Sunderland Shorts Film Festival returns for its 11th edition in May 2026!
The festival has been an inclusive community for filmmakers and film lovers since our launch in 2015, growing to become the largest short film festival in the North East of England.
Get your tickets today!
Monday
May 11th, 2026
Opening Night Shorts Showcase
18:30 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
Come and see a range of some of this year’s finest submissions to Sunderland Shorts in our Opening Night Shorts Showcase Screening!
Red carpet reception begins at 18:00
Featuring a selection of genres including Comedy, Drama and Music Videos, all with productions linked to the North East of England.
The screening will begin with the short THE SPARK, a film by local filmmakers Red Stamp Productions which was commissioned by Sunderland Shorts as part of the 10th anniversary edition celebrating the filmmaking community we have been able to champion and support.
Films:
GLAZE CAT
HEATHEN LAND
I SEE A VOICE
LEAZES: MELISSA IN ACTION
LUCKY PENNY
O MOTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
THE BLUEBIRD’S DAUGHTER
THE GEORDIE HUNTER IN SUNDERLAND
THE SHEDDING
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Northern Exposure: Film Hub North Showcase Screening
20:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
Northern Exposure is a touring film programme showcasing the best short films from the North of England.
This programme has been selected by a group of young, Northern film curators who have scoured the region to discover the stories that matter to them and the local filmmakers to get excited about.
Films:
INTO THE BLUE AGAIN
CHAR BAHNIEN
WANDERLAND
THE REST IS SILENCE
PEGS & BACON
OUTLASTING
THE TREES HAVE EYES
STARGUY
Expect a bold mix of fact and fiction, animation and live action – and anything else in-between. This screening will include an introduction by the Film Hub North team and Young Programmers where you can find out about our upcoming training, funding and programming opportunities available.
Northern Exposure is delivered by Film Hub North as part of BFI Film Academy.
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for ambitious 16-25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries.
This event is supported by BFI Film Academy, awarding National Lottery funding.
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Content Warning: This screening explores mature themes which are not suitable for a younger audience.
Tuesday
May 12th, 2026
Young, Emerging and Student Shorts Screening 1 (Tuesday) – Presented by Connected Campus
18:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
We share some of the best of the next generation of filmmaking talent with this screening of Young, Emerging and Student films.
Films:
ALL CHANGE
ANNIVERSARY
CATSINO
DOUBLE KILL
EON
ETHAN STAYMAN: SHAPESHIFTER
FLOATERS
HADAWAY
IMPACT
NORTHERN LIGHTS: A NORTH EAST FILM STORY
OBSESSION
THINGS MICE CAN DO
TOUCH
Connected Campus is North East Screen’s talent development network linking universities and colleges with industry. Through masterclasses, workshops and networking events, Connected Campus helps students build the skills, contacts and confidence to start a screen career in the North East.
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Royal Television Society: North East & The Borders Student Winners
20:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
We welcome the winners of the 2026 RTS: North East & The Borders Student Winners for this special showcase of their work.
Films:
BLINK
CALDEW
MULL MAN
RESURGE:ITATE
VANISHING VIPERS
WHAT NOW?
The North East & The Borders Centre caters for the broadcasters, freelancers and students of the North East of England and Cumbria.
Runtime approx: 80 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Wednesday
May 13th, 2026
Local Documentary Shorts Showcase
15:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
This selection of short documentaries explores true stories by filmmakers from here in the North East of England.
Films:
HARVEST FROM THE DEEP
INTO HIBERNATION
MOUTH TO EAR, EAR TO MOUTH
THE RED BENCH GUY
THERE IS NO WALL
WE’RE STILL HERE: VOICES FROM THE STREETS OF NEWCASTLE
Runtime approx: 70 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
BFI Film Academy NE Showcase
17:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
We welcome young filmmakers from the BFI Film Academy to showcase their work on the big screen at Sunderland Shorts!
Films: TBC
Runtime approx: 70 minutes.
Music Video Screening + Live Music from Shannon Pearl
18:30 – Pop Recs
Join us at Pop Recs for a screening of some of the best new music videos featuring internationally recognised artists and emerging new talent, plus live music from local performer Shannon Pearl.
Running Order:
18:30 – Door & Bar Open
19:00 – Live Music from Shannon Pearl (Approx: 45 Mins)
20:00 – Music Video Screening Part 1 (Approx: 60 Mins)
21:00 – Intermission
21:15 – Music Video Screening Part 2 (Approx: 60 Mins)
22:15 – Filmmaker Q&A
–
Screening 1:
90 BRO & LISTAA: TIL THE END
ATFK: REPEAT FOR JOY
COLDPLAY: FEELSLIKEIMFALLINGINLOVE
GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH: IS THERE ANY SPACE ON THE MOON
HOWLS TO THE HARBOUR (Documentary)
JAY MOUSSA-MAN: MEDIOCRE MEN
NOLABANDA: LUCKY BOY
RIVKALA: VULTURES
SEB LOWE: LITTLE CEASER
SONNY TENNET: TEN
TAMARA FLORES: CHINGONA
Screening 2:
AMATEUR ORNITHOLOGIST: WINTER SUN
BENEFITS: LAND OF THE TYRANTS (FEAT. ZERA TØNIN)
BOLLYVVITCH: CLARIFICATION
DANNY MELLIN: SAME AGAIN
HOLLY WALKER: UNSUNG
INTERROBANG: MAMOSPHERE
JACOB COLLIER – LARK IN A SKY SHOP
KRIILL: OTHER I
MOSS: TRUE
MOULD: WHEEZE
SLALOM D: SAME REFRAIN
THE CASBAHS: ELECTRIC DAYDREAMS
TOM A SMITH: FASHION
UNTO THEE: WE WERE FIRE
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Thursday
May 14th, 2026
International Shorts Showcase Screening 1 (Thursday)
13:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
We take a trip around the World with this fantastic international selection of short films featuring entries from Germany, Taiwan and Finland.
Films:
CLARA TAKES THE WHEEL (EN VOITURE CLARA)
FAMILY SUNDAY (DOMINGO FAMILIAR)
MARY MOTHER OF GOD (MARIA MUTTER GOTTES)
MEIMEI’S WORLD
NO: 302
THE WALNUT’S WHISPER
VITAL
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Young, Emerging and Student Shorts Screening 2 (Thursday)
15:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
We share some of the best of the next generation of filmmaking talent with this screening of Young, Emerging and Student films.
Films:
2240543592
AN EYE FOR AN EYE CHART
CARVE
CLAIRE’S LAW
CRÈCHE & BURN
ESC
HOW NOT TO TRY AGAIN
JACKIE IS LOST
THE COPY
THE LACE
THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING SOCK
THE SHELL (SKALET)
Runtime approx: 95 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Documentary Shorts Screening 1 (Thursday)
17:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for a selection of short documentaries exploring the power of non-fiction storytelling on screen.
Films:
A HIDDEN LEGACY
BEYOND THE RUSH
HIND
HOW FAST CAN YOU EAT A PICKLED EGG?
MENDERS
NEW GROUND
TELESCOPIC
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
STROKES OF WILDFLOWERS
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Shorts Screening
19:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Get ready for an out of this World selection of short films at our Sci-Fi and Fantasy screening.
Films:
ARCHITECTURES OF VISION
BEAUTY SLEEP
EARTH
END OF PLAY
GRAIN
LAST NIGHT IN IRL
THE ARCHWAY
THE GUN
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Thriller Shorts Screening
21:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for our first Thriller showcase featuring a selection of films to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Films:
DELI MEAT
DREAD
FOXBODY
G.S.W.
JAMMY
K-9INE!
PLASTIC SURGERY
THE SECRET ASSISTANTS
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Friday
May 15th, 2026
LGBTQIA+ Documentary Shorts Showcase
11:00 – Southpaw Studio, Sheepfolds Stables
For the first time at Sunderland Shorts we share a specially curated selection of LGBTQIA+ documentaries exploring real life queer stories.
Films:
BEYOND EDEN
THE MILITANT HOMOSEXUAL EVANGELIST
VOICE SHIFT
WE’LL GO DOWN IN HISTORY
Runtime approx: 95 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Young, Emerging and Student Shorts Screening 2 (Friday)
12:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
We share some of the best of the next generation of filmmaking talent with this screening of Young, Emerging and Student films.
Films:
BAKEMONO
BEYOND THE BOMB
BONFIRE
FINN
HENRY & LINDA
IT ALL COMES DOWN
LOSING MY BODY
PLASTER
THE WITCHES OF POOL BOTTOM
WARP AND WEFT
ZOMBIE?
Runtime approx: 95 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
International Documentary Shorts Screening
14:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
This selection of short documentaries explores true stories by filmmakers from across the World.
Films:
2:45
ADAS FALASTEEN
AMONG THE SMOKE
BAKKES
IRIS GOES BERLIN
MILES OF LIFE
MY GRANDMOTHER IS A SKYDIVER
PUSH THE MACHINE
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Art and Experimental Shorts Screening
14:00 – Southpaw Studio, Sheepfolds Stables
Looking for something a bit different up on the big screen? Join us for our Art & Experimental Showcase Screening for some of the most creative and thought provoking work by filmmakers submitted to the festival this year.
Films:
CHILDREN OF ALBION
DIZZY CALVALRY (CAVALERIE ÉTOURDIE)
DREAMSCAPE
EPHEMORY
GRANDBROTHERS: WE COLLIDE
HINTER: AN APOCALYPSE
IN THOUSAND PETALS (EN MILLE PÉTALES)
JUICES
SMALL HOURS
TROLSK
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Drama Shorts Screening 1 (Friday)
16:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for a showcase of exciting, emotional and the unexpected with our dramatic short films.
Films:
AN IMPERFECT CADENCE
BLONDI
DOMESTIC
EMIKO JONES
HOW TO WASH A BODY, HOW TO CLEANSE A SOUL
THE SECOND TIME AROUND
VERY IMPORTANT CALL
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Dance Shorts Screening
16:00 – Southpaw Studio, Sheepfolds Stables
Explore expressions of story through movement and music at our first ever dedicated Dance short film screening.
Films:
ARIZA: TIEMPO PERDIDO
BAYLA
BORN INTO YOU
DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
HOMEMAKER
JUDIELUNE: FEMMES DE LAINE
KAROLINKA
SPOKEN MOVEMENT FAMILY HONOUR
THE BLOSSOM AND THE MOUNTAIN
THE CHILDREN OF ORPHEUS
THE WEIGHT
WEEYAGALE
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
UK Shorts Screening 1 (Friday)
18:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for a specially curated screening of shorts by filmmakers from across the country telling stories about how we live today in the UK.
Films:
ASHES AGAIN!
DARK SKIN BRUISES DIFFERENTLY
DAY RELEASE
FRIDAY IS MUSHROOM SOUP
LEARNERS
RULE, BRITANNIA
SWAN SONGS
TOAD IN THE HOLE
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Horror Shorts Screening
20:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Don’t be afraid, grab your tickets now for the return of our Friday night Horror showcase screening.
Films:
BLOODSUCKERS
FLOCK
GILDA
SKIN DEEP
TAPEWORM
TELE XXX
THE BUTCHER
THE CAULDRON
WHAT GOES ROUND
Runtime approx: 140 minutes (including 10 minute intermission)
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Saturday
May 16th, 2026
Animation Shorts Screening 1 (Family Friendly)
10:30 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
Join us for a family friendly selection of animated shorts on Saturday morning at The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema.
Films:
113 WORD FOR YOU TODAY
DIEGO PHILLIPS: I WANT TO LAUGH UNTIL I CRY
DUCKS
FACTORY RESET
IMA WA IMA
PEACE OF HEART
STATUE IN THE GARDEN
TRACES
Runtime approx: 60 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Drama Shorts Screening 2 (Saturday)
11:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for a showcase of exciting, emotional and the unexpected with our dramatic short films.
Films:
FRACTURED FRAME
I REPLIED WITH MY HEART
LARGO
LITTLE PAINS
LOVE ME, HOLD ME, ALWAYS
WONDERWALL
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
LGBTQIA+ Shorts Showcase
12:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
We are proud to share our first dedicated screening of LGBTQIA+ dramas, comedies and animations at Sunderland Shorts.
Films:
EYE
JASMINE THAT BLOOMS IN AUTUMN
MEAT RAFFLE
MERLYN’S BEARD!
MOLLY
THE EATING OF AN ORANGE
THE GUARD
THE LONGEST DISTANCE
UBIQUITOUS
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
International Shorts Showcase Screening 2 (Saturday)
13:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
We take a trip around the World with this fantastic international selection of short films featuring entries from South Korea, Poland and India.
Films:
AXEL ENDERLIN: LE GOÛT DU CIEL
BOND
BROKEN DAWN (무례한 새벽)
BURNING SUN
ON A QUIET DAY
PRINCESSY (PRINCESKA)
RAMÓN WHO SPEAKS TO GHOSTS
THE LAST INGREDIENT (L’ULTIMO INGREDIENTE)
WE WERE HERE
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Animation Shorts Screening 2
14:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
Get drawn into this creative selection of shorts films showcasing amazing animated talent from around the World.
Films:
A NIGHT AT THE REST AREA (パーキングエリアの夜)
BENJAMIN EFRATI: MY ALGORITHM (MON ALGORITHME À MOI)
BONFIRE
BRAIN SPACE
DEATH’S PEAK
EYE JAM
HOLY HEAVÊNESS
HOT MESS
LARVAL
OVARY-ACTING
THE DOG IN THE LONG GRASS
WAVELENGTH
WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT
Runtime approx: 95 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Content Warning: This showcase explores mature themes which are not suitable for a younger audience.
UK Shorts Screening 2 (Saturday)
15:00 – OMNIPLEX Cinema, Sunderland
Join us for a specially curated screening of shorts by filmmakers from across the country telling stories about how we live today in the UK.
Films:
CIRCLE HOOK
GOOD BEHAVIOUR
IN THE CLOUDS
ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF FINDOM
RHUBARB RHUBARB
RITUAL
STEEPING
THERE WILL COME SOFT RAINS
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Women X Shorts Showcase
16:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
We welcome a specially curated selection of films chosen by Women X Festival, it has been a pleasure to partner with them again for this event which champions the voices of women and gender nonconforming filmmakers and brings their bold, diverse stories to audiences.
Films:
BARE ROOTS
CARE
CHERRY B
JAEL DRIVES THE NAIL
MENAGERIE (MILODFA)
TRUCKLOAD
Runtime approx: 90 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Documentary Shorts Screening 2 (Saturday)
18:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
Join us for a selection of short documentaries exploring the power of non-fiction storytelling on screen.
Films:
A FILM ABOUT DAD
LOVE IMMORTAL
MOTHER’S INFLUENCE
MUREWA
NEIL ARMSTRONG AND THE LANGHOLMITES
STILL STANDING
SWIM SISTAS
TWO.FIVE
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
RED RIDING – Feature Film Screening
20:00 – The David Puttnam Media Centre Cinema
After her mother’s overdose, troubled teen Redele Riding is sent from her London council estate to live with her estranged aristocratic grandmother in the Scottish Highlands. At first, Red is captivated by the grand estate, but beneath the elegance, she uncovers disturbing secrets: vanished children, whispers of a monstrous wolf stalking the woods, and a sinister control exerted by her grandmother and the menacing gamekeeper. As folklore and reality blur, Red struggles to make sense of cryptic warnings left by her mother and a dark family legacy. Executive produced by Neil Marshall and directed by his frequent collaborator Craig Conway.
Ahead of this screening we will be showing short film LOVE & BULLETS, directed by Jadey Duffield and written and produced by Neil Marshall.
Sunday
May 17th, 2026
BIFA Shorts Showcase
12:30 – The Fire Station, Sunderland
Sunderland Shorts is proud to be a BIFA Qualifying Film Festival, and to celebrate we’re sharing 3 short films which were short-listed for the British Independent Film Awards as part of this special showcase.
Films:
A SISYPHEAN TASK
MAGID / ZAFAR (معجد/ ظفیر)
TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE
Runtime approx: 60 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Comedy Shorts Screening + Live Stand-Up from Chris Cantrill, Alex Redman and Lee Kyle
13:30 – The Fire Station, Sunderland
Find the funny at this year’s Sunderland Shorts with a night dedicated to comedy! Along with a fantastically funny set of comedy short films and sketches, this special event also features live stand-up sets from Chris Cantrill, Alex Redman and Lee Kyle.
Running Order:
13:30 – Compare Introduction from Lee Kyle
13:40 – Live Stand-up Comedy from Alex Redman
14:00 – Comedy Screening: Part 1
15:10 – Intermission
15:20 – Compare from Lee Kyle
15:30 – Live Stand-up Comedy from Chris Cantrill
15:50 – Comedy Screening: Part 2
17:00 – Filmmaker Q&A
–
Screening 1:
COACH DAYS
DATING MARK SILCOX
PEEPING TOMS
ROCKET FUEL
TELL YOUR FACE
THE MAN THAT I WAVE AT
WITH YOU ALWAYS
YOUR EMAIL HAS NOT FOUND ME WELL
Screening 2:
1 IN 5 SHEEP
ATTACK OF THE COAT
EASY SELL
EGG TIMER
FALLING SHORT
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
ROUTE 310
SOUND ASLEEP
North East Shorts Showcase
17:30 – The Fire Station, Sunderland
For our final screening of Sunderland Shorts 2026 we’re shining a spotlight on home grown filmmakers with this special screening that puts stories made by local North East talent and up on the big screen to champion our wonderful and diverse creatives from the region.
Films:
BIRDER
DOPPELGÄNGER
GAN CANNY
GIANTS
MY DAD SH*GGD A FLAG
SAINT AGNES
STELLA
TANIA
TOM A SMITH: WHAT
Runtime approx: 100 minutes.
This screening will be followed by a short Q&A where filmmakers can discuss their work and answer questions from our audiences.
Sunderland Shorts Film Festival Awards Night 2026
19:30 – The Fire Station, Sunderland
We celebrate all of our selected filmmakers from this year’s festival and announce our 2026 award winners.