UpLift Film Festival

BLOCK 1: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A selection that portrays how comedy can be used to open up discussions on various socio-political topics.

Taylor’s Version

Two men realise they're grappling with their love lives by posing to understand Taylor Swift.

Duration: 06:00 Director: Pranav Bhasin Country: India

Toast

Jacky and Francis have just launched their first rocket with one mission: film the Earth from space. But the latter has deviated from its trajectory... They must now recover the onboard camera to avoid being arrested by the police. They go to the bedside of Mr Chicken, the unfortunate man who saw his house hit by their rocket.

Duration: 05:00 Director: Thomas Scohy Original Title: Grillés Country: France

The Game

Beloved Sonya and Grisha decide to rob granny. Strength and youth are on their side, but the elderly woman has a few tricks up her sleeve.

Content notice: Drugging, Strong Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Body Horror, Cannibalism.

Duration: 14:43 Director: Inga Sunagatullina Country: Russian Federation

A Rabbit’s Living

Miudo, the rabbit, choses to pass his time reading a book. A lot of small tremors happen, stopping him from reading, until a giant hand takes him from the inside of a magician’s top hat during a performance.

Duration: 01:39 Director: Alex Krügger, Lucas Schmidt Kehl, Maria Júlia, T. C.Valentini Original Title: Vida de Coelho Country: Brazil

The Monster behind the Window

The monster is behind the window

Duration: 01:34 Director: Ariana Rahimi Country: Islamic Republic of Iran

FUCK

FUCK is a raw and darkly comedic exploration of timing, choices, and the unexpected gut punches life throws our way. Lena, a Canadian comedian hustling in London, is used to rolling with the punches — until a late-night struggle to get home leads to consequences she never saw coming. As she navigates an unwelcome surprise, her flatmates drop a bombshell of their own, leaving her with one thought: Oh, fuck. A sharp, unfiltered look at the absurdity of adulthood, FUCK is a story about the moments that make us question everything — whether we’re ready or not.

Duration: 09:30 Director: Jessica Gares Country: Canada

The Skinnies

A short animated film about animals that gather around a water reservoir. Their carelessness causes a shortage of water, which leads to quarrels between them.

Duration: 02:00 Director: Jan Svenšek Original Title: Suhci Country: Slovenia

Free Fire

Alone for his birthday, Albert tries to blow off his candles but something goes out of control.

Duration: 02:18 Director: Olivier Arnold Original Title: Feu à volonté Country: France

DRIFT

January 1, 2022. City of Kharkiv, Ukraine. A young man goes on his work shift by tram. Along the way, he suddenly becomes someone's guardian angel.

Duration: 07:35 Director: Anna Pavlova-Garshyna Country: Ukraine

Navigating the delicate balance between humour and sensitivity, especially when tackling heavy themes, can be a complex yet rewarding endeavour for writers. If you've ever wondered how to approach this challenge effectively, we invite you to join us for an engaging comedy writing workshop led by the talented playwright Alice Stephens.

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore the nuances of blending humour with serious subject matter, allowing for a richer and more impactful narrative. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional looking to refine your craft, this session promises to provide valuable insights and practical techniques that can help you address difficult topics with both wit and compassion. Don't miss out on this chance.

Alice Stephens is a playwright and PhD candidate at the University of Essex. Her debut play, Spit It Out, is a comedy about a recently out trans woman navigating relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. Alice also created and runs the Community Creative Writing project, which is a weekly creative writing workshop on campus.

BLOCK 2: BEHIND THE SCENES

Films about films and mocumentaries that highlight the behind-the-scenes entertainment.

How to use a tripod

Let's think about how to use a tripod correctly!

Content note: Allusions to Gun Violence; Minor Blood.

Duration: 09:35 Director: Akari Soma Country: Not Specified

The Skullys In: Comic Book Kooks

When the Skullys steal a magical orb from the laboratory of their roommate, Dr. Deer the Skullys, Dr. Deer, George, and Mr. Worm are sucked into the world of comics.

Duration: 07:02 Director: Robin Berk Country: United States

To Kill a Director

After an accident on set leads to the death of the director, the producers decides to shift the production into a documentary about it, for profitable gain.

Duration: 10:00 Director: James David Erridge Country: United Kingdom

Uncast

One casting, three scenes. Cyana presents three prepared plays in a casting, aiming to impress a talent agency. However, the two casting directors seem not very invested in her. What’s going wrong? Is it her performance? A bad day at the office? Amidst the uncertainty, Cyana faces the crucial question: Will she get the chance she hopes for?

Duration: 07:23 Director: Onur Bilmen Country: Germany

Patience is gold! | The actor’s thoughts

What actors think and experience at the stage of their formation in the profession.

Content note: Light Injury.

Duration: 06:01 Director: Mikhail Salin, Irina Petrova Original Title: ТЕРПЕНИЕ - ЗОЛОТО! (Актерские мысли) Country: Russian Federation

A Western

In Cantabria, a place in Northern Spain known for its green mountains and constant rain, one local is heading to the beach when he faces what is seems a cowboy. They will debate about the situation of the climate change facing the fact that they might be playing in a western movie.

Content note: Light Gun Violence.

Duration: 04:03 Director: Juanqui Soto Original Title: Un Western Country: Spain

Mortal Tuna 3000

What happens when a video game character decides to progress even though they have already finished the game? He is faced with a world outside his standards and soon he will realize that his reality is a Matrix and someone greater controls it.

Duration: 04:37 Directors: Artur de Toledo Risi Bombonati, Matheus Humberto Sehnem Funari, Daniel Furlan Peixoto Original Title: Atum Mortal 3000 Country: Brazil

A comedy themed quiz will be hosted following the screening.

Fun prizes to be claimed for the winner that will be announced at our after party.

Take a peek behind the curtain with Zarbopulon 5, a theatrical backstage comedy that explores the chaos, creativity, and catastrophes of life behind the scenes. When the notorious critic Pierre La Crouton makes a surprise appearance, the cast and crew of Elodie Marks’ Zarbopulon 5 are thrown into disarray. This sharp and satirical farce puts the highs and horrors of working in the creative industry front and centre, with plenty of laughs along the way.

This special screening features selected scenes from both the original, award-winning version of the play and its updated, longer dress rehearsal cut. Join writer-director Peter Vetere, actor, writer,and script specialist with a first-class degree in screen and stage writing, alongside members ofthe cast for a lively discussion on the evolution of the piece.

Expect insights into character development, plot structure, comedy ensemble dynamics, and the rehearsal journey—from set design and costume to performance choices.

BLOCK 3: SMILE THERAPY

Shorts that, while different in sub-genre and style, offer a warm embrace.

CheckMates

The Cat just lost his beloved owner, Mr Mario, in the middle of a chess game they used to play every afternoon. Not knowing how to go on without him, the Cat tries to meet with him again in paradise, but that's a hard task for someone with more than one life.

Content note: Death & Suicide Attempt.

Duration: 06:30 Director: Cler Reizale Country: Brazil

Voicemail

In this edgy animated comedy, Kate and Connor are at the end of a wild night out. Kate catches the eye of a sexy man and Connor, the ultimate wingman, is by her side. The explicit voicemail that Kate leaves for her friend illustrates why the most ridiculous situations can lead to the best stories. "Voicemail" was created using a real voice recording and brought to life with hand drawn animation.

Content note: Sexual References.

Duration: 02:03 Director: Iona Menzies Country: United Kingdom

Word by Word

Two 6-year-olds find adult business conversations far too boring. They decide to do something about it!

Duration: 05:23 Director: Robin Barriere Original Title: Mots Pour Mots Country: France

Take Me Places

"Take Me Places" is a light-hearted film that aims to give people a sense of comfort and adventure. From wanting to bring two really different characters together, showing their bond, and challenging the other to come out of one's comfort zone, the character-driven storyline aims to create a sense of friendship and adventure.

Duration: 04:29 Director: Yu Qi Sao Country: Malaysia

Tandem Of Colors

This is the story of Vincent, a young journalist. Arrived in a new company which requires him to prove himself. He decides to infiltrate the cabaret "Tandem de Couleurs", in a rather original way in order to cause a scandal...

Duration: 18:31 Director: Catia Madureira Original Title: Tandem de couleurs Country: France

IRL

A woman excited to meet her online date in person goes through some challenges before her happy ever after.

Duration: 05:17 Directors: Alexander Velody, Theo Ansell, Grace Ford, Eilidh McCombie, Chenay Kamara, Rory Campbell, Charlie White, Alfred Bertlett, Ace Palaeva Country: United Kingdom

Banana Bread

Jez and Jord are caught off guard by a phone call from Matt about Shaz. Banana Bread was born out of a challenge to create a short film from scratch, in as single day. The team at Mush Media wrote, filmed, and edited this short in under 24 hours.

Content note: Death; minor blood.

Duration: 03:12 Director: Jordon Mahar Country: Australia

The Good Girl

The story of Riley and her journey to becoming a Good Girl.

Duration: 05:23 Director: Kevin Hogan Country: United States

Grab a drink and some snacks! A fun opportunity to network and meet fellow filmmakers.