Short Cuts

Spot the film-making talents of tomorrow in this selection of garlanded francophone shorts from France, Belgium and Quebec, curated by Martine Pierquin.

How Do I Know? / Comment savoir …?

Director Joachim Larrieu | 2023 | France | 18 mins | Production CinéFabrique

Cast Samir Titi, Léon Exbrayat, Lili Cazals

In the Sauvagere district, everyone has their counterpart, notably Harry and Stari. While Harry leaves for the lake, Stari remains locked in his room with ChatGpt whom he asks: is he in love with his friend Harry? Best short film Cabourg Film Festival 2024.

Danavan

Directors Jean-David Rodrigue, Franie-Éléonore Bernier | 2021 | Québec, Canada | 12 mins | Production: Centième Singe | Distribution: SPIRA

Cast Hugues Frenette, Marc Auger-Gosselin, Nicolas Michon, Nancy Bernier

René and Polo are apprehensive about the arrival of the new next-door neighbour in their area of Quebec City. Though he doesn’t know it, the young man is moving into the apartment previously occupied by Robert, their late friend who passed away two weeks earlier. Spotting Robert’s barbecue left on the balcony, René begins to spiral as he refuses to leave it in the hands of the new arrival.

Montsouris Park / Montsouris

Director Guil Sela | 2024 | France 14 mins | Distribution L’Agence du court métrage

Cast Lucas Doméjean, Pierre Gandarmay, Raïka Hazanavicius, Martin Jauvat, Guil Sela 

On a beautiful autumn day in Montsouris Park in Paris, Jacques and Nathan are looking for interesting people to film for their documentary. They chance upon Pierre and Martin, two odd bods about to have an unexpected experience. Winner, Leitz Cine Discovery Prize, Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Sira / Langue Maternelle

Director | Mariame N’Diaye | 2023 | France | 24 mins | Distribution L’Agence du court métrage

Cast Mariame N’Diaye, Olivier Rabourdin, Djibril Sangaré, Amina Soumbounou, Margot Viala

In the eighties, Sira, a 26-year-old Malian woman, lives a peaceful existence in France with her husband Malick and six-year-old daughter Abi. The only language she knows is Soninke, which the family uses for everyday life. But Abi speaks little French, so the school suggests sending her to a special needs class and invites her parents to use French at home. Sira objects. Best Film in French, Dakar Court, Senegal 2023.

Pumpkin / Pupuce

Director Chloé Larrère | 2023 | Belgium | 19 mins | Distribution L’Agence belge du court métrage

Cast Ninon Borsei, Chloé Larrère

Valentine has not worked since her lead role in the hit film L’ombre au mois d’août (The Shadow in August). During this period of low spirits she takes part in a casting session with a dog for a big French film, even though she does not really like dogs. Driven by her depression and existential angst as an actress, she sets off on an absurd canine quest around Brussels. Brussels Short Film Festival – BSFF / Prix de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles 2024.

Summer 96 / Été 96

Director Mathilde Bédouet | 2023 | France | 12 mins | Miyu Distribution

Voice cast Kauri Moyse, Clémence Cueff, Arthur Cueff, Victoire Cueff

Every summer, Paul’s family has a picnic on a small island that can be reached via a causeway at low tide. This year the tide takes them by surprise and they are forced to spend the night on the island. Paul, finding himself stuck between the world of adults and that of children, becomes aware of his own individuality. This nostalgic animation explores memory and transition. Winner, César for Best Animated Short Film, 2024.

Caregiver / Auxiliaire

Director Lucas Bacle | 2022 | France | 24 mins | Production & Distribution Salaud Morisset

Cast Laurent Target, Etienne Cocuelle

During a night of self-doubt Marc, a tormented caregiver, decides he must confess to his best friend with a motor disability for whom he has been caring for several years, that he will not be coming back to work the next day. Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2023.

Our Festival Pass gives you access to five films in the French Festival UK at the Institut français d’Écosse!