Family Ties

Our differences and eccentricities, and the complexities of family relations and personal identity are explored in uniquely funny, often tender and sometimes unsettling shorts from new UK talent.

Victoria Millington

Total running time 86min

Content warning

This short film programme contains flashing images, distressing scenes, animal cruelty and drug use.

Screening dates and booking

As a BFI Member you can log in to book now. If you’re not a Member yet, sign up today and enjoy Member benefits.

Trouble

  • Director

    Sarah Blok

  • Screenwriters

    Sarah Blok, Shardrach Agozino, Isaac O’Connor-Adekoya

  • UK 2024. 20min

  • Language

    English

The dynamics between two brothers are laid bare as they navigate their divorced parents’ shortcomings after Mum shows up uninvited at Dad’s birthday celebration.

Pigs

  • Director

    Julia Jackman

  • Screenwriter

    Sophia Jennings

  • UK 2024. 13min

  • Language

    English

One night, Laura goes to dinner at her Mum’s flat, only to realise that there is no more wine left. At least, no more wine left for her.

Content warning

Contains scenes of smoking, drinking and offensive language.

Cold Snap

  • Director-screenwriter

    Ellen Evans

  • UK 2024. 14min

  • Languages

    English, Vietnamese

A mother and daughter deal with terminal illness and loss, in this gripping and beautifully eerie film.

Content warning

Contains terminal Illness, a gun, smoking and a dead animal.

Us Four

  • Director

    Alex Peake

  • Screenwriters

    Alex Peake, Alfie Flewitt, Anna Moore

  • UK 2024. 7min

  • Language

    English

A heartwarming docu-fiction animation about childhood memories, sisterhood and leaving home.

Mother’s Day

  • Director-screenwriter

    Emily Burnett

  • UK 2024. 15min

  • Language

    English

A space-loving boy navigates a new world after his mum suffers a mental health crisis.

Space(s)

  • Director-screenwriter

    Luke ‘Frsh’ Fannin

  • UK 2023. 11min

  • Language

    English

A young man searching for his place in the world takes matters into his own hands.

Two Minutes

  • Director-screenwriter

    Jamie Benyon

  • UK 2023. 6min

  • Language

    English

While robbing an off licence, two brothers are interrupted by their grandmother.

Content warning

Contains offensive language and a gun.

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 our BFI 25 & Under scheme for a chance to get £5 tickets to all screenings and events.

Missed out?

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

Our programmers recommend...

The Village Next to Paradise

A gravedigger ekes out a living to support his family. Just as his fortunes look destined to change, he takes on a job that he might come to regret.

Read more about The Village Next to Paradise

Wondering, Wandering

Allow your childlike curiosity to take hold as you settle into this programme from around the globe that explores what it’s like viewing life through a child’s eyes.

Read more about Wondering, Wandering

Hard Truths

Mike Leigh returns to the BFI London Film Festival with this uncompromising, yet heartfelt, portrait of contemporary family life in London.

Read more about Hard Truths