Discovering Home

Whether trying to settle into a new country, seek familiarity while abroad or find escape from their houses, these shorts examine how our sense of home shapes our identities.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Total running time

    103min

  • Programmed by

    Victoria Millington, Sky Lewis

  • Content warning

    This short film programme contains scenes of domestic violence or abuse, and racist attitudes and language.

Elephant Families

Watch for free on BFI Player until 26 October

  • Director-screenwriter

    Elena Escalante

  • UK-Spain 2025. 15min

  • Language

    Spanish
    With English subtitles

When London’s Elephant and Castle shopping centre was demolished, it uprooted the community that made it their home.

Ackee and Saltfish

  • Director-screenwriter

    Jasmin Nunes

  • UK 2025. 16min

  • Languages

    English, Patois, Punjabi

Hilda grows despondent as she fears her boys’ Caribbean identity is slipping away, anglicised by their new life in the UK.

Seventeen

  • Director

    Ajuan Isaac-George

  • UK 2024. 17min

  • Language

    English

We follow a group of teenage skaters in London over a single summer, charting their journey from childhood to adulthood.

So Here We Are

  • Directors

    Warren Mendy, Mahaila Palmer

  • Screenwriter

    Warren Mendy

  • UK 2024. 8min

  • Language

    English

A young man, torn between want and needs, allows a phone call to choose his destiny.

I Saw the Face of God in the Jet Wash

  • Director-screenwriter

    Mark Jenkin

  • UK 2025. 17min

  • Language

    English
    With English subtitles

Between film screenings across the world, Mark Jenkin muses on cinematic influences, ponders cultural history and reflects upon home.

Under the Wave Off Little Dragon

  • Director-screenwriter

    Luo Jian

  • UK 2025. 14min

  • Languages

    Mandarin, English, Welsh
    With English subtitles

A Chinese girl growing up in a Welsh fishing village rejects her mother’s folklore, until she experiences one magical encounter.

Hope is Lost

Watch for free on BFI Player until 26 October

  • Director-screenwriter

    Eno Enefiok

  • UK-Macedonia 2025. 16min

  • Language

    English

  • Content warning

    Contains scenes of domestic violence or abuse, and racist attitudes and language.

A single mother arrives in London with her two infants, desperate for shelter. She turns to a seemingly benevolent stranger, unaware of the danger that awaits her.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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