Our Introducing… slot is a space for discovery and collaboration at Screening Days. With it, we aim to bring you films beyond the release calendar that you may not yet be aware of, but which may connect you to new audiences in your communities.
We’re delighted to present the films in this edition: Better, directed by Zoe Hunter Gordon; Carrion, directed by Yvonne Zhang; I Was Always Here, directed by Leo Buckley; Parallel, directed by Rosanna Lee; and Seal and the City, directed by Jake Lancaster. See more details below.
Introducing… shorts will be available to watch singly or together on our online platform throughout Spring Screening Days, as well as screening in-person at BFI Southbank in London.
With many thanks to all the filmmakers.
The films
Better
Dir: Zoe Hunter Gordon | UK | 2022 | 15 mins
When Ruth finds her chronically ill sister Kitty living a new life by the seaside, she realises she doesn’t know her sister – or her illness – at all…
Booking enquiries to bettershortfilm@gmail.com
instagram.com/better.shortfilm
Carrion
Dir: Yvonne Zhang | USA | 2022 | 22 mins
In an isolated desert motel, a young girl accidentally digs up a rotting carcass. Later that night, something mysterious is unearthed in her mother.
Booking enquiries to Yvonne Zhang
I Was Always Here
Dir: Leo Buckley | UK | 2022 | 5 mins
Leo Buckley’s short documentary portrays the photographer Charlie Phillips, responsible for some of the most iconic photographs from the 60s and 70s, most notably of the Windrush generation in and around Notting Hill and icons including Muhammed Ali and Jimi Hendrix.
Buckley’s film paints a portrait of Charlie in his twilight years as he yearns to return to nature and solidify his legacy.
Booking enquiries to Leo Buckley
leotbuckley.com/i-was-always-here
Parallel
Dir: Rosanna Lee | UK | 2022 | 9 mins
Written and directed by artist Rosanna Lee, Parallel was made with the involvement of the Chinese community in South East Essex and filmed on location at The Pearl Dragon in Southend-on-Sea.
Exploring how we use language – verbal and non-verbal – to define ourselves and strive for a sense of belonging with those around us, it follows a family as they partake in a weekly ritual of going to their local Chinese restaurant for dim sum. Parallel portrays the experience of those who may belong to multiple cultures, countries, heritages – while perhaps not feeling fully aligned to any – all at once.
Booking enquiries to Rosanna Lee.
Seal and the City
Dir: Jake Lancaster | UK | 2022 | 10 mins
The one thing stopping Billingsgate Fish Market from being redeveloped is a seal called Sammy, who’s been visiting daily for a free breakfast for 20 years. But now, he’s gone missing. A film crew journey down the Thames at night looking for him – en route, meeting mudlarkers, river police and animal psychics. A playful and comic documentary about a changing city.
Booking enquiries to producer Sorcha Bacon
