Alo

Director: Xenia Glen

Year: 2024

An experimental film that recreates the experiences of dementia through spoken word, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, and never-before-seen deteriorated archival footage: 16mm films from the 1930s to the 1960s, featuring major historical events and world travel. THE MEMORY BOOM is framed from inside the mind of Pops, a hospitalised grandfather with severe dementia. The decayed footage serves as a visual exploration of Pops' memories. Pops' grandson narrates from his bedside, attempting to preserve Pops' memories while struggling to comprehend memory loss. Pops' confused thoughts rise to the surface, and he shares them with his grandson as if it were 'storytime' leading him down rivulets of muddled tales and garbled memories spanning his lifetime. Pops' Filipina nurse supports the grandson, sharing her inability to care for her own dementia-affected father in the Philippines. The film charts the trio's journeys through emotional turmoil, leading to a deeper understanding of the nuances of memory. THE MEMORY BOOM was created with documentary participants from community groups across rural England and features anonymously donated archival materials, courtesy of Exeter Phoenix. The film was made in memory of the filmmakers’ relatives who lived with dementia, and explores memory preservation and photographic consent. Official Selection PÖFF - Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2024 - World premiere

Director: Babak Jalali

Year: 2026

Following a plea from his daughter to join her in Nova Scotia, widowed Irish senior Leon instead launches a crusade to make his aging Liverpool building safer after news of a tower fire in London. Teaming up with his neighbour and closest friend, Saleh, Leon turns their fellow residents’ quiet lives upside down in a warm, offbeat story of friendship, stubbornness and small acts of defiance.

Director: Kenton Oxley

Year: 2027

Inspired by the true story of Bryony Tyrell, known in the cage as “Killa Bee” - one of Britain’s most unexpected fighters: a nurse on the frontlines during COVID, devoted mother, and a pro MMA fighter. Featured in stories by The Telegraph, The Mirror, The Daily Star, and more, Bryony has captured hearts and media attention with her extraordinary double life... Bry leads a double life — a nurse by day and a ferocious mixed martial arts fighter by night. Driven to the brink as she prepares for a showdown with Molly McCann, she risks it all — family, sanity, everything — for her shot at glory. Just as that chance arrives, the pandemic strikes, pushing her into the trenches of the COVID ICU. When tragedy hits close to home, her world is shaken. But Bry doesn’t back down. Another fight offer reignites her hunger — though this time, her career and home life are both on the ropes. The final match? It’s brutal, raw, and unforgettable. Spotting her family in the stands, Bry makes a soul-shaking decision — choosing the battle that truly matters most. This electrifying film melds high-octane MMA action, heart-stopping drama, and an unbreakable spirit.