita is pushed to question whether her life in America is any better than those in her hometown.
Art Buff
Documentary
After Banksy strikes in Folkestone, his work is cut out of a wall to be sold in America. This film follows the next six years of its eventful life…
Barrier
International
September 1944. Two Canadian soldiers find a boy washed up on the Dutch beach. Where did he come from and can he be trusted?
Behind
International
When the cleaner of a mysterious underground hotel breaks into a guest room with a “Do Not Clean” sign on the door, he discovers a terrible secret…
Beyond Borders
Documentary
Across the planet, climate collapse is altering the world around us. As a result, 1 person every 1.3 seconds leaves their home and their community.
Birthday Boy
British
A transgender boy celebrates his birthday in online games, away from the bullying he faces at an all girls school.
Black Slide
Animation
Eviah, a young and timid kid on the brink of puberty and his best friend sneak into the Black Slide – the most terrifying ride at Aqua Fun.
Blue Bison
International
A group of vigilantes abduct wrongdoers to coerce them into confessions. Tonight their attempt at justice has unexpected consequences.
Bound
British
After a night out, two strangers wake up to find themselves handcuffed together in bed, stuck in each other’s lives until they figure a way out.
Brunch
Animation
In an artsy urban cafe, the generational disputes between millennials and baby boomers quickly erupt into confrontation.
Choulequec
International
A father in search of his daughter arrives in Choulequec. An absurd detective story, dealing humorously with our relationship to reality.
Clean
British
The story of a man who loses his clothes at a laundrette and his journey to get them back.
Clown
Documentary
A seasoned professional clown on the eve of retirement reflects on a lifetime of adoration & rejection, humour & heartbreak.
Cocoon Love
International
A teenager is sent to stay with her grandparents. As she begins a friendship with a classmate, she is forced to confront her past and her future.
Complicated
Student
Itamar returns to his childhood home following a breakdown. Tensions about his sexuality resurface, especially when he meets handsome lifeguard Ronen
Contraband
Student
Flailing millennial, Ruby, endeavours to get her life together after an overdue gap year, but is hindered by a pesky, over-complicated abortion.
Creepy Pasta Salad
Animation
It’s Halloween and the lives of Elin, Trefor and Cari converge. As a result, things start to get better for them.
Cuties
Animation
Human history in all its horror and glory, culminating in our next evolutionary leap; moving forward despite our proclivity for destruction.
Dalía
Student
A distant father and his six year old son connect as they put a horse out of its misery.
Devek
International
When a young man takes his sick mother to visit a psychic medium near the Dead Sea, things do not go as planned.
Don vs Lightning
British
All Don wants is a quiet life in the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately the universe has other plans.
Dye Red
International
Celeste and Aurora have lived together for some time. Dye Red is a dark but graceful slice-of-life look at their relationship.
Edicius
British
When things go sour with Jason’s most powerful client, he knows his life is on the line. A man with his exact likeness claims to have the answers.
Enjoy
British
As Michael seeks novel ways to halt his spiralling depression, a moment of hope arrives via an unexpected source.
Faleminderit
International
After a Luxembourgish cartographer visits Albania, an observation he makes will change the outcome of a diplomatic gathering.
Familiar
British
In the dark woods of Pennsylvania, Richard Mason is the Familiar to hideous ancient vampiric creature living in the bowels of an isolated mansion.
First One Away
Student
In order to escape a lads night out, Paul tells the group a morbid story of an abandoned grave and the unexpected journey it took him on.
Fjällnäs
British
When an eco-artist embarks on a trip to a symposium in remote Sweden as a keynote speaker, fears of her work being exposed begin to manifest…
Footsteps on the Wind
Animation
Noor and her brother Josef see their lives torn apart when an unexpected event hits, pushing them into a journey over the seas and mysterious lands.
Foresight
1 Minute Movie
While cleaning out her deceased nan’s house, Tessa discovers a mysterious wooden box, containing an item that will change her life forever.
Fourth of July
Student
A young mother struggles to parent her two rambunctious boys over the course of one hot, summer day.
Guide Me Home
East Anglian
David arrives in London with dreams of being somebody, but when things don’t go to plan he starts to slip between the cracks of the city he loves.
Hanging On
Documentary
A combination of audio interviews and artistic visuals tell the stories of a tight-knit community as their homes face the threat of demolition.
Her Majesty
British
The year is 2020. The future Queen of England stands alone in the English countryside, she must find a way to address her subjects.
Hey, Ma
British
After seeing a woman she believes to be her lost mother in a car park, Katrina pursues her through the night to her home for a chance to speak to her.
Hiraeth
East Anglian
Smashing loss and sadness into the limitations of life itself, Hiraeth is a deeply human story of one woman’s grief at the edge of the solar system.
Hope
British
An exhausted couple stop at a diner in the early hours of the morning in the middle of nowhere. Their journey tells a tale of sadness, but what really happened?
Ice Cream & Doughnuts
East Anglian
During a trip to the seaside amusements, Robbie and Emily imagine their future lives together, but realise they may not be on the same path after all.
It Feels Personal
Student
A short desktop documentary about a stolen video, and the online search for the thief.
Just Delivered
British
After becoming a takeaway rider to pay his rent, Daniel struggles to connect with people until he catches the eye of chip shop worker Kelly.
Just in Case
British
Within the ambiguous safety of a service station, a concerned father and his scared daughter take refuge.
Kafkas
British
A college-educated bag of nerves with an unhealthy obsession with Franz Kafka cold-calls men with the surname Kafka in hope of finding her soul mate.
Knot
Animation
Balanced carefully on a tightrope, fearful Blue meets Orange, a carefree spirit, and is tempted into a sensual dance confronting his deepest fears.
L A R A
British
A man struggles to prepare for an interview, seeking help from his intelligent assistant.
Lasagne
British
Hector and Betty’s marriage is on the rocks. To make matters worse, it’s lasagne for dinner – again.
Leylak
International
In present day Queens, New York, a Turkish gravedigger is unable to face a shattering truth, and risks losing the dearest connection left in his life.
Lifelike
British
A reclusive sci-fi enthusiast develops an unexpected friendship with a customer service representative.
Liminal
International
Steve finds himself in a transition; stuck between a family life built on half measures, and a desire for a more authentic experience.
Love is a Hand Grenade
British
Besties Gabby and Alexis hook up after a messy night out, forcing them to question the nature of their relationship, sexuality and limits of love.
Machi
Student
Growing up with her four siblings in Indonesia back in the 70s, the filmmaker’s mother recounts the years she spent being cared for by her caretaker.
Man of the Harvest
Student
A story of purity, fickleness, and violence told through a friendship between two young boys, and how it is brutally affected by a school shooting.
Maximus
East Anglian
One young warrior’s fight for his life, told through the eyes of his little sister. Maximus is a journey seen through the lens of a child.
Meow or Never
Student
In a madcap musical, a Catstronaut travels the galaxy looking for the meaning of life when she encounters a space pup eager to help…
Monachopsis
Animation
A young woman struggles with the feeling of being disconnected from the people around her – until she meets Sofie, with whom she bonds (too) strongly.
Monster
Student
Struggling to reconcile two opposing images of his dad after a recent discovery, a boy finds himself lost in the unnerving vacuum left behind.
Mr. Spam Gets a New Hat
Animation
A man with a head full of dreams is beaten down by the factory where he works, until he meets a woman who brings meaning back to his life.
Nice To Meet You All
Documentary
A celebration of a woman with Dissociative Identity Disorder who has survived human trafficking rings in the US.
Night of the Living Dread
Animation
When her bedtime routine is ruined by a power cut, Ruby must confront her unwanted guests in order to restore her peaceful night of sleep…
Nuclear Sea
British
A young girl wanders through a post-apocalyptic Britain. Navigating the overgrown wasteland to her home, not everything is quite as she expected.
One for the Road
Student
On the last night before their evacuation due to rising sea levels, a mother and daughter come to terms with the loss of their home and community.
Only a Child
International
A visual poem which gives shape and colour to the words spoken by 12 year-old Severn Suzuki at the United Nations’ Rio Summit in 1992.
Other Half
Animation
As an Individual Being in a world comprised of Merged Couples, Ren longs to find his other half and become complete.
Pas de Deux
British
A heartbreaking tale told entirely through shoes, as smart and uptight Brogues falls in love with colourful fun and playful Sparkly Toes.
Pedwar
British
Three friends find themselves in a cottage in the middle of the Welsh countryside, where a haunting painting catches their attention…
Peek-A-Boom
Animation
Surrounded by her loving family on her birthday, an event occurs in Lebanon that shapes Mira’s life forever.
Pelo Lacio
International
In this visual essay Luz Guzman, a young Dominican woman who lives in the Bronx, bridges who she is today with the roots of her past.
Perpetual Plastic
Documentary
Artist Liina Klauss attempts to visualise the journey of all disgraced single-use plastics through an installation on a beach in Bali, Indonesia.
Pile
Animation
A vertical habitat models material progression from bare survival to the unhinged dystopia of late capitalism.
Pipo and Blind Love
International
In a dehumanised world where emotions are rationed and measured by a gauge, a factory worker falls in love with a woman sitting on a bench.
PLEASE CARE!
British
After losing his wife in a tragic fire, a secondary school teacher takes it upon himself to make a spectacle of his suffering.
Pointe Black
Documentary
Mence narrates her uncomfortable journey from adolescent to ballerina and her struggles in an industry that fails to see past her skin colour.
Portrayed
British
Bombarded with a barrage of conflicting advice, a politician buckles under the unattainable double standard placed on her during a photoshoot.
Precious Bundle
Student
Stop motion, real memories and interviews are used in this personal reflection on racial identity, rejection and the nature of forgiveness.
Pussy Boo
International
Struggling to find the perfect gift for their granddaughter, Paulette & Roger listen to her favourite rapper…
Reavey Brothers
British
In a trouble-ridden 1976 Northern Ireland, football and writing prospect Anthony’s relationship with his brothers comes under danger…
Receiver
International
Isolated on the night shift, an idealistic telephone counsellor is confronted by an insidious caller with the power to control her mind.
Rekonstruktio
International
Two old school friends meet to reminisce about their youth. Their adolescent memories bring up very different recollections of a school party in 1982.
Requiem
Student
A dutiful Minister’s daughter rises up against the control of her witch-burning father to avenge the death of her girlfriend.
Rodi
East Anglian
A brief story of a young, black male naturalist living in Norfolk, realising his job as a bin man helps him live his wildlife dreams.
Roots
Student
In a green metropolis lives a plant spirit who feels he has to find a new direction & branch out – before his life becomes pot bound.
Rough
International
In contemporary Belfast a young man faces retribution for the transgressions of his beloved dog.
Roy
British
Roy passes the days by cold calling strangers from the phone book, but when he accidentally calls an adult hotline, an unlikely friendship is born.
Rubber Gun Club
Student
After a fellow officer takes his life, a New York City policeman is forced to reckon with his own suicidal ideation.
Salt Water Town
British
When a failing caravan park is deemed worthless as a result of rising sea levels, Liam must convince his father to abandon his lifelong home.
Sea Dragon
British
A young fossil hunter makes a groundbreaking discovery, challenging the worldview of 19th century England.
She Dreams at Sunrise
Animation
An elderly woman escapes her mundane reality through her dreams while her great-nephew helps reconnect her to what she’s really missing.
Silence Undone
International
To embrace a loving relationship for the first time, isolated Sophie delves into her mind-maze made of memories and fears.
Split Sole
British
Against a backdrop of toxic masculinity and homophobia, two young men secretly express their feelings for each other through ballroom dance.
Squish
International
With his husband away on a business trip, a struggling father’s attempts to run errands and care for his son quickly run terribly awry…
Stalker
Animation
A man follows deer prints through the snowy landscape of the Lake District, but the situation might not be as clear cut as it seems.
Step Into The River
Animation
Two young girls live by the banks of a river. They both have a special relationship with this river, which looks like a cradle of tragic stories.
Survivers
International
Natural selection says that only those who adapt will survive. What if humans have become stupid?
Sweatbox
British
Created and performed by women with lived experience of the criminal justice system, Sweatbox tells a story of motherhood, friendship and loss.
Taj Mahal presents… A Short Film
British
An arty wide shot, an unclear metaphor, and a cameo from the director’s dad – this is a short film for people who don’t like short films.
Tap Boy
British
Trapped within a county lines drug gang, a vulnerable teenager finds escape by practicing tap dance in and around the concrete jungle of Milton Keynes.
Thank You So Much
British
During the UK’s Thursday evening clap for healthcare workers, an over-virtuous neighbour is challenged by the nurse next door.
The Ark
Student
Two first-time assassins who believe they’re fighting for a higher cause have a crisis of faith minutes before they pull the trigger.
The Big Top
1 Minute Movie
Pong the Pangolin and her assistant Shelley the snail are back on tour with their circus and will present their newest trick that will blow you away.
The Cost of Living
British
Death appears to Lily, a disconnected fitness-freak, as a femme fatale and Lily finds herself unexpectedly giddy with desire.
The Dinner Party
British
Dreading another predictable evening with his wife’s friends, a self centred, feckless thirty-something plots cruel tricks to send them home early.
The Exit Plan
International
In an overpopulated future, an elderly woman is visited by a young government official to check she is complying with the “Exit Plan” policy…
The Gnome
1 Minute Movie
When a late-night jogger stumbles across a gnome blocking his path, all is not as it seems…
The Gospel According to Gail
British
At 17, all Mia wants is to live life in the fast lane, but learning to drive with Gail is so much more than a driving lesson. It’s a life lesson.
The Land of Griffons
Student
An exploration of the dangers facing the last native colony of Griffon Vultures on the North-Western coast of Sardinia.
The Last English Poacher
Documentary
Brian Tovey may be the last traditional poacher in England, the closest thing the country might have to an indigenous person living off the land.
The Longest Day of the Year
International
A comedic look at the lives of three roommates as they navigate the trials, tribulations and loneliness of quarantine.
The Nicky Nack
British
A man walking home from his local one night is tormented by a terrifying sound: The Nicky Nack…
The Octopus Nest
British
When a couple find the same woman in their old holiday photos, the wife’s search for the truth leads her to question the life she’s been living.
The Phoenix
Documentary
Shaped by the trauma of his childhood, Pete fell into a life of football hooliganism only to find his way out through martial arts.
The Scarecrows
Documentary
The story of one village’s struggle for survival, as the remaining residents use seemingly peculiar methods to resist social isolation.
The Tunnel
British
Three refugees run the race of their lives from Calais to Dover through the Euro Tunnel, in a bid to reach their freedom and start new lives.
This Uncertain Moment
International
This is a story about two people in love – connected via the power of technology, but divided by the public stigma it helps to spread.
Tictoc
Documentary
16 year old Felix contends with the unpredictable and consuming nature of Tourette’s Disorder, all whilst navigating the usual trials of adolescence.
Timekeeper
British
11-year-old Ben finds salvation from his abusive father in the form of a school learning mentor.
To The Last Drop
Animation
In the rhythm of the dripping chemo, an IV pole fights for the life of a cancer patient.
Treasure
Animation
Layers of colour, light, and texture bring to life the atmospheric 3,000 year old narratives that have shaped the landscape of Shropshire.
Umbilical
International
The story of a young woman’s struggle to battle her traumatic past and separate from her religious and superstitious upbringing.
Village Hours
East Anglian
A pantomime rehearsal, dance displays and a local history presentation; Village Hours explores passing moments which make up contemporary rural life.
Whore #4
British
A Russian actress living and working in London struggles as she auditions for stereotyped and repetitive roles.
Wide Open Dreams
Student
An inspiring look at the Greyston Bakery, which promotes inclusion, battles against systemic inequities, and advocates for a level playing field.
You Haven’t Seen What I’ve Seen
Student
In a secluded lake house, Misia struggles to save herself from abusive father. Realism blends with fantasy as she starts to lose her faith in adults.