Cold and Dark

Director: Andrew Goth

Year: 1999

Two sleek black Jaguars cruise through Manchester, loud beats pumping from the sound system. People turn to stare. They have all been waiting for this day: friends, family and enemies alike. The Warlords are out and ready to take control. In the Pepperhill Estate, an ongoing battle rages between Triads and street gangs, fuelled by a quest for wealth, power, territory and respect but resulting only in violence. Ray and Terry, gang leaders, have been inside and in their absence the Triads have grown stronger and more daring. A revenge attack for the killing of gang member Kermit is called for and the gang turns to Terry and Ray for direction. Cousins and lifelong friends, Ray and Terry have always trusted and relied on one another, but now Ray is talking of breaking the rules; he doesn't want to play gangsters anymore, he is looking for something else, something legitimate. But Terry, driven by an obsession far beyond friendship, is determined to make sure that Ray never leaves the gang.

Director: Adrian Maganza

Year: 2025

A rescue dummy gets forgotten at the bottom of a swimming pool. Behind his single expression, a whirlwind of emotions flood his plastic carcass as he fantasies about being picked up and brought to the surface in the strong and reassuring arms of a swimmer. Official Selection London Short Film Festival 2026

Director: Wapah Ezeigwe

Year: 2025

The film narrates the complex journey of a young woman as she is promised in an arranged marriage to a wealthy aristocrat. As she navigates this new social landscape, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn towards another woman from her town. This secret affection creates a conflict within her, torn between fulfilling her marital duties and following her heart. Through its poignant portrayal of love in the face of societal expectations, the movie explores themes of identity, independence, and the struggle for authentic connection amidst tradition-bound constraints. As the protagonist grapples with these competing forces in her life, viewers are drawn into a captivating tale of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one's own desires. Official Selection BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2025