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By Director Louise Fox January – March 2026: A Strong Start to the Year The first three months of 2026 have been an incredibly productive and forward-looking period for Mor Media Charity, as we continue to expand our work across film, heritage, education and talent development in Cornwall and beyond. 🎬 Film Exhibition & Touring We have been progressing plans for the Edge of Summer  regional tour, with screenings and director Q&As now being scheduled across the South West. Following a complex journey to bring the film to audiences, this marks a significant milestone in connecting a locally rooted Cornish story with wider audiences. We are also laying the groundwork for a potential independent distribution strand , using this tour as a pilot model, with projected reach across screenings expected to exceed 350+ attendees Alongside this, we have been developing a new Cornwall Film Festival website , making it easier for audiences, filmmakers and partners to access and engage with our year-round activity. Supported 3 film tours  with Q&As and marketing support, strengthening regional exhibition. 🏛️ Heritage & Community Projects Our Black Tide: The Torrey Canyon Project  continues to gather momentum as we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1967 oil spill. 25 oral histories  recorded to date Recent engagement activity delivered across West Penwith , including work with U3A groups, libraries and the local lifeboat stations Ongoing partnerships with community organisations and heritage networks across Cornwall Development of a new project website , designed to communicate and share the archive more widely This work is building a vital, community-led archive that centres lived experience and ensures Cornish voices are at the heart of this nationally significant story. 🎓 Talent Development & Industry Programmes We have been advancing our Creative Challenge Fund  programme, alongside wider talent development activity. Programme design completed with a target cohort of 14 participants  across Cornwall, Devon and the wider UK 25 participants  engaged through Story Labs exploring writing and visual storytelling 329 submissions  received to date, with 95 pre-selector applications  supporting our programming pipeline Launch of Quick Cut: The 90-Second Film Challenge , creating new entry points for emerging filmmakers Our activity engaged 6 freelancers, strengthening regional employment and the creative economy. Together, these strands are strengthening pathways for creatives at all stages of their careers and supporting a more diverse and connected screen ecology. 🎓 Education & Audience Development We have continued to deliver education and audience engagement activity across the region: Delivered the Into Film Spring Festival across 3 venues in Cornwall 2 animation workshops  delivered for Animate Helston 5 screenings  hosted, supporting access to independent film and shared viewing experiences Our team's attendance at the Berlin Film Festival , building industry connections and insight This work supports the development of creative skills while building future audiences for independent cinema. 🏛️ Advocacy & Sector Leadership We have been actively advocating for the independent cinema sector in response to the Government’s £1.5 billion investment in culture. Direct engagement with MP-level stakeholders Coordinating input from independent cinemas across Cornwall Active participation in the British Arts Festival Association , including conferences and sector meetings Contributing to national conversations on cultural infrastructure, access and regional equity This work positions Mor Media as a strong regional voice within national policy discussions. 🤝 Partnerships, Funding & Growth This quarter has also been a period of significant organisational growth and consolidation. Successful funding applications secured , supporting future programme delivery and sustainability Partnerships strengthened across 10+ organisations  spanning exhibition, heritage, education and industry Continued expansion of our networks locally and nationally Strengthening Impact and Reach These developments are helping to secure Mor Media’s long-term growth and impact. Looking Ahead As we move into spring, we are excited to bring these strands together through live events, screenings and new programme launches. With strong foundations in place, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth, connection and impact. We are grateful to our partners, collaborators, team, audiences, Trustees and advisors, whose support makes this work possible, and we look forward to a well-earned pause before the next phase.

Why the BBC’s failure to edit the BAFTA slur highlights a need for better education and production protocols. BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson has announced his resignation following Sunday evening's controversial events during the awards ceremony. In a sharp critique of the incident, Richardson described the events during Sunday night’s awards ceremony as "utterly unforgivable."  Michael B Jordan & Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs 2026 The Incident   The controversy arose during the presentation of an award by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. During their time on stage, Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson vocalised a racist slur. While both actors appeared visibly shaken by the outburst, they remained professional and continued with the presentation.  John Davidson is a prominent Tourette syndrome activist whose life story was adapted into an inspirational film, I SWEAR, highlighting the hardships associated with the condition. Following the ceremony, Davidson expressed his distress over the event: “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.” Questions of Editorial Oversight   John Davidson at the BAFTAS 2026 Davidson has worked alongside the BBC on multiple occasions. He suggested that the broadcaster should have been better prepared for the nature of his condition to prevent such tics from being broadcast.  Davidson remembered “there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated.”  Davidson continued, “ I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It's an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values.” A Pattern of Scrutiny    This follows previous criticism of the BBC’s management, when the broadcaster faced backlash over the performance by rapper Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, which contained controversial language, and remained on iPlayer for several hours after the live set. The BAFTA incident has placed the BBC under renewed scrutiny. Despite assurances that the ceremony would be edited to remove profanity before airing, the inclusion of the slur has sparked a heated debate regarding broadcaster accountability and the sensitivity required when filming individuals with involuntary conditions.  Key Takeaways Ultimately, accountability for this oversight lies with the BBC. While the broadcaster works diligently to champion diverse and inclusive spaces, more robust measures should have been implemented, not only to prevent the slur from reaching the airwaves but to ensure that both the audience and the presenters were adequately briefed beforehand. For many, encountering the complexities of Tourette syndrome can be a profound shock, particularly when tics involve involuntary vulgar language. While this production failure shouldn't discredit the BBC’s broader commitment to representation, it highlights a clear need for improved protocols. The delay in rectifying the digital broadcast remains a significant concern, yet it also presents a vital opportunity for us all to better educate ourselves on the realities of Tourette syndrome and foster a deeper understanding of the disability. Written by Angelique Cloete

As Director of Cornwall Film Festival, delivered by Mor Media Charity, I’m writing this to raise awareness of a quiet but serious issue facing the UK’s cultural landscape: independent cinemas have been excluded from the Government’s recent £1.5 billion investment in culture . Like many in the sector, we welcome this significant investment and recognise its potential to support sustainable cultural organisations that contribute to economic growth, wellbeing and social cohesion. But the absence of cinemas, particularly independent and community-facing cinema, is deeply worrying. Top left: Merlin Flora Cinema, Helston, The Poly Falmouth, WTW Lighthouse cinema, Newquay. Middle row, Mike Leigh & Mark Kermode at Cornwall Film Festival, the Merlin Savoy cinema, Penzance. Bottom left Merlin Regal Redruth, WTW The Regal Wadgebridge, Newlyn Filmhouse Cinemas are a vital part of the cultural infrastructure Cornwall Film Festival works year-round with independent cinemas and community screening venues across Cornwall, where cinema is often the most accessible cultural experience available locally. In a geographically dispersed county, these spaces are not a luxury; they are essential. Through our partnerships, we: bring UK and international film & filmmakers to Cornwall support early-career filmmakers deliver education and outreach programmes for young people create shared cultural experiences that strengthen community connection Independent cinemas sit at the heart of this ecosystem. They act as cultural anchors, support local economies, nurture creative talent and provide inclusive, affordable access to culture. A sector at risk We welcome the investment but urge the Government to reconsider the exclusion of cinemas from capital funding. Our national partners at the Independent Cinema Office provide this stark evidence: 31% of independent cinemas  do not believe they can remain operational without access to capital funding within the next 3–5 years A further 28% are unsure For many, there is currently no viable route to National Lottery or public capital investment This is not a marginal issue; it’s an existential one. Why this matters in places like Cornwall In regions such as Cornwall, cinemas play a disproportionate role in sustaining cultural life, supporting local creative industries and tackling rural isolation. Treating cinemas differently from museums, libraries, arts venues and heritage buildings risks undermining the long-term resilience of our cultural infrastructure. If we believe culture should be accessible to everyone, not just those in major cities, and cinemas must be recognised as part of that essential fabric. A call for change Today, I have written to Jayne Kirkham , MP for Penryn & Falmouth, asking her to raise this issue with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport . I have also written to Lisa Nandy , Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, urging her to support the inclusion of independent cinemas within future cultural capital funding programmes. Independent cinemas deserve to be supported on an equal footing with other cultural institutions, not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of cultural life. If we allow these spaces to disappear, we don’t just lose screens. We lose places of gathering, discovery, learning and shared experience. And once they’re gone, rebuilding them will be far harder and far more costly than supporting them now. Louise Fox Director, Cornwall Film Festival Mor Media Charity

Our selection of lens-based media from around the globe, screening 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 11 Best International Shorts Copy of Best International Shorts Best of the Best CFF Awards Screen Stars Student Shorts Best of the West SW Regional Shorts 20 Under 25 Best Cornish Shorts Experimental Videos 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 INTERSECTION: EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS ON HANNAH FIELDS LEWIS HERIZ A patch of land in Derby, UK, is adopted by an ex-NHS Psychiatric Nurse and transformed by a cyclical system of recovery. A poetic portrait of a place, the people who support it and that it supports. RIVERVIEW SIMON RATTIGAN A river divides territory and is at once a way in and a way out, where tidal shifts push and pull one's desires to go and explore the beyond, while old loyalties hold onto the past weighing down one's need to escape. GILBERT & GEORGE DAYTRIPPING FOREVER! IAIN B. MACDONALD "Gilbert & George Daytripping Forever!" follows the artists Gilbert and George as they embark on another adventure to Southend-on-Sea and explore the meaning of their art and their lives. OLEUM 'VERSUS' (DIRECTOR DUO): TANYA BABIC & JASON SUKADANA In a bold reimagining of Opera for the screen, 'Oleum' follows a wounded mechanic’s journey to hear the plaintive song of a local waitress one last time. SPOKEN MOVMENT FAMILY HONOUR DANIEL GURTON In a British-Ghanaian household bound by tradition and religion, a young girl lives under the oppressive control of her abusive father. At the family dinner table, heated arguments reveal the deep rift between them as they confront the scars of their shared history. DREAMT BY ANOTHER VIKKI BARDOT Dreamt by Another is an allegorical take on creating with artificial intelligence and a meditation on identity, memory, and love. Interweaving passages from Pinocchio (1883), The Velveteen Rabbit (1922), Frankenstein (1818), and Borges's The Circular Ruins (1940), the film builds a single narrative about coming into existence. It extends the lineage of wooden puppets, toys, and monsters into the realm of artificial intelligence, as the latest chapter in humanity's pursuit to make the unreal come alive. A POEM VASILIOS PAPAIOANNU In an underground garage, a voice message becomes the testament of a love left in limbo, while fleeting images allude to the moment that led to it. A FROG SITS IN WATER DYLAN FRIESE-GREENE A Frog Sits in Water is an experimental film exploring human complacency in the face of disaster. Set during an all-consuming heatwave, the film follows a lone figure spiralling into psychosis as the world boils and rots around him. Surrounded by spinning fans, he blocks out the sunlight and plays his saxophone in a desperate attempt to to drown out reality and retreat inward. The film seeks to examine the tension between numbness and expression, questioning whether making art in a dying world is an act of resistance or simply a way to survive. It is a study in indifference, discomfort, and the fragile persistence of creativity amid collapse . GOLDFISH AKHIL KUMAR Goldfish is a thought-provoking micro-short that captures the struggle of staying present in an age of endless distractions. With the average human attention span now just 8.25 seconds—shorter than a goldfish’s, we’re caught in a cycle of notifications, fleeting dopamine hits, and the constant pull of what’s next. Both timely and relatable, this film offers a sharp reflection on focus, presence, and the way technology shapes our minds—inviting audiences to pause, reflect, and reconsider what really holds their attention. GLIMPSE ULRIKE SWOBODA-OSTERMANN Deep in rural Cornwall, autistic Thomas loves to read. Retreating from a world he finds sensorily challenging, he spends all day buried in books, telling himself stories of heroes and epic quests. When a flying football starts a new friendship with sporty Agnes, Thomas initially finds it hard to relate and let her into his world. This distance between them means that Agnes becomes bored with Thomas’ storytelling, forcing Thomas to use his incredible creativity to make new stories for them both. Through their burgeoning relationship, he learns how to express himself creatively, empathise and learn from others, making his unique experience of the world around him more understandable and manageable. STRAIGHT AHEAD 01: RUNNING AWAY BECALELIS BRODSKIS Made across months of travel, this improvised drawn animation — filmed against train and bus windows — becomes a contemplative collage of continual journeys between Cornwall in the west, Suffolk in the east, and the places in between. Rooted in a purist manifesto of straight-ahead animation, it discards planning, storyboards, light boxes, and corrections to embrace the raw energy of the line. The result blends frantic motion with calm reflection, capturing shifting landscapes both internal and external. PRESSING STEPHANIE BARBER A woman washes her hair in the kitchen sink while telling her friend about a memory of sitting in a bathtub and watching her aunt get ready to go out. A narrative fragment, a very short story, a performance and exercise in the prosaic as mythologized through memory. 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

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 11 Best International Shorts Copy of Best International Shorts Best of the Best CFF Awards Screen Stars Student Shorts Best of the West SW Regional Shorts 20 Under 25 Best Cornish Shorts Experimental Videos 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

Cornwall Film Festival 2024 Best of the West Short Film Programme Film Programme 2024 Talks Festival flyer Industry VR & AR Best of the West Internationals UK Shorts Student Shorts Cornwall My Home Artist Moving Images Best of the West short films Nov 21, 2024 8:00 PM @ The Poly Tickets Films from around the globe, screening at this years edition of Cornwall Film Festival This programme is supported by and will be introduced by Jess Wheeler BFI NETWORK Talent Executive SPINES Directed by Joseph Inman Deep in rural Cornwall, autistic Thomas loves to read. Retreating from a world he finds sensorily challenging, he spends all day buried in books, telling himself stories of heroes and epic quests. When a flying football starts a new friendship with sporty Agnes, Thomas initially finds it hard to relate and let her into his world. This distance between them means that Agnes becomes bored with Thomas’ storytelling, forcing Thomas to use his incredible creativity to make new stories for them both. Through their burgeoning relationship, he learns how to express himself creatively, empathise and learn from others, making his unique experience of the world around him more understandable and manageable. Exchange Rate Directed by Emma Stansfield A mother struggling to make ends meet, details the incremental sacrifices she will make to give her daughter a brighter future. Rodent Directed by Joe Fereday A rat transports us through the last vestiges of humanity as it forages for food for its family. Confronted by a formidable threat, we discover the true magnitude of recent global events. Multi-Storey Directed by James Barlow Sat in an empty multi-storey car park a dad attempts to reconnect with his daughter, before being interrupted - by two medieval knights. Dolls Directed by Robyn Egan A coming of age comedy, set in the early 00s, Dolls tells the story of Cherry and her unsolicited collection of judgemental porcelain dolls as she explores her transition into sexual maturity and faces the anguish of leaving her childhood behind. Bal Maiden Directed by Aella Jordan-Edge In an 18th century Cornish tin mining community, two isolated young women risk their lives to break free from abuse after a local miner pushes them to breaking point. I Want This Directed by Micha Colombo An overwhelmed mother is lost within her daily life until a midnight moment in nature helps her to find clarity. Clan Directed by Jaime Lock On the Isles of Scilly at a Christening party in the local pub, 16-year-old trans teenager, Cam, feels awkward and out of place in his small island community. When Teän (20) arrives, confident and unashamedly out in their non-binary identity, Cam finally feels seen. Their presence sparks something more sinister for Cam’s older brother, Jago, who causes a scene in the pub. To heal, Teän and Cam escape and walk the coast path. They end up on the beach, where Teän has a plan to make their trans mark on the island. Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye Directed by Annie Hammond A daughter makes a long postponed visit to her mother, set against the north Cornish coastline. Mr Lamb Directed by Paul Morel A successful business man returns to Dartmoor to fulfil a reckless promise made in a moment of desperation some eighteen years before. The Hold Directed by JD Donnelly A real-time journey through the past and present of champion free-diver Alice Hickson as she fights the need for oxygen during her record 7min30 breath hold.