Showcasing the very best debuts from the First Acts shorts strand commissioned through a partnership with Channel 4 and Arts Council England’s Random Acts, come and watch first-time films from the best new 16-24 year old filmmakers and artists, followed by a panel discussion with the directors and critic Catherine Bray (Variety). Discover the potential pitfalls of first-time filmmaking and how the next generation of young directors can get their first shorts commissioned through First Acts.

Lip Service Cathy Garner

A rumination on the tension between intimacy and alienation. It’s about being too much in your head when you’re meant to be in another’s. 

Detritus Dion Kitson

A visual voiceover documents detritus in artist Dion Kitson’s hometown of Dudley.

Tunnel Vision Lila Babington

Using the technique of Pixilation, which combines live action and stop-frame animation, Lila Babington takes the viewer on a surreal Svankmajer-esque journey.

S.O.C.O. Marcus Armitage

In this striking hand drawn animation from Bafta-nominated First Acts filmmaker Marcus Armitage, a policewoman is plagued by memories of her day job as she struggles to separate work and home life.

The Durnhams’ Drizzle Ella Trudgeon & Lois Bryant

A pessimistic couple have forgotten the beauty of the outside world.