Roots and Branches

The many facets of family and community come together in these shorts, examining the people we turn to when the traditional family isn’t there, and the power community can bring.

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

    109min

  • Programmed by

    Victoria Millington, Sky Lewis

You Can Call Me Lou

  • Director-screenwriter

    Georgia Zeta Gkoka

  • UK-Greece 2025. 12min

  • Language

    English

The story of Louise, an ex-dancer who transitioned in the 1980s, and how her love for dance fueled her journey towards self-acceptance.

Magid / Zafar

Watch for free on BFI Player until 26 October

  • Director

    Luís Hindman

  • Screenwriters

    Sufiyaan Salam, Luís Hindman

  • UK 2025. 18min

  • Languages

    English, Urdu
    With English subtitles

Tensions arise amidst the heat of a busy Pakistani takeaway.

We Had Fun

Watch for free on BFI Player until 26 October

  • Director-screenwriter

    Linda Lô

  • France 2025. 18min

  • Language

    French
    With English subtitles

An eldest son treats himself to a weekend getaway, dangerously leaving his siblings to their own devices.

Beyond the Rush

  • Director-screenwriter

    NIYADRE

  • UK 2025. 16min

  • Language

    English
    With English subtitles

The decline of Luton’s once-thriving Caribbean culture is viewed through the prism of pivotal events, and institutions that faced defunding for years.

Chikha

  • Directors

    Zahoua Raji, Ayoub Layoussifi

  • Screenwriters

    Yamina Zarou, Ayoub Layoussifi

  • France-Morocco 2024. 25min

  • Languages

    Arabic, Darija
    With English subtitles

Fatine is torn between two opposing paths: either committing to the family’s artistic tradition, or life with a boyfriend who scorns her heritage.

Dust to Dreams

  • Director-screenwriter

    Idris Elba

  • Nigeria 2024. 20min

  • Languages

    English, Yoruba
    With English subtitles

Set in Lagos, where a dying nightclub owner entrusts her legacy to her shy daughter, a long-lost father ignites family drama, and music becomes their redemption.

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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