The Debt

Director: Steve Sullivan

Year: 2018

The official documentary about maverick Manchester comedian Frank Sidebottom, and the life and art of his hidden creator Chris Sievey. Frank Sidebottom, remembered fondly as the man with the papier-mâché head, was the court jester of the Manchester music and comedy scene for over 25 years, but only a privileged few knew the man inside. BEING FRANK tells a twisted tale of split personalities – a suburban superhero with a fanatical desire to preserve the myth he created, and eventually having to battle against being consumed by his alter ego. Drawing on unique archive footage of Chris and Frank, sourced from Sievey's own extensive archive of Super 8 film, VHS tapes and DVDs, a heartbreaking and hilarious look at what it takes to be a true artist. Official Selection SXSW Film Festival 2018 - World premiere

Director: Alice Panerai

Year: 2026

When drum & bass fan Jay is sent on a countryside walk by his probation officer as part of his mental health rehabilitation programme, he arms himself with headphones, good tunes and fluorescent snacks. But his iPod dies, and he can’t handle the silence. Visions of Pete, his deceased friend, begin to haunt him. Lost in the countryside, Jay eventually finds himself on a bus with a friendly driver, where a conversation about Pete forces him to confront the grief he has been avoiding.

Director: Abraham Fieldsend

Year: 2026

After the loss of their child, a grieving couple’s fragile life begins to fracture. As the mother’s debilitating headaches intensify, they are forced to confront the possibility that the darkness consuming their home is more than grief alone.