Made in the Midlands

As always, this year’s shorts competition is full of brilliant films from all over the world. But we’ve got a real soft spot for the abundance of incredible talent right here in the Midlands.

Expect high-quality drama, animation, documentary and experimental films all made by homegrown filmmakers.

Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology (El Jones, UK, 2024 14 mins)

Extra Cleaning (Joe Wallce, UK 2024, 13 mins)

Travers' Case (Joe Erickson-Kucukdurgut, UK 2024, 3 mins)

A Glass House (Charles Strider, UK 2024, 17 mins)

Hear This (Jane Hearst, UK 2024, 3 mins)

What are Solidarity tickets?

We recognise that not everyone has equal access to live events and that the cost of entry is a barrier to some people. Solidarity tickets are free tickets available for anyone who needs it. If you're not sure whether that's you, refer to our guide below (thank you to Matchbox Cineclub for sharing this guide).

Solidary tickets are for you if you agree with any of the following statements:

• I frequently stress about meeting basic needs (including food, clothing, housing and transportation) and don’t always achieve them.
• I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
• I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
• I sometimes can’t afford public or private transport. If I own a car/have access to a car, I am not always able to afford petrol.
• I am unemployed or underemployed.
• I qualify for government and/or voluntary assistance including: food banks and benefits.
• I have no access to savings.
• I have no or very limited expendable income (expendable income might mean you are able to buy tea or coffee at a shop, go to the cinema or a concert, buy new clothes, books and similar items each month etc.)
• I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.
• I cannot afford a holiday or have the ability to take time off without financial burden.