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​Asher Rosen Filmmaker profile Cornwall Film Festival 2025 Filmmaker profile A profile of the selected filmmmaker from our compertition. Feature films from around the globe. See all the screenings at this year's edition of the Cornwall Film Festival. STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec FILMMAKER PROFILE SMALL GODS 5 PM | MONDAY 17.11.25 | THE POLY While struggling to provide for her son, an indigenous single mother falls for a charismatic street performer. But when a crisis strikes, it threatens to rip their nascent family apart… Director Asher Rosen Writers Chimpaye Florence Mariserena , Bizimana Hussain, Luke Eubule Reilly, Asher Rosen Producers Andreas Roald, Dan Wechsler, Ian Prior, Jack Pollington, Cimpaye Florence Key Cast Bizimana Hussain & Turinayo Jotham Dir Asher Rosen | 2025 | 1h 36 mins | Drama, International | CFF12A Film gala followed by a Q&A with the director. BOOK TICKETS DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY ASHER ROSEN Asher Rosen is a filmmaker based in London and Kisoro. Asher began his career as a screenwriter, developing projects with production companies such as The Forge Entertainment, Range Media Partners, and Gaumont UK. In 2021, Asher directed his debut short film, MEAT, produced by Scala Productions. Meat won multiple awards, playing at numerous BAFTA/Oscar qualifying festivals and culminating in a selection for the César Académie's ‘Golden Nights’ Programme. Asher's second short film THE RABBI'S SON (2022) won the Pears Short Film Fund, as well as playing at a number of BAFTA/Oscar qualifying festivals including Athens International Film Festival. In 2023, Asher began production on SMALL GODS, produced by Sovereign Films. Expanding on Meat, Small Gods is a docufiction drama inspired by the lives of its lead actors and wider Batwa community. STATEMENT Flo first mentioned the concept of small gods (ibigirwamana) the very day we met. Like almost all of the indigenous Batwa tribe, Flo has no access to her family’s ancestral lands, which were stolen to make way for conservation and tourism. When asked what the Batwa miss most from their old home in the forest, Flo mentioned animist deities attached to specific trees, caves, or water bodies. She referred to them as small gods. As we began building a narrative around Flo’s experiences, the concept suggested further resonances. The writing process started around the dinner table and continued late each night, as the cast recalled events from their lives. The whole crew was immediately captivated by the rich and epic drama with which the tales were told. From their own perspective, they were heroes fighting for their dignity, but to an uncaring outsider they were no more than street performers. Stylistically, Small Gods aims to depict their lives on a canvas just as mythic as the one they narrated. In doing so, it risks running against the traditions of documentary-infused cinema, in which first-time actors are rarely asked to plumb the same theatrical depths as trained professionals. Fortunately there was no doubt in my mind that they were up to the task. Flo and Bizi have, after all, been acting their whole lives - performing songs, dances, or impressions for the tourists that now flock to see Uganda’s gorillas. In the case of Bizi, this is how we crossed paths. Known among his friends as ‘monkey man’, Bizi will frequently drop to his knees and perform his gorilla impression at the sight of a foreigner. One such foreigner couldn’t get over the mis-match between his deep well of talent and his stature by the roadside. Making the film was a stand against this injustice. By taking the topic of performance as a thematic subject, platforming the casts’ overlooked talent, and anchoring the camera in their perspective, the hope was that we could somehow defy and defeat the view of tourist, he who comes for the gorillas but passed Bizi by… Having worked with the cast since our first short film together in 2021, I have been lucky enough to witness the transformation Small Gods has made in their lives. With the immense help of the production team, we have not only been able to purchase her and Bizi their own plots where they now grow food and graze their new cattle, but also build safe sturdy homes for them to live in for years to come. After three years in school, Tuyi now speaks English better than I speak Rufumbira, and I hope he will get the chance to answer questions about the film directly. I am forever grateful to have been able to enable this process - it all feels like a small miracle. Perhaps we are indebted to the small gods… IN FOCUS EXPLORING THE ART STORY TELLING FOR SCREEN Each year, Cornwall Film Festival celebrates exceptional emerging talent discovered through our competition entries. From hundreds of submissions, one filmmaker is chosen for our In Focus spotlight — recognising outstanding creativity, craft, and originality. This special selection highlights a filmmaker whose work stood out for its distinctive voice and cinematic vision, representing the very best of independent storytelling. The In Focus feature offers a platform for audiences and industry alike to discover new talent making an impact across the UK and beyond. Our 2025 In Focus filmmaker is Asher Rosen, whose film SMALL GODS captivated our jury and affirmed the importance of supporting bold, boundary-pushing voices in contemporary cinema. Enter 2026 Competition now STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Booking Page for all Cornwall Film Festival 2025 Screenings STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec DAIRY & TICKETS SHORTS Our programme of shorts features the most innovative and adventurous ideas from filmmakers whose short films manifest stylistic boldness, strength of form, and the ambition to use the medium in a way that resists cliché. Shorts to feature films, the Cornwall Film Festival is a British Independent Film Awards Qualifing festival. ENTER NOW WHAT'S ON Lifelong Learning week 3–7th November 2025 Creative Careers Month November Community week 10-16th November 2025 2025 IntoFilm Schools Festival 11-28th November BFI Blockbuster season Too Much A Season Of Melodrama Previews week at The Poly Falmouth 17th - 22nd November 2025 INDUSTRY FOCUS 2025: PRODUCING EXPLORING THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SCREEN PRODUCTION At Cornwall Film Festival 2025, our annual Industry Focus shines a spotlight on the vital and often misunderstood role of the Producer. Whether you're working in short films, feature narratives, factual TV, or digital platforms, producing sits at the heart of the screen industry. This year’s focus explores all facets of producing—from development and financing, to production logistics, distribution strategy, and creative leadership. Through talks, panels, roundtables, and networking, we’ll be lifting the curtain on what it really takes to get a story from script to screen. READ MORE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Improve your knowledge and skillset. Kickstart your career in the creative industry! M 1 Volunteers Make a difference by volunteering with us and supporting meaningful projects in your community About Volunteering with us offers the chance to get involved in exciting projects year-round, from supporting our annual film festival and live events to contributing to community initiatives and education programmes. Whether helping with production, events, marketing, or outreach, volunteers play a vital role in bringing our creative projects to life while gaining valuable experience and making a difference in the community. Volunteering can take many forms and includes opportunities in the following areas: Digital Content Creator - Social media content & management Events - being onsite, setting up exhibitions & events, people management Office & Administration - forms, sheets/ excel, emailing, publicity Communications - journalism/writing, reviews, research Creative - Motion graphics, graphic design, creative video content Fundraising - making cakes, organising collections or events, writting letters, making applications Education - helping with workshops, teaching, learning, higher-level exp. curriculum Apply Now Cornwall Film Festival Apply Now In November, audiences gather for the acclaimed Cornwall Film Festival, and we have some specific roles for this event that showcase cutting-edge technology, creativity, and imagination. The programme features red carpet premieres, gala events, standout narrative and documentary competitions, and bold after-dark features. With innovative short films across local, national, and international talent, the festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms. We’re seeking exceptional individuals to join our team, play a key role in producing the festival, and contribute to wider events. Time Commitment We will hold a general team meeting on a Monday morning at 11am, with notes and action points that you can catch up on in slack. Venue training (2 hrs date tbc) in the runup to the festival. Each role has different time commitments but is highly flexible and designed to fit around your studies and life! Benefits In return for your support, you will receive some festival merch and tickets to the festival (when you are not on shift). An open reference (if required) and credit for your work. An opportunity to develop a network of people with a shared passion for the media industry and be invited to our M2 & M3 programme and opportunities. Film Festival Volunteer Coordinator Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall Commitment 3 x 6 hour shifts over festival (November) quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role As a volunteer coordinator, great communication and organisation skills are essential for this role, you will love spreadsheets and organising people's shifts & handling data. Your duties will include the organisation and management of the evaluation and reporting of the festival. You will be required to collate the data and load it onto a project log, be responsible for encouraging and motivating others, you will be venue-based during the festival. Film Festival Production Crew Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall Commitment 3 x 6-hour shifts over the festival weekend (November) quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role Over the festival month, you will be working alongside one of our festival producers to shoot a range of footage including; interviews; piece to camera; cutaways and vox pops. You will work independently and have the highest level of professionalism. You will be representing the festival in this role and be working alongside Directors, board members, volunteers and the general public. Kit required - Access to recording equipment:Video Tripod: Handheld rig (shoulder rig/camera cage etc) Preferable: C100 or similar camera system with external xlr/3.5 mic We would ideally cut this for release but if not possible, in a file format ready for edit (Not in camera formats I.e .MXF) Film Festival Photography Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role, + expenses Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall Commitment 3 x 6 hour shifts over festival, quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings Opening Date The Role You will be the festival photographer in all aspects of work at the film festival you will assist with everything from administering a shoot, to setting up locations, to working with talent and the creative team. You should be organised, proactive and practical, and anticipate the needs of the team. You must have good communication skills, be able to foresee and evaluate potential problems, and deal with them calmly. You need to be working with people of all ages and should understand consent. Being skilled in image-manipulation and image software working with the festival social media team, with good office skills, paying close attention to detail would be an advantage, as would having your own digital camera. Film Festival Stewarding Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall Commitment 3 x 5 hour shifts over festival month quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role This is the entry-level position if you have never worked at an event before! As a Steward, you will join the festival team in delivering the festival weekend at The Poly, Falmouth in November and outreach community events throughout November. You are the front line of our flagship event and will be an important part of the team. Your role is to make customers feel welcome and enjoy their experience of the festival. You will help make sure the screenings of films progress in a smooth and timely manner, help audiences to the right screen and their seats. You will need to attend a volunteer briefing and training sessions in November. Speak to festival attendees, both public and professional, getting their feedback and conducting surveys - excellent record-keeping is essential for this. You will also be required to collate data and load it onto a project log. You will be responsible for motivating other volunteers to assist you. You will be venue-based during the festival. Film Festival Reporter Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall Commitment 4 hours per week from September, plus the festival month quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings As a Cornwall Film Festival reporter, you will research, write, report on information, conduct interviews with industry professionals, engage in audience research, make online news reports and populate the website. As the festival reporter, you may split your time between working behind the scenes and going out to witness events or interviewing people. You will need excellent communication and writing skills. Good research skills, self-confidence, and the ability to make people feel relaxed, the ability to absorb information quickly, able to write in an appropriate style and have good keyboard and IT skills across a variety of digital platforms. Film Festival Social Media Assistant Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location In venue & remote Commitment 4 hours per week from September, plus the festival weekend (16 - 20th November) quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role We need a creative social media person who understands a range of digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, buffer, e-newsletters and Wix websites (desirable). In this role you will create dynamic written, graphics, and video content. Optimise content for search engine optimization (SEO). Create content that promotes audience interaction, increases audience presence before the festival, encourages audience participation, and attendance. You will work as part of a team to develop the larger festival output. You will be able to propose new ideas and concepts for social media content, and coordinate ad campaigns with the social media strategy, organise timelines and schedule content to create a consistent stream of new content for audience interaction. You will work closely with the photography and reporter teams. Film Festival Video Editor Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn, Cornwall or remote Commitment 4 hours per week from September, plus the festival month quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role To produce a 1 min festival trailer from the cleared EPK (electronic press kits) provided by distributors. Including dynamic graphics that align with the brand and key sponsors' logos. Produce I-dents and stingers for the film titles. Manage all the film trailers for our platforms, primarily YouTube channel, consulting the film schedule and creating playlists, gathering enhanced information (directors interviews) and communicating the festival location of screening, date, time and ticket links Film Festival Marketing/Communications Assistant Basic Information Salary Part-time, voluntary role Location Falmouth /Penryn (Festival) & Around Cornwall + remotely Commitment 4 hours per week from September, plus the festival month quarterly meetings, plus other events and meetings The Role We are seeking a personable and organised Marketing/Communications Assistant to support the smooth running of the festival. You will coordinate talent schedules, liaise with filmmakers and press, collaborate with the venue and festival team, and assist with creating and managing marketing materials. The role requires excellent communication skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to handle tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the film industry and contribute to a leading festival’s success.

Mor Media Charity sets up and runs community film clubs across Cornwall Film Club We are working with Into Bodmin to create a new community film club. Bringing the best cinema to your local venue ! Polite Society Friday Feb 21st | 7.30 pm The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX Polite Society | Dir Nida Manzoor | 1h 43m | Certificate 12 In a merry mash-up of sisterly affection, parental disappointment and bold action, award-winning comedy Polite Society follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting the help of her friends, Ria attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood. Learn More Smoke Sauna Sisterhood Friday March 21st | 7.30 pm The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX Smoke Sauna Sisterhood | Dir Anna Hints | 1h 29m | Certificate 15 Award-winning, powerful and insightful documentary centres around a group of women sharing their innermost secrets and intimate experiences inside an Estonian smoke sauna. Cleansing their bodies and baring their souls, they embrace the healing power of sisterhood. Learn More Past Lives Friday April 18th | 7.30 pm The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX Past Lives Dir Celine Song | 1h 46m | Certificate 12 (Korean, English) Two deeply connected childhood friends are separated after Nora’s family emigrates. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance. Starring: Greta Lee, John Magaro, Teo Yoo Learn More Cornwall My Home Friday May 16th | 7.30 pm The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX Cornwall My Home | various | 1h 30 mins | Certificate 15 Cornwall My Home is a collection of beautiful short films celebrating the unique spirit, culture, and landscapes of Cornwall. Through diverse voices and stories, these films all explore what makes Cornwall a place of deep connection, from its natural beauty and historic traditions to the personal experiences of its residents. Each film captures a different facet of life in Cornwall, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and the intimate relationship between people and place. Experience a cinematic journey that embodies the heart of Cornwall and its enduring sense of home. Learn More The Great Escaper Friday June 20th | 7.30 pm The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX The Great Escaper | Dir Oliver Parker Rating | 1h 37m | Certificate 12A In the summer of 2014, a World War II veteran sneaks out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in Normandy. A biographical comedy-drama that celebrates enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation. Starring Michael Caine, Glenda Jackson & John Standing Learn More

Cornwall Film Festival 2025 Best of the West Short Film Programme STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec BEST OF THE WEST POLL PRI (CLAY TIP) EDWARD ROWE Following in his dad's footsteps, and his fathers before him, young father-to-be Jori works long shifts hosing clay from the gaping abyss of the pit. But the gap between his wages and the new "affordable" housing in his home village threaten to wash away any dream of supporting his family whilst upholding the traditions of his community. BARE ROOTS ELLEN MCDOUGALL In the depth of winter, an estranged mother and daughter plant a bare root hedge, unearthing the loss and heartbreak they have each buried, and exposing their needs for home, and each other. AN MOR: WHERE THE TIDES SPEAK GUY POTTER, NAHALIA LOREN COUTO Set along the rugged and awe-inspiring Cornish coastline, the film follows a young Zennor-born surfer and wild swimmer as she turns to the ocean and land to navigate a deeply personal crossroads. Shaped by her connection to Cornwall’s raw beauty and the mythical allure of her hometown’s namesake—the Cornish mermaid of Zennor—she reflects on her bond with the sea and faces the dilemma of leaving her coastal home to pursue her dream of becoming an actress in London. NACRE LYDIA JENKINS Set in the 13th century, Fishwife follows Maggie who has been left on the rocks as a sacrifice for a Sea Monster. Maggie appears to be a shy, obedient woman who believes she is performing her duty to her people. As she begs for death on the shore, Maggie confesses why she volunteered herself as a sacrifice. SPARE PART ADA PLAYER AND BRON WAUGH A playful comedy from Bafta-Nominees Ada Player and Bron Waugh about a shy loner who is desperate for attention from her football crazy boyfriend PAPER BAG THIEF ALICE PANERAI A hilariously inept robbery turns deadly when a bartender and a paper-bag-wearing thief find themselves in a ridiculous standoff fuelled by posh wine and platform shoes. CIRCLE HOOK MADDY CORNER Set against the backdrop of a declining fishing industry in Cornwall, Circle Hook follows Samuel and his grandson Vinnie as they wrestle with grief, connection and the pressures of survival. On a day like any other, their bond is tested at sea, leading to an unexpected discovery that offers both hope and a way forward. A tender story of resilience, tradition and the ways we carry our loved ones with us, even after loss. MUDDIED CORDELIA ANGEL CLARKE WOMAN picks herself apart as she reimagines repressed childhood memories of her younger, more curious self and her mother. She longs for touch and connection, yet faces rejection from her relationships as her mothers negative attributes imprint upon her and surface. As she continues to reflect and find self love, she gains a greater understanding of her mother’s parenting and inadvertently becomes the mother she always needed. THE REMOVED REBECCA ROSE Thinking she is alone, a woman desperately searches the woods for a hidden secret. DAVE MUIR - 'ALL OR NOTHING' HUGO PETTIT This is a brief look into the effect of seasonality on mental health. Despite leading the 'perfect life', running a surf school on one of the UK's most perfect beaches, is a seasonal life as enviable as it looks from the outside? BURNOUT MATTHEW HENDRY AND TOLLI MYERS Burnout is a stop-motion short that combines dark, cinematic visuals with unexpected moments of comedy. The film follows a character trapped in a furious cycle of work, as mounting stress begins to unravel him. Born from this inner turmoil, an uncontrollable force emerges, wreaking havoc in its wake. Through a unique blend of pixilation and traditional puppet animation, Burnout explores the suffocating effects of stress, inviting viewers to witness a surreal descent into chaos, where the boundaries between mind and physical reality blur. PEN MARI SION MARSHALL-WATERS In the desperate search for a horse’s skull to lead an ancient folk procession, a man is drawn into the black market for animal body parts. SOUNDS OF OUR LIVES COCO POTTER I'M NOT HERE BENJAMIN JAMES WOOD ENTER NOW Our programme of shorts features the most innovative and adventurous ideas from filmmakers whose short films manifest stylistic boldness, strength of form, and the ambition to use the medium in a way that resists cliché. Shorts to feature films, the Cornwall Film Festival is a British Independent Film Awards Qualifing festival. ENTER NOW WHAT'S ON Lifelong Learning week 3–7th November 2025 Creative Careers Month November Community week 10-16th November 2025 2025 IntoFilm Schools Festival 11-28th November BFI Blockbuster season Too Much A Season Of Melodrama Previews week at The Poly Falmouth 17th - 22nd November 2025 STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Get involved with the media industry at this year's Cornwall Film Festival! Industry Events Media Industry Events for 2023 Coming Soon Time to Network At CFF 2022! A chance to connect with other creatives from across Cornwall and here about the festival and other news. This free event is open to all to spread the word far and wide. After networking why not join us at The Poly for this year's screening of 'Best of the West' a shortlist of films from this year's Short Film Competition from the South West region? Wednesday 16th Nov | 6pm Dolly's Tea Room & Gin Palace Book Your Free Place! Talk with Tolkien Illustrator, Alan Lee Wednesday 16th Nov | 6pm In partnership with Falmouth Bookseller & The Poly we are delighted to be welcoming Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee to Falmouth for a talk on the publication of THE FALL OF NÚMENOR. Lee is a renowned fantasy illustrator known for his illustrations bringing to life the world of Middle-Earth, and his Academy Award-winning work on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He’ll be joining us to discuss his work and his contributions to the latest illustrated Tolkien compendium THE FALL OF NÚMENOR and Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-Earth by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Brian Sibley. Alan Lee will be signing copies of THE FALL OF NÚMENOR at Falmouth Bookseller immediately after the event. Additional backlist titles will also be available for purchase at the shop on the night. Alan will be at the bookshop for approximately 1.5 hours immediately after the talk. Priority will be to event ticket holders but there should be ample time for additional signing attendees. Please keep your ticket stubs after the event as we will use these to ensure priority access to the signing. Guests will be allowed a maximum of 3 items to be signed. Book Street Photography Mor Media is working with Photoworks and Historic England to invite you to look at the high street as never before. Together we are asking you to uncover the stories behind the shopfronts and post your own photographs on Instagram using #PicturingHighStreets. Your photos will contribute to an unofficial photographic archive of the English high street; charting and celebrating the history and experiences of the people and places that make up an often-overlooked fixture in all our lives. The most evocative photographs will be featured on the Picturing High Streets Instagram channel. A selection of photographs submitted before 6 December 2022 will be displayed in a national outdoor exhibition opening in March 2023 filling advertising space, outdoor exhibition panels and shop windows on high streets across England. These photographs – alongside a selection of others submitted from January 2023 onwards – will also enter the Historic England Archive, the nation’s archive for England’s historic buildings, archaeology and social history. Join us during the Film Festival week to work on the themes of either High Street Hang Outs or Hidden Histories. Bring your camera (anything from a smartphone, tablet up to a DSLR) and we will guide you in the art of street photography. Picturing the high street. Sunday 19th Nov | 2pm Book ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Cornwall Film Festival 2025 Best Narrative and Non-Narrative International Short Films STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec SHORTS HOME FRESH 12:30 PM | THURSDAY 20.11.25 | THE POLY A brand new showcase of the freshest filmmakers from around the globe, screening at this year's edition of the Cornwall Film Festival, with a focus on queer film See all the films in this programme Dir. Various | 2025 | International | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS BEST UK SHORTS 2:30 PM | WEDNESDAY 19.11.25 | THE POLY The best Narrative and non-narrative films from professional filmmakers from the UK See all the films in this programme Dir. Various | 2025 | Drama, Docs | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS BEST OF THE WEST 8:00 PM | WEDNESDAY 20.11.25 | THE POLY Celebrating the very best short films from across the South West made by professional filmmakers See all the films in this programme Dir. various | 2025 | English | Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Animation | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS BEST INTERNATIONAL 3 PM | SUNDAY 23.11.25 | THE POLY Films from around the globe, screening at this years edition of Cornwall Film Festival See all the films in this programme § Dir. various | 2025 | International | Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Docs, Animation | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS BEST EXPERIMENTAL 2:15 PM | FRIDAY 21.11.25 | THE POLY Experimental Films from around the globe, screening at this year's edition of Cornwall Film Festival See all the films in this programme Dir. various | 2025 | Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Docs, Animation | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS BLACK TIDE ENVIRONMENTAL 7:45 | SUNDAY 23.11.25 | THE POLY Special Ocean Screening at the Cornwall Film Festival Black Tide is an evening of elemental cinema See all the films in this programme Dir Various | 2h | Regional | 2025 | CFF15 BOOK TICKETS AWARDS Director's Pick of The Festival - MAGID / ZAFAR directed by Luís Hindman Best of The Festival - PILLION directed by Harry Lighton Best Feature- SMALL GODS directed by Asher Rosen Best Cinematography - JOE directed by Tom Brittney BEST SCREENWRITING - SPARE PART written by Ada Player & Bron Waugh Best Actress - RELIEFS - Actress: Luisa Huertas Best Ensemble Performance - THE SECRET ASSISTANTS directed by Katey Lee Carson Best Sound Production - OLEUM directed by VERSUS Best of The West - SPARE PART directed by Ada Player & Bron Waugh Best of The West Runner-Up- CIRCLE HOOK directed by Maddy Corner Best Cornish - BARE ROOTS directed by Ellen McDougall Best Cornish Runner-Up - POLL PRI (CLAY TIP) directed by Edward Rowe Best Uk - MAGID / ZAFAR directed by Luís Hindman Best Student - MUDDIED directed by Cordelia Angel Clarke Best Fresh - THE BEGINNING OF IDENTIFICATION, AND ITS END directed by Philipp Gufler Best Experimental - A POEM directed by Vasilios Papaioannu Best Animation - GARDENING directed by Sarah Beeby Queer On Screen Award - SOVIET FANTASIA directed by Penn Bálint Screenstar of Tomorrow - EGGS BENEDICT directed by Johnny White Screenstars of Tomorrow Runner-Up - SOUNDS OF OUR LIVES directed by Coco Potter Best Documentary - THE GUIDING LIGHT directed by Cristina Rodríguez Paz Best Environmental - ROCK POOL directed by Dan McKay New Wave Jury Winner - INHERITANCE directed by Anthony Misiano, Tyler A. Wallach New Wave Jury Honourable Mention - THE SECRET ASSISTANTS directed by Katey Lee Carson 2026 OPEN 2026 Cornwall Film Festival Edition is now OPEN Submit via Film Feeway SUBMIT NOW INDUSTRY FOCUS 2025: PRODUCING EXPLORING THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SCREEN PRODUCTION At Cornwall Film Festival 2025, our annual Industry Focus shines a spotlight on the vital and often misunderstood role of the Producer. Whether you're working in short films, feature narratives, factual TV, or digital platforms, producing sits at the heart of the screen industry. This year’s focus explores all facets of producing—from development and financing, to production logistics, distribution strategy, and creative leadership. Through talks, panels, roundtables, and networking, we’ll be lifting the curtain on what it really takes to get a story from script to screen. READ MORE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Immersive and interactive media experiences at Cornwall Film Festival 2025. STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec FEATURE FILMS THE ICE TOWER 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY A hypnotic new fairytale from Lucile Hadžihalilović (Innocence, Evolution). In her most fantastical feature yet, The Ice Tower follows Jeanne (newcomer Clara Pacini), a teenager who escapes her secluded orphanage and slips onto the set of a lavish Snow Queen adaptation. There she encounters the film’s magnetic star Cristina (Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard), and together they embark on a spellbinding journey that drifts towards a chilling finale. Dir. Lucile Hadžihalilović | 2025 | 1h 58m | French (with English subtitles) | Fantasy | CFF 18 Film gala followed by Q&A with the director. BOOK TICKETS THE MASTERMIND 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Josh O'Connor portrays a down-on-his-luck art thief in this smouldering heist drama. Dir. Kelly Reichardt | 2025 | 1h 50m | English | Crime | 12A BOOK TICKETS KONTINENTAL ’25 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY A bailiff confronts thorny ethical conflict in this sharp-witted satire from Film Festival favourite Radu Jude Dir. Radu Jude | 2025 | 1h 49m | Drama (with English subtitles) CFF18 BOOK TICKETS PILLION 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY A transgressive romantic drama starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling. Seductive, daring, and unexpectedly tender, this striking debut brims with charm. Dir. Harry Lighton | 2025 | 1h 43m | English | Comedy, Drama, Romance | CFF18 BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home.Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 Film gala followed by Q&A with the director. BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 BOOK TICKETS HERETIC 22:00 | 22.11.24 | THE POLY Hugh Grant stars as the diabolical Mr. Reed in a horror tale of two young missionaries trapped in his sinister home. Dir Scott Beck, Bryan Woods 1h 51m | Horror/Mystery | 2024 BOOK TICKETS SHORTS Our programme of shorts features the most innovative and adventurous ideas from filmmakers whose short films manifest stylistic boldness, strength of form, and the ambition to use the medium in a way that resists cliché. Shorts to feature films, the Cornwall Film Festival is a British Independent Film Awards Qualifing festival. ENTER NOW WHAT'S ON Lifelong Learning week 3–7th November 2025 Creative Careers Month November Community week 10-16th November 2025 2025 IntoFilm Schools Festival 11-28th November BFI Blockbuster season Too Much A Season Of Melodrama Previews week at The Poly Falmouth 17th - 22nd November 2025 INDUSTRY FOCUS 2025: PRODUCING EXPLORING THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SCREEN PRODUCTION At Cornwall Film Festival 2025, our annual Industry Focus shines a spotlight on the vital and often misunderstood role of the Producer. Whether you're working in short films, feature narratives, factual TV, or digital platforms, producing sits at the heart of the screen industry. This year’s focus explores all facets of producing—from development and financing, to production logistics, distribution strategy, and creative leadership. Through talks, panels, roundtables, and networking, we’ll be lifting the curtain on what it really takes to get a story from script to screen. READ MORE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

We've found the biggest barrier to attending events for most people is being able to afford the ticket price. In order to overcome that barrier, we're removing the ticket price and asking audiences to simply pay what they can, so we can welcome more people to the festival experience and inspire even wider audiences. Pay What You Can The Scheme Pay What You Can is our innovative affordable ticket scheme, run successfully over the last two editions of the festival. We've found the biggest barrier to attending events for most people is being able to afford the ticket price. In order to overcome that barrier, we're removing the ticket price and asking audiences to simply pay what they can, so we can welcome more people to the festival experience and inspire even wider audiences. We WON’T ask you for your ID, proof of earnings or anything else! All we ask is your honesty! Pricing Scale A guide to help you choose your payment. £2 - I have no access to savings - I am under or unemployed - I can not afford time off and rarely afford clothes, cinema & books £4 - I often stress about how to pay my bills & don't always achieve them - I am employed but don't have regular hours - I can take time off and do go on holidays & occasionally buy new itmes £8 - I can comfortably meet my bills and needs - I own private transport and can afford to fuel it - I have access to savings and have my own property or choose where I rent Pay What You Can Screenings Making cinema accessible for all. No events at the moment

The best British independent short filmmakers at Cornwall Film Festival. < Programme Best of British Various Saturday 19th Nov | 11am 1h 45m | UK | Shorts The best British independent short filmmakers at Cornwall Film Festival. Looking for group discounts? Groups of 5 can receive 10% off their order with the code GROUP5 All Girls Anastasia Bruce-Jones 14m 40 | UK Four teenagers head off on a practice walk for an inter-school competition. If they break the record, all their dreams will come true. But none of them are prepared for the consequences of Heather's ruthless ambition. Asylum Neil West 12m | UK A woman risks everything to try and protect an asylum seeker in a totalitarian society in which all borders are militarized. Bugbear Matt Smith 9m | UK As a desperate man tries to raise the money he owes a dangerous criminal, he finds something in the woods that will change him forever Different Day Charlotte Couture 15m | UK Alicia has been the primary carer for her mother and little sister since her early teens. Now eighteen, Alicia secretly starts to make plans to escape her life and go in search of the one she missed out on. But a tragic incident threatens to shatter Alicia's plans, and forces her to make a choice between family duty and her own freedom. The Electricity in Me Mat Sheldon 10m 25 | UK Years after giving up her newborn son for adoption, a woman confronts her trauma and memories of the man she calls 'my monster’. The Operator Matt Riley 20m | UK The Operator follows Michael, a client contact associate as he starts another dull day of business as usual. Connecting long distance intergalactic calls from a remote satellite (not as exciting as it sounds); a bleary eyed and coffee fuelled Michael receives a distress call. No one ever receives a distress call. They barely touch on distress calls during the induction day. Pampas Jessica Bishopp 5m | UK Sexual signalling and suburban myth; what does your front garden say about you? Plants were used in 1970s British suburbia to send seductive signals to neighbours or so rumour has it. A hybrid documentary exploring the truth in the botanical myth; what went on behind closed curtains? A look at sexual signalling, female desire, subcultures, and suburban legend. Something Out of Nothing Marcus Armitage 4m 20 | UK Loss clings like sea air on a woollen jumper. Paul's mother, grieving the loss of her son, reconnects with the St Ives landscape and imparts that loss into a series of sculptures. An original story by Orlando Weeks based on the work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and commissioned by the Hepworth Gallery Wakefield. Directed by Marcus Armitage with narration by Maxine Peake. Trigger Renzo Vasquez 9m 46 | UK It's a rainy night out in East London, Claire and Hannah hail a black cab and climb in. Claire glances down and spots a bag neither of them had noticed when they got in. The cab draws to an abrupt halt and the journey accelerates as Mick confronts the girls and we find out just how far they are willing to go to achieve their own goals. The question is... how far is too far? This Little Girl Annette Westwood 15m | UK A mother with a substance misuse issue, has to prove herself on her path to recovery, to prevent her child from being taken away from her and placed into care. The Wanting Alexandros Mattei 18m | UK Adam goes to his estranged father’s wake, avoiding his own estranged daughter’s birthday. There, he meets his step-family for the first time and, getting a different vibe than expected, he wonders whether the old bastard has any more lessons for him. Yummy Mummy Gabriela Staniszewska 14m 30 | UK Ignored throughout her pregnancy, Lilith senses her identity is being smothered by her burgeoning motherhood. Her anxieties begin to have physical manifestations - then she starts to fall apart - literally.

Work With Us | Mor Media Charity | Encouraging Creativity and Culture to Thrive in the Digital Arts through events, education, community and industry projects. Work With Us There is always plenty to be done at Mor Media Charity, so we have lots of opportunities for you to help our organisation run smoothly ! It's a great way to get experience, learn new skills, meet people and have some fun! Film Festival Roles Pre-selectors Internships Cornwall Film Festival Roles In November from the 11th-30th, audiences of all types & stripes gather for the acclaimed Cornwall Film Festival program, making the Film Festival an unparalleled experience at the forefront of technology, creativity and imagination. Opening soon! Every year we encourage volunteers to participate in Cornwall Film Festival. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials to stay up to date on Festival Roles Roles are as follows - Film Festival Volunteer Coordinator 2024 Film Festival Production Crew Film Festival Photography Film Festival Stewarding Film Festival Reporter Film Festival Marketing/Communications Assistant Film Festival VR, AR and 360 stewards and support team Information Applications opening soon Short Film Pre-Selectors We are looking for pre-selectors for Cornwall Film Festival's BIFA qualifying short film competition! This role involves supporting our Short Film Manager by reviewing the suitability of submissions for consideration. You do not have to be based in the UK to apply, as all the viewing will be done remotely (access to a computer, and a stable internet connection is necessary). Main Duties and Responsibilities On average pre-selectors will view between 5-6 hours of content as we encourage voting from multiple selectors to ensure fairness. CFF receives around 300 submissions on average, but overall hours may increase if we go beyond this total - so some flexibility is encouraged. Viewing, and assisting with the submission process through our festival platform FilmFreeway.Our short film submissions will be from all types of genres but will be no more than 20 minutes in length. Meetings with key festival members, including members of the Awarding Jury (this will help you gain insight into the festival & filmmaking industry). Key Skills/ Traits An understanding of film festival standards and a critical eye. Of course enthusiasm is the most important! Organised and the able to work to deadlines Knowledge and Experience The successful candidate should be able to evidence the following essential criteria: An interested in films, filmmaking, programming, curation & exhibition. Knowledge of FilmFreeway is preferable, but there will be an opportunity for those unfamiliar with FilmFreeway to meet and learn the basics needed to be a preselector for CFF. Application deadline - closed Benefits Backstage access and lessons on how to one of the largest film festival submission platforms Accreditation to use towards voluntary hours as part of a degree Access to progression initiatives within the Mor Media team, pre-selectors, New Wave jury, Internships and other paid roles. Reference signed by our Festival Director Other Details Based remotely Reports to Short Film Manager There will be between 20 - 30 pre-selectors chosen, and we are keen to accept applications from anyone. This is a voluntary role, whilst we sadly cannot offer payment for the time you will receive the chance to watch and vote on the newest British and International Short Films Apply today Mor Media Charity/ Cornwall Film Festival wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. By filling out our equality and diversity monitoring form , you are helping and co-operating with us to enable us to achieve our ambitions. The information you provide will be confidential and will not use for any other purpose than evaluation and monitoring. Internships General Internships We are seeking hard working and enthusiastic individuals who would like an internship with a film and media organisation. We are a media charity that holds an annual film festival, live events, yearly film screenings and programming, runs industry training, masterclasses and talks, education programmes and community media projects. We will give you an opportunity to work across all our organisational strands - festival, industry and events, community, education, and charity to gain valuable experience in varied roles within the creative industry. You may work as a production assistant on one of our live events or online masterclasses; a researcher or content creator for our social media; a designer of digital assets for one of our programmes or as an event planner for one of our live events. We are looking for adaptable and enthusiastic people who are ready for a challenge and want to try their hand at lots of different roles within the media. Internships typically last 3-6 months and involve a time commitment of 6 hours a week, including our weekly team meetings. While working with us you will gain access to our networks and we’ll share opportunities in our organisation and the wider media industry with you. We’ll help you with CV, job application and interview skills. You will be given an open reference and credit for your work, an opportunity to meet others, develop a network of people with a shared passion for film and to communicate your enthusiasm for film! Many of our interns have moved into senior intern positions or been offered roles within our organisation, or have gone on to begin media careers in TV or film production, journalism and beyond. Applications will close on June 21st 2024. Applications are closed for 2024 Learn More

The best independent short film-makers worldwide. < Programme Best International Shorts Various Friday 15th Nov | Falmouth University, Penryn Campus Exchange Lecture Theatre 2hrs 17mins | International | Shorts The best independent short film-makers worldwide. A showcase of national and international filmmaking talent, featuring the most innovative and adventurous ideas from filmmakers whose short films manifest stylistic boldness, strength of form, and the ambition to use the medium in a way that resists cliché. See this selection of work for FREE the whole programme is screened 3 times during the day. A filmmaker will be selected for the NEW WAVE Jury Award from this programme. The best film in this section is invited to Best of the Best Screening on Saturday 19th November at 10am at The Poly Falmouth during the Film Festival 444 Alexandre Nachi 16m 40 | Canada Inside a house he doesn’t recognize, with a family he doesn’t know, a young man tries to make some sense of what is happening to him. Everything keeps changing, his mind is sick. ''Trust the protocol'' is all he can do. The Air and the Worlds Rana Ashraf 13m 5 | Egypt A contemplative journey of three parts that follow a mute poet named “This Person”. In a dreamy stream, lightly illustrating wonderings This Person has on notions of familiarity, language, impermanence and the strangeness of everything. Burros Jefferson Stein 14m 28 | USA In southern Arizona, twenty miles from the Mexico border, a young Indigenous girl discovers a Latina migrant her age who has been separated from her father while traveling through the Tohono O’odham Nation into the United States. Company Ilnaz Khirkhah 10m | Republic of Iran Company tells the story of a young boy who feels obliged to write a will for a dying woman who lives alone. Empty Little People Josh O'Caoimh and Mikai Geronimo 2m 15 | Ireland Empty little people, with an insatiable thirst for tea... begin running out of tea, on All Hallows' Eve. Eureka Miida Chu 14m 50 | USA A young indentured Chinese prostitute must overcome her toxic dependency on the brothel madam on the eve of the 1885 anti-Chinese riot in Eureka, California. Free Fall Emmanuel Tenen 19m 28 | France Tom is a young trader in a London bank, whose recent performance has put his job on the line. When the first plane hits the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th 2001, Tom jumps into the biggest trade of his life. Inspired by a true story. The Manager Position Craig Trow 15m 40 | USA Months after losing his job, a man is still unable to tell his wife. Philip was let go from his job five months ago due to a recession that led to his company's closing. While he has used the time to seek employment, it's been all dead ends and rejections. To make matters worse, he has yet to tell his stay-at-home wife about his termination. With no job on the horizon, and nowhere to go during working hours, he returns to his old office building to remind him of his former self. At a breaking point, he commandeers the vacant manager's office, and his world starts to open up with new opportunities as he finds himself among others that are also experiencing financial and employment hardship. The Murder Tongue Ali Sohail Jaura 17m 38 | Pakistan It is May of 1992. The state sanctioned “Operation” has put the city of Karachi at constant unrest. Abdul Aziz Ansari wakes up at night and is informed by his daughter in law, Naseema that his son hasn’t returned home. As a knock on their door later at night summons them to the hospital, what they witness along the way is known today as the most brutal chapter of the city’s history, a sentiment of hatred towards their race, deep rooted beneath the system. Sea Light John Doe 14m 46 | Spain An elder lighthouse keeper takes care of what has been his home for years. Old and secluded from society, he's disturbed by mysterious bottled letters. These and an unexpected malfunction make him doubt his job, his life and his existence.