Projects in genres: Woman Director

Synopsis

A journey of a woman overcoming fear of not being accepted: from her desire to correspond to societal standards to finally accepting that she is ‘not normal’ and that the only acceptance she needs is the self-acceptance.

Synopsis

During the 1950s, Ireland had the highest rate of psychiatric hospital use globally. Using archival documents, filmmakers Cáit McClay and Éiméar McClay look critically at the evolution of Irish psychiatric institutions across the 20th century, examining the confluence of carceral, therapeutic and socioeconomic incentives that determined their influence. Official Selection Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR) 2025 - World premiere

Synopsis

After preparing for her first night of motherhood in the postnatal ward bathroom, Thea rushes to soothe her crying baby. But when Mother interrupts Thea’s moment of maternal bliss and claims that the baby latched onto her breast is her own, Thea is forced to admit her mistake.

Synopsis

A frustrated couple in their 50s resorts to employing a sex robot as a final attempt to salvage their crumbling marriage, unwittingly uncovering the very fractures that damaged it in the first place.

Synopsis

Are scientists doing enough to sound the alarm about climate breakdown? When the UK government pledges to "max out" oil and gas extraction, the lives of psychology professor Colin, microbiologist Abi and ecologist Aaron collide outside the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), where they and six others are arrested for causing alleged criminal damage. But who are the real climate criminals? As restrictions on protest tighten, will scientists retreat to their laboratories or will more stand up than ever before? A window into the world of reluctant activism, PLAN Z explores the moral power of protest when established routes of influence fail.

Synopsis

After mum's most recent psychotic episode a dysfunctional family of three tries their hardest to holiday together. Joss (26) gets naked at the poolside in front of an old guy, Pat (19) ditches breakfast to masturbate and Isabelle (50) wanders the hotel grounds late at night. Failing to save each other, the three women are left with little else to do but sit in uncertainty together.

Synopsis

STREETS OF CHANGE VR is a powerful virtual reality experience that brings to light the often-overlooked realities of street homelessness, challenging the stigma and stereotypes through storytelling. Rooted in real lived experiences, the film humanises rough sleepers through three intimate character stories, revealing their resilience and the harsh truths of life on the streets. Through hyper-realism, spoken word poetry, and immersive storytelling, STREETS OF CHANGE VR explores a narrative of poverty, addiction, and mental health with honesty and emotional depth. By placing viewers in the shoes of those experiencing homelessness, STREETS OF CHANGE VR aims to foster empathy, break down prejudice, and invites urgent conversations about inequality. STREETS OF CHANGE VR is a call to action amid a growing global homelessness crisis.

Synopsis

Black history and modern-day architecture intertwine in a meditative new film about Manchester. Created by the visionary British artist and filmmaker Jenn Nkiru, THE GREAT NORTH pays homage to the people and cultures that make up a city. Taking Manchester’s industrial history as a starting point, THE GREAT NORTH moves through the city’s Black communities and spaces – from living rooms in Moss Side to social clubs and community centres in Hulme. THE GREAT NORTH is the story of Manchester told through its Black, Asian and Irish communities, spanning outwards to the North of England and the rest of the world. Official Selection International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025 Official Selection BlackStar Film Festival 2025

Synopsis

This film captures a day-in-the-life of a spear fisherman. Set against the vibrant canvas of daily life in St.George's, Grenada, starting in Melville Street Fish Market, and ending at the Carenage before sunset. Fisherman Ryan Andrews explains recent changes and challenges to the fishing industry as Grenada's environment evolves, gently reminding us of the delicate balance between industry and nature.

Synopsis

When meteor storms bring a new life form to earth, global authorities implement emergency controls as they move in secret to attack and eliminate the predators. A group of friends defy confinement, risking everything to survive as they come face to face with the monster. Official Selection FrightFest 2024 - World premiere

Synopsis

The story of Scottish pop music from the 1960s onwards told by the visionary women who got on stage and made music together. We discover the little-known role that women played in Scotland's emerging music scenes through interviewing those who tried to break the glass ceiling, from the vocal harmony groups of the sixties to DIY indie-fanzine-inspired groups of the 90s, as well as activists, artists, and experts. Weaving together personal anecdotes with a scrapbook audio-visual aesthetic, as the film takes us through each decade, a colourful mixtape is formed spanning multiple musical genres. Narrated by award-winning musician Carla J. Easton, a former member of the girl band Teen Canteen, the film takes a critical look at the barriers women have faced making music in the past, and still face today. It asks how we can inspire young women to make music, if those who do so are continuously erased from our cultural history. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024 - World premiere

Synopsis

An animated documentary, telling the story of Katie who found empowerment, friendship, and healing by plunging into into frigid waters of the North Sea. Addressing themes of isolation and connection, mental health, wellbeing, and climate change, Katie's story relates the physical and mental benefits of cold-water swimming. Official Selection Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024 - World premiere