General Public
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2026
 
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2026
Feb 01, 2026 - May 31, 2026
In Person: May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Online: Feb 01, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2026
 
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2026
Feb 01, 2026 - May 31, 2026
In Person: May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Online: Feb 01, 2026 - May 31, 2026
 
A grandmother and granddaughter make banana sandwiches and debate whether a flock of birds exist. A meditation on sight and assumption.
A man burns handwritten poems in a field. He calls his son and waits as the line remains silent. Still, he speaks — describing the newly repaired roof, the freshly painted walls, the house prepared for a return. The camera lingers on domestic details that suggest care and continuation. He writes again. He records himself reading his poems and uploads them online. He sings by the roadside at night. Pages are folded, carried, and burned. Over time, his routine expands beyond the village. He travels to a courthouse to complete a legal procedure. Only then does the context surface: his son was a passenger on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. He returns home. The cycle resumes — writing, sleeping, singing, calling, burning. Without commentary or reconstruction, the film observes a father who continues a conversation that has never received an answer.
On the day of the Euro's semi-final, a cocky teenage lad, Kyle, must confront grief and the shadow of his dad when a school puppet show hits too close to home.
I am what happens when a system fails, but individuals choose to stand in anyway. Re-Story Your Life is a deeply personal documentary about surviving trauma and neglect, and confronting the quiet mechanics of systemic racism. Told through my lived experience, the film explores what happens when the stories written about us become the ones we live by, and what it takes to reclaim authorship when the story has already been decided. Moving from the edge of becoming a statistic to the hope embodied by five everyday hero teachers, the film traces how small, human acts can interrupt inherited harm. It's not a neat story of inspirational survival and redemption. It is an unflinching examination of low expectations, emotional labour, and systems that mistake compliance for wellbeing. Set across education, foster care and adulthood, the film reveals how empathy becomes intervention, education becomes relationship, and ambitious resilience becomes a choice, not a demand. At its heart, this is a story about the power of everyday heroes.
Two strangers meeting at a crematorium while picking up their loved ones' remains. They decide to spend the day together, killing time and watching the world go by.
Bablu Shikdar, a motivational speaker, radio host, and content creator, invites us to meet the man behind the screen. In this portrait, Bablu shares the story behind his voice, revealing the motivations, challenges, and passion that fuel his work. It’s a journey of purpose, authenticity, and the drive to inspire others.
A troubled teenager goes off the rails after the sudden death of his Dad. Beaten down by endless counselling waiting lists, his desperate Mum pushes him into equine-assisted therapy where he initially lashes out at everyone. But just as he seems to be finally finding some calm, unfinished business from his past returns to potentially de-rail everything.
Mrs. Lee arrived in the UK in the 1970s, unable to speak English and facing the challenges of starting a new life in Swansea. Through resilience, compassion, and decades of hard work, she became a vital support for the Chinese community. Now, over 20 years later, Mrs. Lee stands as a pillar of strength, advocacy, and unity. Her story is one of quiet determination and lasting impact.
“Thrill Seekers.” “Thoosies.” “Enthusiasts.” Whatever they go by, they are the kinds of people who travel the globe to ride every coaster ever made. They aren’t in it for the ad dollars or the fame. They do it for the passion. This short-form documentary is an inside look into the exciting world of Roller Coaster Enthusiasts. Shot on location with an iPhone at Six Flags: Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Legoland. Featuring Aaron Guerra, Elizabeth Ringas, Calvin Coslet, Erik Huska, and Kalin Profitt.
Return.
A terminally-online office drone’s obsession with J-pop web forums fuels his hallucinatory insomnia.
Set in late 19th-century London, the story follows the beginnings of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Their investigation leads them to Whitechapel, where a series of mysterious disappearances fuels fear and superstition. As whispers of the supernatural spread through the shadowy streets, Holmes is drawn into a dark and unsettling enigma that will challenge his reason and shape his destiny.
Cardiff, Present Day. In this short spy-comedy film, aging spy, AGENT JONES (50), is faced with the challenges of his age as a seemingly routine mission becomes one of the most dangerous of his life! Agent Jones is forced to confront his past and his present. Is he ready to make himself a better future?
Birmingham, 1979. Following a family tragedy, orphaned Eva moves in with her father's estranged brother. David is steeped in tradition and unprepared for a child, whilst Eva buries her grief in daydreams. Their distance feels unbridgeable - until a new friendship leads Eva to build a kite to send a message up to her parents. As the kite takes shape, so too does the bond between Eva and David: she brings light into his world, while he introduces her to the grounding rhythm of Jewish ritual. To Fly or Float is a tender story of childhood loss, faith, and the shared language we find when words fall short.
Love on the Internet — is it real? The story of "L i OVE" is about two halves of the same whole, separated by the "I" - the Internet. He's open, she's a mystery. OVE runs away, L wants her back. Actions will change everything. L and OVE will meet and find their love.
In an impossibly allocated 15 minutes, burnt-out home carer Kate (Katy Trevor) rushes to meet all the needs of her favourite cranky client, Doug (David Sterne). But when he drops some unexpected news, their unlikely friendship is tested like never before, and the ticking clock becomes the least of Kate’s troubles. Maybe this wasn't the day to finally quit smoking…
In a dystopian future, a grieving scientist discovers Earth exists within a single neuron. He launches a desperate quest across space and time to find his son.
After a huge heist, Ruan and Dale are laying low in a remote Cornish fishing loft, waiting for Magda’s escape boat. Dale trusts his cunning friend with his life, but Ruan is plotting murder.
Propelled into her own mind, Rhi explores the thoughts, fears and impulses that shape our internal world. When her inner child is threatened by the shadows of her own trauma her fear turns to anger & she must fight back to regain control. From desperation to acceptance, she learns to choose life.
When Two Very Different Nights Collide - Two best friends Lisa and Jen head out for a joyride, only to collide with one slippery fellow...
After an estranged year gap at uni since last seeing each other Max is overly bitter about going back home to Renfrew and seeing his big brother Danny as he feels done with the past. Forced to a night on their front doorstep as their mother leaves her key in the door Max and Danny must come together to fix their relationship as if they don't find a way into their house and each others lives they'll both be Locked Oot forever.
A story about a person who lost everything and had to die to regain her past life.
Alex is on the run. From something she doesn't want us to see. It's getting closer. Step into the Unknown: A heart-pounding, journey into the experience of dyspraxia. A cinematic drama about what is is to experience life with dyspraxia told through live action, Mocap and martial arts carefully wrapped in an unusual love story. Made with those who live with the condition. A young woman, Alex, is on the run, observed on CCTV, the camera hones in. We watch as she runs through a desolate carpark, heart thumping, looking behind. She crashes into a business man. "You've got all this space!" he shouts Alex cannot stop. A figure is closing in behind. Her destination; an exam room, She is confronted by a sea of occupied single desks. Each occupant filling in exam papers, in unnerving unison, overseen by a strict invigilator. Alex seats herself and attempts to fall into sync with the rest of the room. The figure that had been following her, sits behind, their gaze firmly fixed on Alex. Something else is wrong, the room is out of sorts, the invigilator ticks, the clock scratches. The figure behind now moving in small, jerky movements. Are they conducting?The camera moves away from Alex in order to pay attention to the conducting figure. Alex physically moves the camera back to her. She addresses the audience directly, revealing the figure is the part of her she doesn't want us to see. What follows is a battle between the two, as they vie for the attention of the audience and dominance of the worlds they visit. Each world representing their emotional states and their understanding of the world we live in. We journey through the worlds of Charlie Chaplin,, Kung Fu Masters, a sea of bodies, and a galaxy of stars. It’s a thrilling, dark and dangerous ride, with no clues as to where we are going next. Each world teaches them something new about themselves and each other, until they find mutual acceptance and love of both themselves, and the audience that perceives them. We leave them being interviewed in a warm , friendly TV studio about their relationship and how they are making it work. First Date style. Apart from the MoCap scene no VFX was used, and no AI was used in the making of this film. If the camera and actor could do it, we did it.
After his fathers passing an estranged son has to clear out his dad's bedsit. In doing so he discovers a link to his dad's past during The Troubles. He is compelled to find out more.
Juan Lozano, a successful Elvis impersonator from Merthyr Tydfil, pushed his dedication to the limit by undergoing numerous surgeries to more closely resemble his idol. One of these surgeries has left him nearly blind, leading to the difficult decision to retire his Elvis show. As Juan prepares for his last performance as The King, he reflects on his remarkable 20-year career, celebrating the highs and facing the sacrifices made. Now, entering his twilight years, Juan is determined to step out of Elvis's shadow and rediscover his true self. After years of writing his own songs, he’s now ready to be recognised as an artist in his own right. Set against the backdrop of the Welsh valleys, this hopeful film explores themes of identity, the destructive pursuit of perfection, and the resilience found in living with a life-altering disability.
Growing up caring for their older brother with epilepsy, the Pile brothers turned to music to raise money for epilepsy charities. After early fame as child stars, they now face the challenge of adulthood, confronting pressures that force them to redefine their identity as brothers and as a band.
When Two Very Different Nights Collide - Two best friends Lisa and Jen head out for a joyride, only to collide with one slippery fellow...
Odd Socks.
So close, yet their heart are far apart. A story of two people who slowly blend together, like whisky. Just arrived from Taiwan, university student Luyun is waiting to meet Miyako, the mother of her boyfriend Yuta, whom she met in Taipei. Their meeting place is a station near the coast in Chiba. The three of them had planned to travel together, but when Yuta suddenly becomes delayed by work, Luyun and Miyako, meeting for the first time, find themselves sharing an awkward, uneasy moment they cannot quite escape.
‘Wait’ explores the anxiety of waiting for something positive or negative, showing how these two identities can appear almost identical. Similar actions can have different meanings. Two stories, one screen. What you think will happen may not always be the case.
A girl is pulled into her phone’s whirlwind of doomscrolling, vanity, and viral chaos, struggling to escape its addictive grip.
Through the words and memories of the centenarian Leda Azzalini—nom de guerre "Mariska"—the film retraces her firsthand experience of the partisan struggle on the Cansiglio Plateau during the Italian Resistance.
Fresh out of prison after twenty years, Tracey wants just one thing: a quiet pint of stout. But freedom isn’t so simple. A stretch limo and a wary old associate, Frank, greet her at the gates. Frank tries to pull her back into the business, but Tracey slips away at the first chance. She heads to Swifters, a dingy pub that feels like a relic from someone else’s life. Inside, the locals: TaxiJo the know-it-all and Scooter the wannabe gangster—circle her like flies. Then Funtime Francie, a smirking live-streamer, arrives to mock the bar and needle Tracey for publicity. Will Tracey ever get that pint she’s dreamed of?
A Father's world starts to unravel as supernatural forces and his own sanity collide when his only daughter pushes to leave their island home.
A man has an existential crisis trying to work out who the mysterious man is that he waves at.
Gaz and Katie have been dating for a few weeks now. Moonlit pond, flowers in hand, he is ready to take it to the next step... but why is Katie so nervous?
Pack of Five.
In a world where Dream Corp has hacked the brain chemistry for eternal love and happiness; Paul wakes up from a car crash, alone. On his way home, he finds a mysterious letter offering to reconnect him with his girlfriend. He must now find Sara in time for them to embark on an epic trip through space and through the mind.
Run Outs is a psychologically rich short film from writer-director Dhillon Shukla, commissioned by BFI Network and supported by Warner Bros. Studios. Set in inner-city London, the film stars BAFTA-nominee Jairaj Varsani as Rowan, a quiet teen whose childhood game with friends spirals into something far darker. When the boys make an unexpected discovery, it fractures their bond and begins to unravel Rowan’s grip on reality. A subtle, emotionally charged portrait of youth, masculinity, and identity, Run Outs reframes multicultural London through an elegantly haunting lens, blurring the line between memory, fear and friendship.
Overlapping emotional undercurrents between an ancestor and an artist on the River Thames in Victorian England. In 1872, whilst living beside the river Thames in Chelsea, London, James Abbott McNeill Whistler produced the atmospheric, tonal painting Nocturne in Blue and Gold, Old Battersea Bridge. Influenced by Japanese prints, his innovative work was totally misunderstood and even ridiculed in Victorian England. Sarah Tremlett's ancestor was a lighterman (bargeman), living at the same time, at Swan Wharf, Battersea, on the poor side of the river, and just a stone’s throw from this view. It is possible the man in the picture could be George, and he could even have ferried Whistler to ideal sites for painting. However, I also felt that there were hidden emotional currents in both their backgrounds that unknowingly made Whistler drawn to the lonely figure. The poem is written in neo-Symbolist mode, and the contemporary footage is from the same point of view as the painting. The soundscape by leading Belgian composer Marc Neys, though not inspired by Debussy, evolved from Tremlett’s fascination with his repetitive phrases, and his friendship with Whistler. This film is taken from TREE, a forthcoming family history chronicle by Sarah Tremlett. This is the shorter, five-minute version of the film. There is also a seven-minute version with a longer poem. This work also experiments with painting with film BEST SOUND DESIGN Bracciano Film and Arts Festival, Italy, July 2025 for the extended version REELpoetry, Houston, April, 2025 Absurdah Film Festival, v. 5 Sheerness, UK, August, 2025 Nomination Digital Graffix Film Awards, Montreal, Canada, 2025 (best sound) The River Has No Colour project, curated by Lee Campbell, London, 2025. POW! In collaboration with Hypermedia, Gravesend, 14 August, 2025. Poetry reading and Nocturne for a Lighterman screening. POW! in collaboration with Insurgent Press Verbal Discharge North, All Good Bookshop, London N8, 28 August 2025. Poetry reading and screening and Nocturne for a Lighterman screening. Nocturno para un lanchero FOTOGENIA no. 7, International Cinepoetry and Divergent Narratives Festival, Mexico City, November, 2025
CASTA explores the intricate relationship between trauma and recovery. Set against the serene backdrop of a picturesque Provençal landscape in the South of France, this documentary delves into a life both present and past, through experiences and connections with magnificent creatures bearing imposing horns. These animals, symbols of resilience and strength, become central to a narrative that intertwines nature, healing, and human connection. Through daily interactions and care, both given and received, we uncover insights into how environments and relationships can shape the journey towards one man's recovery and his acceptance of life and death.
Between the 1950s and 1990s, thousands of West African children were privately fostered by white British families a little-known practice informally referred to as “farming.” Kemi shares her experience as one of those children, reflecting on identity, and the long-lasting impact of growing up between cultures.
After a body-altering accident, a woman must find a way forward in her new reality.
Past and present collide in unexpected ways when a mythical beast is accidentally reawakened by a middle-aged couple whilst on a historical tour of Peel Castle in the Isle of Man.
This is a short film that captures the raw, unvarnished realities of adolescence. The story follows Lin Lin, a young protagonist, who learns abruptly on the day of her make-or-break drama audition that her father is about to move out to live with his partner. This unexpected news crashes into her world, forcing her to confront two defining moments simultaneously: fighting for her dream opportunity on stage, and coming to terms with the impending upheaval of her family off stage.
In the mid-2000s, Rick Canty lost his mother and their home in Barry, Wales. Evicted, he climbed onto his roof in protest, remaining there for years. RICK ON THE ROOF uses candid interviews and archive to reveal how his quiet neighbourhood transformed into a thriving community. Neighbours threw street parties and rallied around Rick through storms, until he was injured under mysterious circumstances. Amidst the backdrop of today's cost of living crisis, the town reflects on Rick's extraordinary defiance. This bittersweet documentary tells the peculiar story of one man on a roof who inspired and united a working-class Welsh community.
A woman seeks God’s voice in a mysterious encounter at St. Paul’s Church.
After two years in prison, Lee is released and picked up by his older brother, Mark. As they attempt to reconnect, old wounds resurface and Lee’s descent back into old habits forces Mark to make a difficult decision.
The North Wales HEMA Academy is more than a martial arts club; it’s a chosen family. Through the practice of Historical European Martial Arts, members find connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging. This is a story about personal growth, shared passion, and the power of community to help people discover who they truly are.
An ill-fated hiking trip spirals into a chilling fight for survival in this interactive psychological horror movie, inspired by centuries-old tales of vengeful spirits from Germany’s Black Forest.
“Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other” – this is the spirit of The Boss and Brew Academy. Founded by Natalie, the academy is more than a café; it’s a community-driven space where skills are built, confidence is brewed, and opportunities are created. Through mentorship and training, Natalie empowers others to step into their potential and take charge of their futures.
"they used to place coins on the eyelids of the dead so they could not follow the lives of the living ... surrounded by ocean we find no clear water ... in the absence of fire our soft tissues are burning ... yet our eyes stay open ..." Beginning in March 2025, large areas of South Australian coastal waters have been devastated by a harmful algal bloom, leading to mass mortalities of uncountable numbers of fish, invertebrates and other marine life. The causes are complex but all arise from the unmitigated effects of anthropogenic climate change. This video has been made from images of fish that have been killed by the bloom and washed up on beaches along the eastern side of Gulf St Vincent. The audio was created from samples taken from videos of living fish, crabs and squid recorded at Seacliff beach, South Australia, in January - February 2025, before the bloom hit. The text is what the fish might say to us, if only they could...
Logline After years of miscarriages and refused adoptions, a woman who can no longer face another loss commits an irreversible act — at the expense of someone else. Synopsis Inspired by real events, Cheryl has spent years trying — and failing — to become a mother. After yet another miscarriage, she refuses to accept what has happened. Unable to let go of becoming a mother, she fabricates a pregnancy for her husband working offshore — a fragile illusion on the verge of unraveling. When that illusion is suddenly threatened, Cheryl is pushed into a desperate and unthinkable decision. Disguised as a nurse, she enters the maternity ward — prepared to do whatever it takes to fulfill her lifelong dream. What follows is a tense and emotionally charged descent, as Cheryl struggles to hold together a reality that was never hers — and is forced to confront the true cost of a longing that has consumed her. The film draws the audience into a quiet moral dissonance, where empathy begins to blur with unease and the line between right and wrong feels increasingly fragile.
This short documentary presents the Hope & Shine Kibera centre. A school for hope, to shine, created in 2020 by local residents to provide education to the most needy children in Kibera, Nairobi, the largest slum in Kenya. This film was not originally planned and was shot in one day, on location, with the founders of the school to share their story and the meaning of their project.
Rob has battled obsessive-compulsive disorder since childhood, and it’s finally caught up with him. After his intrusive thoughts cost him his job, a humiliating final straw sends him spiralling — and straight into an OCD support group in an old community centre. Led by Anna, who lives with Tourette’s, the room is chaotic, funny and painfully honest. As the group share their struggles — Rob begins, reluctantly, to feel less alone. And for the first time, he wonders if this broken little circle might be where he belongs.
The Silent Break tells the story of Mary, a young ER nurse, and her husband Michael, a financial analyst, whose marriage has settled into a familiar routine. But when a growing unease leads Mary to notice subtle, unsettling changes in Michael, her world begins to unravel.
Trapped in a terrifying death-loop, surgeon Cole Mason is kidnapped and brought to an underwater facility, forced to operate on a patient to extract an evolving parasitic horror. Dead Reset is a blood-soaked interactive horror, where each death brings you closer to the truth.
In Hanoi, Vietnam, tattoo artist Tran Ngoc specializes in the rare and challenging art of tattooing over scars. Despite the social stigma surrounding tattoos in Vietnam, Ngoc empowers her clients, including breast cancer survivors and women with self-harm scars, to reclaim their bodies, demonstrating that her work is a profound act of compassion and resilience.
When the children of a quaint Parisian village are terrorized by a sinister threat, a remarkable dog emerges as the unlikely hero, until a shocking revelation changes the town forever. Inspired by real events.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, two historic societies, passionate railroad fans, volunteers, and local officials join forces to restore the former glory of a vital railroad town.
On her first trip to a Glasgow nightclub, 14 year old Eilidh has an experience that shakes her soul. She ventures out into the night alone and changed, in search of somewhere -or someone- that feels like shelter. Stray explores how nature can help us hold onto tenderness in a world that’s hostile towards it. Written and directed by Morven Christie, and starring Frankie Corio.
In the heart of post-war Tiger Bay, 1946, a bold and diverse group of young men formed the Cardiff Internationals Athletic Club RFC, a rugby team unlike any other. Forged in one of Britain’s most multicultural communities, the club breaks racial and social barriers in a sport long dominated by tradition and exclusivity. Driven by sheer talent and an unshakable brotherhood, the team storms local competitions, winning multiple cups and capturing the hearts of their community. But off the pitch, they face a different kind of opponent: the systemic resistance of the Welsh Rugby Union. As they campaign for official WRU status, their journey becomes one of resilience, justice, and pride.
Inspired by a true story, “47” is Café Joyeux’s hand-made, animated stop-motion film created for and by the Down syndrome community. Every aspect is created with individuals with and touched by Down syndrome. Our film follows Robert, a man with Down syndrome, as he embarks on a personal journey symbolized by a raft. Along the way, he faces challenges that represent different life stages. In these scenarios, he recognizes that the world isn't ready to recognize his greatness. Finally, at age 47, he finds acceptance and purpose at Café Joyeux. The film is a heartwarming tale of resilience.
Lotte Reiniger meets Sergio Leone in this animated short, where desire burns as bright as the desert sun. A brand-new animated short that premiered in June 2025, successfully touring the festival circuit now.
Anxious, awkward, and terminally avoidant, Todd is a man paralyzed by social anxiety. When pressure mounts from Polly—a girl he’s been messaging online—to finally meet in person, Todd spirals into neurotic panic. To cope with this, he find’s a hint in the darknet, that takes him to lick a mysterious toad... only to awaken in a bizarre therapy session with Juan Carlos (aka JC)—a charismatic, hallucination-induced psychologist claiming to be part of Todd's “corrective experience.” What unfolds is a surreal, fast-paced inner journey where JC challenges Todd’s deep-seated fears and avoidance tactics, pushing him toward emotional truth, self-awareness, and connection. From psychedelic lessons on vulnerability to hilarious miscommunications, Todd must face the terrifying possibility that love is worth the risk—just before everything nearly goes off the rails. With quirky humor, sharp dialogue, and an unexpected dose of heart, Todd & The Toad is a comedy about mental health, romantic anxiety, and the ridiculous but real steps we take toward becoming braver versions of ourselves.
Surfability is an inspiring organisation making the ocean accessible to all, empowering individuals with disabilities to experience the freedom and joy of riding the waves. Directed by Cristian, a blind filmmaker, this story is a powerful testament to resilience, trust, and the boundless strength of the human spirit. It’s about breaking barriers, embracing the unknown, and never backing down in the face of adversity.
Because We Are Too Many.
When a bullied young boy discovers an elderly man quietly covering a forgotten brick wall in painted eggshells, an unlikely friendship forms — and a “pointless” act becomes something transformative. Starring BAFTA-winner Owen Teale (Game of Thrones) With Olivier Award-winner Sophie Thompson and SAG Award-nominee Sule Rimi. From the Oscar-winning producers of Curfew and the International Emmy–nominated producer of Tokyo Trial. Cinematography by BAFTA-winning DOP Keefa Chan. 14:21 | Drama (2026) | Wales (UK)
After slipping out of their absent father's wake under the pretense of buying milk, two brothers spend the afternoon drifting through the countryside arguing, drinking Ribena and roughing up locals.
In a sleepless city hooked on engineered dreams, Lola enters a lucid simulation and falls for an artificial companion designed to fulfil her every need.
After an estranged year gap at uni since last seeing each other Max is overly bitter about going back home to Renfrew and seeing his big brother Danny as he feels done with the past. Forced to a night on their front doorstep as their mother leaves her key in the door Max and Danny must come together to fix their relationship as if they don't find a way into their house and each others lives they'll both be Locked Oot forever.
Lisa is moving to Wales with her partner, Iwan. Iwan’s plane is delayed and Lisa finds herself abandoned on his family’s hillside farm, with only Iwan’s father, Dat, for company. When Lisa reaches out to Dat in his own language, these two lonely people make an unlikely connection. Lisa witnesses a ‘grafting’: a rejected lamb is wrapped in the pelt of a dead lamb and the bereaved ewe adopts the living lamb as her own. Wrapped in the Welsh language, Lisa learns that an abandoned lamb might find acceptance in even the bleakest of circumstances.
When a compassionate helpline counsellor begins to grow concerned for the safety of one of her clients, she's forced to decide whether to trust her instincts or follow protocol. Safe is a tense, quietly powerful drama about the weight of responsibility and the courage it takes to listen.
A bittersweet science fiction tale. With his body seriously failing, 24yr old Lenny Blake sends out an SOS to his alien friend AL, to come and take him to see the wonders of the Universe. Lenny sets off to a pre-arranged launch site with his talisman, a model spaceship called AL1EN, and waits and waits and waits. But when AL’s spaceship is struck by space junk and he fails to turn up, Lenny abandons his spaceship and all hope. His younger brother Joe, intent on lifting Lenny’s spirit, heads out to rescue AL1EN and bring his talisman home.
Inspired by Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. Under the Northern Skies is a visually stunning, musically immersive journey. The film can be presented on its own or with live music — in concert or during the screening, accompanied by its full soundscape. --- Lemminkäinen, restless and bold, longs for adventure and for love. When he meets Kyllikki, their fates are bound together in a dance of light and shadow. But fate is merciless. Louhi, Mistress of the North, sends him on an impossible quest: to slay the Swan of Tuonela. As vengeance clouds his path, his mother must defy death itself to save him. At the heart of the tale stands Kanteletar, Spirit of Song, portrayed by Ida Elina. Her voice and the kantele, Finland’s national instrument, carry echoes of ancient Finland, weaving Lemminkäinen’s journey through love, loss, and hope. Witness the love that shaped generations.
November 5th. Ethan, a young boy, expects to miss the Bonfire. Unbeknownst to him, tragedy is occurring, and this will be the night his life changes forever.
A woman hijacks her Grandma's funeral in order to get people to listen to her TedTalk
The Bunker is an award-winning interactive psychological horror movie. You are John, born underground the day the bombs fell, now alone and trying to survive. But when an alarm goes off, a catastrophic chain of events begins. Unlock the dark secrets of your past as you try to escape The Bunker.
Six-year-old Sammy refuses to wear the new school shoes his mother gives him, unaware they are preparing him for a change he is too young to understand.
"He's ten, he's trouble and he thinks he's a God" When a cheeky 10-year-old boy sets his sights on playing Loki in the school play, his over-the-top confidence costs him the role, but he hatches a mischievous plan to prove he's the real god of mischief after all.
In the wasteland of a post WW3 Britain, two teens discover the lengths they'll go to for survival.
When The Summer Ends.
The Cardiff Bay Warriors is more than a sports team, it’s a thriving community built on passion, health, and belonging. Through their love of fitness and sport, the Warriors inspire others to pursue what they love, lead active lives, and give back to their community. They are role models, on and off the field, proving that teamwork extends far beyond the game.
Tying the Knot is a documentary exploring the ancient tradition of Handfasting; its origins, symbolism, and enduring relevance in modern ceremonies. Rooted in history and lived practice, the film shines a light on a ritual that continues to connect people through intention, commitment, and community.
Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales, weaves together her Welsh and Arabic heritage through the power of poetry. In her moving piece ‘Ble Mae Bilaadi’ which loosely translates to ‘Where Is My Place?’, Hanan reflects on identity, belonging, and the beauty of dual cultures. Through personal storytelling, she shares her journey as a poet and cultural voice, inspiring women who see themselves in her words and work.
On the island of Holyhead, Wales, three women lead their community in fighting to save the last area of precious woodland from development. Holyhead is one of the poorest towns in Wales and has no significant area of green space except for Penrhos Nature Reserve: a much loved 200 acre woodland and park that runs along unspoilt coastline and provides a place of wonder and solace for local people. This beautiful natural landscape has been sold to developers who plan to build a 'leisure village' on the reserve, destroying much of the woodland and privatising this beloved public space. Three local women are fighting back. This film follows them as their legal case against Anglesey County Council and corporate developer Land & Lakes reaches a critical point. Everything is on the line as a 14 year campaign reaches a decisive moment in deciding the fate of Penrhos Nature Reserve.
No.15.
A little shrew searches for Hope as she makes her way across a bombed-out city. Blissfully unaware of the dangers surrounding her, she journeys through a war-torn Land of the Giants. Stunned and caught up in an explosion as the city is being bombed during a drone attack, she recovers and manages to continue her search for Hope...
After her husband’s death, a mother struggles to connect with her son, who has retreated into his music - until she discovers it is not an escape, but a way back to him…and to herself.
The once vibrant Dario is confined to a wheelchair after an accident, leaving him grappling with severe depression. His endless therapy sessions yield no results until his psychologist presents him with an inconspicuous book. It recounts the life of a young woman in 1860, isolated by her handicap, until an eccentric inventor offers her a new perspective, renewed hope, and a place back in the world. While Dario dismisses the story as a mere fairy tale, he soon senses a mysterious connection between the book's pages and his own ongoing battle. He is forced to confront the fact that the book doesn't just chronicle a destiny from the past—it holds the very key to his own life in the present. There is more than Dario thought...
When Jen’s future becomes uncertain, she returns to England and seeks to reconnect with her estranged best friend, Andy. One afternoon. A tightrope between past and present. A glimpse at who they were, and what they could have been.
A teddy bear, alone on the edge of a cliff contemplating ending it all, is interrupted by a wise old bunny rabbit with a life-affirming message to pass on - a whole new perspective that will change the way he views the gift of life going forward!
“The other Shore” is more than a story: the fear of death explores one's existence through the eyes of a girl, showing that it is a natural part of life. María, a girl with a rare illness, learns to face her fears with music, hope and love for life. He meets Marisol, a music therapist, and Soledad, an old woman who repairs instruments. Their lives will unexpectedly intertwine.
Cry Like a Guy.
Based on true events, Alex writes a heartfelt letter home to his parents, reminiscing on the night before he was conscripted into the airforce, to experience the terrifying power of the Atomic Bomb.
A Blink and Whisper is a surreal, intimate exploration of the connection between an eye and a mouth. Through close-up imagery, evocative sound, and rhythmic gesture, a cautious eye meets a playful, seductive, theatrical mouth in wordless dialogue. Desire and fear unfold through vulnerability. When the eye withdraws, another blink in the shadows suggests quiet recognition and unexpected companionship.
A visual love letter in motion, this dance animation explores the joy, spontaneity, and head-spinning excitement of love’s first spark.
In the vibrant docks of Cardiff’s Butetown, where cultures collide and community thrives, a celebration was born that would echo through generations: the Butetown Carnival. Back to Bute journeys through the roots of this iconic event, tracing its beginnings in a post-war city shaped by the African, Caribbean, Arab, and Asian communities who called it home. What started as a grassroots celebration of identity and resistance would grow into a powerful cultural landmark, a joyful rebellion against invisibility.
Stephen Fry and Gemma Whelan star in a new FT drama written by David Baddiel, exploring AI, memory and truth. Fry plays a grandfather with dementia who uses an AI tool to fill gaps in his memory. While reviewing the archive of his life his family makes a shocking discovery, throwing doubt on who he was as a father and what they choose to remember. Which memories are really true? It is impossible to say. But the film questions how AI might come to define who we are, also interrogating ideas of privacy and ownership. If fragments of our lives come to be part of what forms AI, who owns those archives — or rather, who owns us?
Cashel walks through London at night, trapped in a debt he can't escape. As he moves through the empty streets, he observes others drifting through lives they didn't choose, wondering if he's any different. When a routine collection erupts into violence, Cashel is forced to confront what he's become and whether ignorance might be better than the awareness that isolates him.
Powerful shareholder Robert Harper and his teenage daughter Julianna have never faced the truth about his investments until Raad Karim arrives. Karim blames Harper’s oil company for poisoning his community in Iraq and giving his daughter leukaemia. As tensions rise and painful family secrets come to light, Robert is forced to choose between protecting his business empire and finally doing what is right.
A woman's psyche is haunted and fractured by the relentless demands of the predatory industry she sought to break into.
Would You Rather is a coming-of-age drama about two close friends whose bond is built on playful, thought-provoking questions. As the line between game and reality begins to blur, one answer ultimately carries real weight. The film explores friendship, trauma, and the difficult choice between truth and silence.
The Mwslima Run Club tells the empowering story of a Muslim women’s running group that redefines what it means to belong. Rooted in sisterhood, the club is more than just about running, it’s a celebration of identity, community, and breaking cultural stereotypes. As these women take to the streets together. They challenge expectations and uplift one another in a powerful display of unity and resilience.
Ice Breath.
In 1977 in the Welsh Valleys, schoolgirl Siwan is obsessed with Shakespeare. She believes it's her destiny to be the first woman to play Hamlet, despite missing out to rival Rhydian in the school production. When she finds out her idol, famed Shakespearean actor Richard Burton, is due to make a visit to her school, she is determined to impress him and seize her chance to be taken seriously as an actor - but the odds are not in her favour.
Yusuf and Shawqi, the creative duo behind Unify, are transforming Cardiff’s visual landscape one mural at a time. Through bold, vibrant street art, they celebrate culture, community, and Welsh pride, bringing people together and reimagining public spaces. Their work not only beautifies the city but also tells powerful stories of identity, unity, and belonging.
A man with second sight is drawn into a noblewoman’s search for her missing husband, but the truth he reveals sets a tragic fate in motion. Seaforth is a tension filled Gaelic language short film based on the folklore of the Brahan Seer.
Mayumi has the skill, the voice and the passion to be the perfect performer. The only problem: she suffers from stage fright. After her audition at a talent show goes awry, she has an inadvertent encounter with her favorite star, who just so happens to be a living anime. An enchanting story about an unassuming girl set during the tail end of the 20th century.
William (Billy) Livesey is a Falklands Veteran with dementia, living in a care home. A brief connection with new carer Lisa stirs memories in Billy, taking him back to the closing stages of the Falklands War in 1982 and a life changing incident that took place for him, his close friend (and fellow Para) Stu and Argentinian soldier Pablo. Memories from the past help guide Billy through the fog of dementia and re-connect him to the present. Some Wars Never End....
Inspired by true stories, an emergency doctor struggling under the weight of life and death decisions must confront his own hidden traumas as he teaches a young medical student what it truly means to save a life. Told with raw intensity and emotional depth, Life Support has won multiple jury awards for Best Short Film, Best First Time Filmmaker, & Best Performance. It offers a rare glimpse into the world of emergency medicine, where every choice can mean the difference between life and loss. Life Support is expanding into a national storytelling and educational movement led by Stanford faculty, with guidance from veteran campaign leaders who have worked with Bono and Al Gore. As part of this momentum, writer, executive producer, and actor Andy Chu gave a TEDx talk at Stanford on April 12, using the film as a lens to explore medicine, burnout, and human connection for a global audience.
MoS4 Stiwdio Stepni.
WeM2 The Main House.
WeS1 Stiwdio Stepni.
WeM1 The Main House.
MoC2 The Crochan.
WeM4 The Main House.
MoS3 Stiwdio Stepni.
WeS4 Stiwdio Stepni.
Special Screening - Pack of Five.
ThS1 Stiwdio Stepni.
TuM3 The Main House.
TuM2 The Main House.
MoS1 Stiwdio Stepni.
ThS3 Stiwdio Stepni.
ThS4 Stiwdio Stepni.
MoC1 The Crochan.
MoM2 The Main House.
ThS2 Stiwdio Stepni.
MoM3 The Main House.
CBFF Winners 2025.
TuM4 The Main House.
MoS2 Stiwdio Stepni.
MoM1 The Main House.
WeS3 Stiwdio Stepni.
WeS2 Stiwdio Stepni.
TuM1 The Main House.
WeM3 The Main House.

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Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2026
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