The backbone of the whole LIAF mission. We’ve emerged from under the pile of 2,400 entries to put together a series of programmes that showcase the best 128 new films. Six ‘general’ International Competition Programmes, our ever popular Abstract Showcase and Long Shorts programmes, plus the British Showcase and Animated Documentaries. The films come in from every corner, they use every technique, they can be funny, dramatic, eye-popping, subdued, documentary or autobiographical. The one thing they have in common is that we think they’re the pick of the crop.
This programme examines some big life moments such as the death of a twin in utero, how the flames of desire can be rekindled after 25 years of married life, and the sometime-lack of ties between us and our grandparents.
At Barbican book tickets
(Otto) (Job, Joris & Marieke, The Netherlands)
Unable to have children, a woman resorts to stealing the imaginary friend of a small girl – a plan that must surely unravel somehow.
10’00, 2015
Trial and Error (Alexander Isert & Antje Heyn, Germany)
An account of a lost shirt button, perfectionist aunts, busy cats, startled parrots – and a long-lost friend.
6’00, 2016
In Deep Waters (Sarah Van Den Boom, Canada/France)
A contemplative exploration of the phenomenon that occurs when one twin dies in the womb, leaving the surviving twin with a sense of grief that may last a lifetime.
12’00, 2015
Spring Jam (Ned Wenlock, New Zealand)
A young stag, lacking impressive antlers, knows he needs to improvise sweet music if he’s to have any chance during the mating season.
6’00, 2016
The Great Escape (Wei Keong, Singapore)
Two men move with the passing of time, encountering their sanctuary at the olive tree.
6’00, 2016
How’s Your Prostate? (Jeanne Paturle & Cécile Rousset, France)
What do you chatter about at the pool with your girlfriend? Your father’s prostate, his erectile function, and his nighttime fantasies.
4’00, 2016
Mamie (Janice Nadeau, France/Canada)
Mamie lives in a seaside home. When her cloistered world crumbles, her granddaughter starts to question the lack of real ties between them.
6’00, 2016
Haircut (Virginia Mori, Italy)
A teacher and student, an empty classroom and a strange confrontation.
8’00, 2016
Waiting For the New Year (Vladimir Leschiov, Latvia)
A lonely woman writes a letter. Years pass, times change but everything is really just the same. Then a letter arrives: it signals a new year and a new life.
8’00, 2016
Cowboyland (Dávid Štumpf, Slovakia)
A drunk sheriff isn’t much use in this lawless town – and neither is his wooden horse. Luckily the chicken is keeping an eye on things.
5’00, 2015
Afternoon Class (Seoro Oh, South Korea)
Every schoolboy knows the gargantuan battle it takes to simply stay awake through the afternoon class.
4’00, 2015
Sexy Laundry (Izabela Plucinska, Germany/Canada/Poland)
How can the flames of desire be rekindled after 25 years of married life? This erotic comedy delves into the private lives of a couple in their fifties numbed by routine.
12’00, 2015
