THe SHORTEST NIGHTS
british short film festival
Celebrating the best emerging British filmmaking with cutting-edge curation across entertaining, inspiring and exciting cinema events.
The Shortest Nights is an annual BIFA-qualifying festival that showcases the best in up-and-coming British filmmaking talent. Curated with a dynamic mix of groundbreaking topics and emerging filmmaking innovations, the festival’s programme spans comedy, drama, documentary and genre films, with something for every cinephile!
Our 2025 festival took place on 7th and 9th September at the iconic Rich Mix in London. Every event featured an introduction by The Shortest Nights’ festival director, and a presentation of the ‘best in category’ award by the festival jury.
The Shortest Nights will return in September 2026
The Shortest Nights 2025 film programme
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UNDERDOG
Heartwarming British documentaries that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Expect cute dogs, eccentric characters and badass ambitions, as these folks do whatever it takes to follow their dreams.
12pm - Sunday 7th September - Rich Mix
How Fast Can You Eat A Pickled Egg?
Dir. Daniel England (13:12min)The Pie Den
Dir. Eren Kaplan (3:59min)No Rucks Given!
Dir. Somina Fombo (13:30min)Cahā
Dir. Chak Hin Leung (9:40min)Hustle and Run
Dir. Jonny Madderson, Jono Stevens (18:37)UK Documentaries (58min)
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UNFOLDING
Stories of human connection unfurl in this stunning selection of beautifully made short dramas.
A true showcase of up-and-coming British talent on and off screen, this awe-inspiring programme is sure to get you ‘in the feels’.
1.45pm - Sunday 7th September - Rich Mix
Far From the Plains
Dir. Luigi Sibona (16:20min)The Swing
Dir. Yaz Al-Shaater, Haz Al-Shaater (22min)Undeletable
Dir. Benjamin Blaine, Christopher Blaine (6.27min)In the Clouds
Dir. Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain (13:40min)Shell
Dir. Sam Brain (16:39min)UK, Drama, Comedy-Drama (75min)
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SCRAMBLED
Hilarious and heartfelt comedies from across the UK.
Expect stories of confusion and intrigue as characters wrestle with muddles and mayhem, featuring ingenious twists and turns.
4pm - Sunday 7th September - Rich Mix
The Guard
Dir. Patricia McCormick (10:34min)A Wonderful Neighbour
Dir. Alun Rhys Morgan (1:19min)SENIOR CONSULTANT!
Dir. Simon Haines (13:54min)Coupon
Dir. Taylor Caddick (2:15min)I Hate Helen
Dir. Katie Lambert (6:35min)Egg Timer
Dir. Rosie May Bird Smith (12:50min)The Mystery of the Missing Sock
Dir. Tomás Felício Oliveira, Anouk Witkowska Hiffler (2:50min)Solers United
Dir. Sara Harrak (14min)UK Comedy, Comedy-Drama (63min)
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dark and twisted: double bill
Dramatic genre films vs genre-comedies in our thrilling two-part programme.
Edge-of-your-seat short thrillers, combining dramatic tension with fantastical flair, horrified realities, and finished with a palette-cleanse of delightfully dark comedies.
5:15pm - 9th September - Rich Mix
G.S.W.
Dir. Jonny Durgan (7min)Two Places at Once
Dir. Freddie Bonfanti (17:50min)ALONE
Dir. Shian Denovan (12min)Terminal
Dir. Sunny Bahia (10min)Plastic Surgery
Dir. Guy Trevellyan (12min)UNWELL WOMAN
Dir. Daniella DeVinter (14:25min)INTERMISSION
Odd Socks
Dir. David Ledger (13min)Leg of a Salesman
Dir. Ryan Williams (13:16min)Swimming in It
Dir. Chris Parton (1:36min)The Man That I Wave At
Dir. Ben S Hyland (10:38min)The Quackening
Dir. James Button (20min)UK, Thriller, Horror, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Dark Comedy.
2024
Our second year as a two-day festival with more sell out screenings and jam-packed networking events at Rich Mix and Sidcup Storyteller.
2023
Our first year as a two-day festival was a momentous one with sell-out events across the board. We were delighted to be back at Rich Mix and excited to finally be able to screen in our home borough of Bexley at the new Sidcup Storyteller.
2022
We were thrilled to be back in person and to find a new home at the wonderful Rich Mix. The 2023 edition saw 5 programmes screen over an entire day.
2021
Our second year online. We really enjoyed being able to reach so many new audiences from around the UK and our live intros continued to be a success!
2020
We were thrilled to achieve BIFA-qualifying status this year despite the challenges faced following the pandemic. Our online edition was jam-packed with brilliant films across 8 programmes, and were thrilled to see so many filmmakers and film fans take part. Through live intros and online networking sessions, we still found a way to celebrate short film.
2019
2019 saw our busiest year at the lovely Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick. We celebrated a huge variety of short films across 5 programmes in one single day.
2018
5 programmes of short films across a wonderful day at The Yard.
2017
There was something for everyone during the full day of films at The Yard in Hackney Wick.
2016
5 programmes of short films across a wonderful day at The Yard, our new festival home in Hackney Wick.
2015
The inaugural Shortest nights festival took place at Electrowerks, Angel. With an entire day of short film programmes, filmmaker networking and foosball.
Festival partners for 2025
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Rich Mix
Our official venue partner. Click here to learn more about their work.
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Sticker Mule
Our official festival sticker provider for 2025. Check out their designs here.
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Glazeview windows
We are extremely grateful to be supported by family-run local business, Glazeview Windows. To learn about their range of services click here.
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Sustainable Wooden Medals
We are proud to have found a sustainable partner for our inaugural awards. Find out more about their products here.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!