This selection of short documentaries from Ireland and around the world focuses on issues affecting young people today. Universal themes of adolescence, identity, and self-discovery are explored in a diverse range of cultural narratives.

Programme includes:

One Flower at a Time (Plex Goldwin / Australia) – An illegal cannabis grower gives her thoughts and impressions on the experience she has had in her pursuit of growing the perfect flower, while existing in her community.

Cumha (Elena Horgan / Ireland) – An experimental film/poetic doc that explores the intersections of language, land, and identity.

Nido (Jose Miguel Jimenez / Ireland, Peru) – Winner Best Irish Short Doc – DocsIreland 2024. Palma Real is an indigenous community hidden deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Theysi is a midwife. She’s been here for almost three years running the local clinic which serves the entire community. This is a day in her life.

Dear Ishan (Ashish Prasai / Ireland) – In the wake of Ishan’s passing, Ashish grapples with grief as he immerses himself in the recollection of cherished memories, finding solace in the melodies of his late brother’s guitar. Through poignant reflection, Ashish navigates a nuanced exploration of both the past and the unfolding present, pondering the complexities of life and loss

We Beg to Differ (Ruairi Bradley / Ireland) – In the underground world of diffing, a community finds solace in their passion, as they navigate personal struggles and challenges both on and off the road.

The Archive: Queer Nigerians (Simisolaoluwa Akande / UK) – Queer Nigerians in the UK gather to tell their stories, documenting their experiences so they can never be erased again.

Curated by The GALPAL Collective’s Aisha Bolaji and Lulit Luis.

There will be a mystery film from the IFI Irish Film Archive that will play during the award counts process. 

Screening as part of IFI Documentary Festival 2024.

You may also find Ó Bhéal, available online as part of the IFI Documentary Festival @Home, interesting.