See a series of short films from 16 countries in The Deepings

With both live action and animation from 16 countries, each programme of approximately 100 minutes includes comedy, drama and sci fi.

Those films not in the English language have subtitles and each event will include an introduction from the season curator, Clifton Stewart. Clifton is a highly experienced festival programmer with credits both in the UK and the USA.

The Deepings Shorts is presented by InvestSK, on behalf of SKDC and in association with The Open Door Baptist Church.

February 1

Shanghai Love Market (USA / China)

Shanghai has a park where parents can match-make their unwed children. This is just one love story in a city of 20 million lovers.

Crossing Salween (Ireland)

A young girl must make the journey through the horrors of the Burmese jungle to the Salween River and the safety of Thailand beyond. But will her late father’s enduring love and promise of a guardian angel be enough to shepherd her across the river where so many have fallen.

Shift / Vahetus (Germany)

When Miina, a seemingly well-off woman is caught shoplifting, the female officer shows off her contempt. She sees a rival in the shoplifter and decides to teach Miina a lesson. Both women meet just a few hours later in a situation where the previous rivals become partners in crime and must trust their fates in the hands of each other.

A Single Life (Netherlands)

In this Oscar-nominated short, a mysterious vinyl record suddenly allows Pia to travel through time.

The Calm After The Storm (Netherlands)

Anna receives a message that her boyfriend David was killed in a tsunami. Between the phone call and her experiencing the first emotion, there’s an empty time space. When Anna realises she will never see or touch David again, she gasps and her heart skips a beat. Her world freezes and past, present and future come together.

Earthy Encounters (UK)

Fifteen-year-old Kyle believes he can save his dying older brother with a plant he found in the garden centre where he works—the problem is, a shadowy government agency is out to destroy it first.

D-24 (Korea)

In the year 2072, Gusik is a single, lonely man. He sees a commercial for D-24, an android wife, and makes a purchase thinking that D-24 can save his life. 24 days after his order, he finally gets D-24 in his hands but can you really buy happiness?

Let them Die Like Lovers (USA)

A body-jumping soldier grapples with the morality of her missions in this emotionally charged sci-fi thriller.

Panic! (Netherlands)

While driving her car Marja has a sudden rush of panic: did she turn off the gas? Did she leave the water running? Is the window locked? In her mind her imaginary mistakes grow to absurd proportions.

Saturday February 8

Sounds of Nature (Sweden)

Ten-year old Finn takes a walk into the woods with his parents, paying more attention to his Game Boy, upsetting his father who takes it away. Suddenly, a strange noise catches the boy‘s attention. His mystical journey begins.

ASAD (South Africa)

A coming of age fable of a Somali boy as he struggles to survive in his war-torn land. Nominated Best Live Action Short Film at the Oscars 2012

Out of Erasers (Sweden)

A woman on her way home becomes a victim of a strange infection. She soon realises that an epidemic is spreading and there are larger forces at work.

Late Afternoon (Ireland)

Emily lives between two states, the past and the present. She journeys through her memories searching for a connection. Oscar Nominated Best Animated Short 2019

Brooklyn Breeze (USA)

Brooklyn Breeze is a visual journey through different parts of Brooklyn, some of the iconic spots and others not often seen by the visitors, based on a tune recorded by New York based Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.

Moth (UK)

Tommy, an unhappy seven year old boy is still grieving the death of his father, whilst battling with his new stepfather. When a moth dies in the palm of his hand he is fascinated by the residue left behind - “magic dust, that helps the moths to fly” his mother tells him.

Award winning short written by festival curator Clifton Stewart.

Mend and Make Do (UK)

Cup of tea? Come and take a seat in Lyn’s cosy front room, hear her story of wartime love and watch as her belongings come alive with the hope, fear and humour of one spirited lady.

Day 39 (USA)

A young soldier in Afghanistan has to assist a doctor with a moral dilemma, a matter of new life or death. Student Academy Award Finalist

Casitas / Grown Ups (Spain)

Carlos and Marta, both 35 years old, are living the life they have always dreamed of. A house with a yard, a dog, and they are even about to have a child. But there is no such thing as a perfect life. ‘Best Short’ at New York Film Festival and Manchester Film Festival.

Saturday February 15

Zelos (USA)

A competitive mother orders a clone to outshine her flawless friend, but soon realises she purchased an unbeatable rival.

Rita Mahtoubian Is Not A Terrorist (USA)

When Iranian-born Rita Mahtoubian sets out to change her life from ordinary to extraordinary she accidentally captures the attention of a homeland security agent in this satirical comedy.

Spring (Netherlands)

A poetic fantasy film, Spring is the story of a shepherd girl and her dog, who face ancient spirits in order to continue the cycle of life.

Tsuyako (Japan)

In postwar Japan, Tsuyako, a factory worker and mother, must decide between duty and love, her family and her freedom.

Drone (USA)

A rookie drone pilot becomes increasingly attracted to the target he watches halfway around the world. Student Academy Award Finalist.

Cappuccino (UK)

Mike waits nervously, it’s almost time for his big moment. Can he battle his inner demons in front of an expectant crowd?

Looking Glass (Sweden/Denmark)

Atmospheric short thriller animation that was nominated for a Golden Palm for Best Short film at the Cannes Film Festival

Exit Strategy (USA)

Two brothers caught in a time loop must traverse a series of maze-like events in order to prevent a catastrophic fire from taking hold.

Leonard in Slow Motion (USA)

Leonard exists in slow motion but lives in a regular speed world. When he discovers his office crush is getting transferred to Florida, Leonard decides he must somehow become regular speed to win her heart before she leaves town for good.

Saturday February 22

Adamt / Listen (Ethiopia)

Ethiopian composer and drummer suffers from childhood trauma. Miraculously, a young deaf woman manages to put him on a new course using his own music. Adamt was made as part of the Focus Features Africa First Programme.

Kop Op (Netherlands)

An Emmy Award Winner, Kop Op is a story about three friends who exchange heads by accident and are forced to adapt to each other’s life. Will they be able to keep it secret? And will they ever get their own head back?

Mr Widdershins (UK)

A pampered gentleman’s seamlessly automated life is thrown into chaos when he pursues a free-spirited woman, against the advice of his robot butler.

The Goodnight Show (USA)

It’s 1978 and a world ending asteroid is headed directly for Earth. With only hours left, Samuel embarks on a journey to find his place in a world doomed to end and just maybe, lose his virginity before it is too late. 

Floating (Spain / Argentina)

A Russian astronaut awakes on an ISS space module after an accident. His attention is caught by outside knockings. Someone has come to welcome him, although it might all be just his imagination, or maybe not.

The Fisherman (Ghana)

An aging fisherman goes out to sea one day and returns with a talking fish. Set in Ghana, West Africa, this quirky comedy explores our need to stay relevant against the backdrop of a developing nation.

Setting Them Straight (Australia)

Having been nurtured and accepted by his parents as a gay man, Joshua finds the courage to confess, that he’s actually not.