Documentary shorts are the perfect venue to step into someone else’s shoes and challenge our own perspective of the world. Each short presents an opportunity to witness real-life, incredible narratives that spark conversations and inspire change. From intimate portraits of loneliness and loss to portraits of the small communities hidden all around us, this lineup celebrates the power of documentary filmmaking, a medium that not only informs but also transforms.

A Canadian veteran who served in Afghanistan turns to music to help him in his battle with PTSD and to raise awareness of veteran suicide and mental health.

AMANZE (Dir: Lucy Hawes) - Wells, United Kingdom - 8:52min

From Harlesden to Luton, we are transported through time, peeling back the layers of Ronald Amaze and his incredible life. The son of Windrush parents, we explore his Jamaican roots, following as he navigates adolescence before founding the successful Time Radio pirate station and then ultimately losing it all, until one day he receives life changing news that will shape his life forever.

GRIT (Dir: Thomas James Ellison) - Lancaster, United Kingdom - 9:59min

The documentary follows Ben's story as he goes from competing in the Enduro World Series to becoming an IronMan. He expresses how outdoor sport helped forget abut what was bringing him down and focus on what is important: his health.

Pets’ Corner (Dir: Andrew Stevenson) - Manchester, United Kingdom - 18:56min

Pets' Corner is located in a public park in Manchester, England. It offers a home to 2 goats, 4 rabbits, 7 ducks and 11 chickens, and is entirely run by local volunteers. This short film is an affectionate portrait of what it is like to live and work there. 

Landlocked: Never Too Far (Dir: Joshua James Brown, Edward Tucker) - Nottingham, United Kingdom - 9:49min

A deep dive into the culture of inclusivity and dedication in Nottingham university’s strangest sports club... Surf.

The Birdwatchers (Dir: Thomas Winward) - London, United Kingdom - 13:41min

What does it mean to be a birdwatcher? Four women challenge the stereotype and share their love, passion, and fears in the world of birding.

The Circlemakers (Dir: Matthew W Sterling) - Bath, United Kingdom - 8:46min

Meet the Circlemakers, a small group of artists predominantly residing in the South West of England who create jaw-dropping pieces of land art in crops every year.