We are in the midst of awards season, a time when attention tends to gravitate toward feature films, often leaving short films to fade into the background. This is a real shame. This year’s awards season has brought forward a remarkable array of short films by exceptional filmmakers, exploring a wide range of compelling subjects. From artisanal mining and the #MeToo movement to a folkloric tale of a mermaid, this season offers something to engage and intrigue every viewer.
Beyond Silence dir. Marnie Blok
This film is deeply harrowing, following a deaf PhD student and her sister as they attempt to report a teacher’s sexual assault of a student—only to be passed from one authority figure to another. The performances are among the most powerful I’ve seen all year, particularly from Henrianne Jansen, Sigrid ten Napel, and Tamar van den Dop. I had the opportunity to interview director Marnie Blok, who shared that she is herself a survivor of sexual assault, and that this film emerged from her own experience. The result is an urgent, devastatingly powerful work that should not be missed.
The Pearl Comb dir. Ali Cook
The Pearl Comb is an extraordinarily ambitious film. It’s rare to see a short produced on this scale (pun intended), and the result is truly striking. Set in Cornwall, the film follows a fisherman and his wife who harness the powers of a mermaid to heal their town. Visually stunning, the film reflects director Ali Cook’s deep interest in folklore, unfolding like a richly textured myth. It strongly evokes the work of Robert Eggers, particularly in its old-world English approach to storytelling and atmosphere. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Beatie Edney delivering a particularly compelling turn in the lead role. From the special effects to the costumes and props, The Pearl Comb is one of the most beautiful short films I’ve seen in a long time — and one that shouldn’t be missed.
The Boy With White Skin dir. Simon Panay
The Boy With White Skin lingered with me long after I watched it, offering a glimpse into a world I had never been aware of before. Set in a gold mine in Senegal, the film follows an albino child who is given to a group of miners in the belief that he will bring them luck. Despite the claustrophobic spaces, low lighting, and damp conditions, the film is shot with remarkable precision and atmosphere. The performances are exceptional, particularly from lead actor Boubacar Dembélé. When I interviewed Simon, he spoke about the lore surrounding albino children in parts of Africa and how they are perceived and treated — a conversation that truly opened my eyes to a reality I had not previously encountered. This is a powerful film and well worth watching.
A Friend of Dorothy dir. Lee Knight
A Friend of Dorothy is a warm, deeply moving short about the power of unexpected connection. Miriam Margolyes delivers a heartfelt performance as Dorothy, a lonely widow whose life is gently transformed by a friendship with her teenage neighbour. Directed with sensitivity and warmth, the film explores loneliness, acceptance, and the quiet ways kindness can change lives. Uplifting and beautifully acted, it’s a short that truly stays with you.
Rock, Paper, Scissors dir. Franz Böhm
Rock, Paper, Scissors is a fierce and deeply affecting short film rooted in true events from the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Set around a frontline makeshift hospital, the story follows a young man and his father as they face impossible choices under the looming threat of approaching soldiers. Director Franz Böhm crafts a tightly wound atmosphere that grips from start to finish, and Oleksandr Rudynskyi delivers an outstanding lead performance that conveys both courage and vulnerability. Visually and emotionally powerful, this BAFTA-winning short is a vivid testament to human resilience and a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Butterfly on a Wheel dir. Trevor Morris
Butterfly on a Wheel is a beautifully crafted and deeply heartfelt short that charts a young jazz student’s struggle with OCD and anxiety as he searches for his authentic voice through music. Curran Walters gives a sensitive, nuanced performance as Jacen, supported by strong work from Brielle Robillard and Michael Provost, grounding the film in real emotion and vulnerability. Directed by Trevor Morris in his narrative debut, the film blends music and storytelling with grace, offering an honest and moving look at neurodiversity and personal growth. With its Oscar-shortlist recognition and compelling performances, this is a short that resonates long after viewing.
Retirement Plan dir. John Kelly
Retirement Plan is a quietly poignant and beautifully observed animated short that captures the bittersweet dreams—and inevitable realities—of ageing. Following Ray, voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, the film humorously and reflectively traces all the things he hopes to do once he finally retires, from writing poetry to hiking and meditation. With simple yet expressive animation, a thoughtful score, and a stream‑of‑consciousness narration, the film turns everyday aspirations into a deeply relatable meditation on time, ambition, and how life often unfolds in unexpected ways. At just under seven minutes, it leaves a lasting impression well beyond its runtime.
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