Desire, deception, and the devastating truths we hide from ourselves. This provocative programme explores the fragile boundaries between honesty and performance in modern relationships. From teenage infatuation to queer longing on sun-drenched beaches, from grief-stricken denial to the awkward rituals of contemporary dating, these five films ask: what happens when love becomes an act?
Featuring stunning visuals – from Belgian psychological horror to Portuguese coastal drama, 16mm nostalgia to surreal London dating scenes – each film peels back the masks we wear for love. Bold, intimate, and unflinchingly honest, this is cinema that understands the beautiful lies we tell ourselves.
IT BURNS, 2024 (11 mins)
Director: Kate Maveau
As the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, Irène’s denial navigates through the five stages of grief, ultimately confronting her profound anguish and sorrow.
TRUE LOVE, 2024 (4 mins)
Directors: Jess Dadds & Sam Giles
A group of teenagers fall desperately in love with the same person. As their attempts to impress their crush and one-up each other get more and more dramatic, conflict is inevitable.
FALLING FOR GRETA, 2023 (11 mins)
Director: Gustavo Arteaga
When love comes knocking Greta’s world is turned upside down. As her passion grows complications follow but change is coming in the shape of water.
CHAIRS, 2024 (20 mins)
Director: James Hughes
A man regales his peculiar obsession with chairs to his new psychiatrist. Starring BAFTA Winners Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) and Akemnji Ndifornyen (The Queen’s Gambit). The first short film to star two BAFTA winning leads.
SMALL PLATES, 2025 (10 mins)
Directors: Dhara Wright & Maya Marie
Convinced that sharing food is the most fundamental route to compatibility, Maddy embarks on a series of small plates and bad dates.
THE ACT, 2025 (17 mins)
Director: Nikita Loyk
On the golden dunes of Portuguese Beach №19, a hidden paradise for carefree gay men, drama seems far away. But one evening, João meets a mysterious emigrant whose sad eyes and intense presence disturb the peace. The stranger’s stories of forbidden love and loss cast a dark shadow, making João wonder: is this an honest confession or a carefully planned act?