PRISM SHAPES - CORK SHORT FILM PROGRAMME

With Cork’s film scene shining brighter than ever, this programme presents an illuminant selection of queer short films made and presented by the talented filmmakers of our county. 

HOW’D YOU KNOW HER - Sebastian James Edward Beausang

Roisin, estranged from her mother Kathy for years, returns home for Kathy's funeral. Upon entering, she faces judgmental stares and whispers from the crowd. Roisin hesitates before approaching her family—her dad John, sister Jaqueline, and brother Kevin. A stranger questions Roisin's connection to Kathy, hinting at a hidden truth. John, overhearing, approaches Roisin, and they share a heartfelt moment until Jaqueline and Kevin accuse Roisin of breaking Kathy's heart and ruining their family's reputation.

BLOOD & WINE - Graham McSweeney

Nadia, a decades old vampire, wants nothing more than to live a normal life. Things are going pretty well with the human Lucy, but will Nadia be able to keep her secret?

HOUNDS OF BEAUTY - Mary O’Leary

The concept of women's beauty has long been a focal point in society, with standards evolving over time to encompass various aspects such as body size, makeup usage, and hair grooming. Women often internalize these societal expectations, feeling compelled to strive for an unattainable ideal of perfection. This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to a detrimental cycle wherein the sacrifices and efforts made to meet these standards go unnoticed, perpetuating an unhealthy cycle of seeking validation through conformity to societal norms. This complex interplay between personal expectations and external pressures
underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of beauty and self-worth beyond superficial appearances.

DO THE CROWS KNOW WHERE THE TRAINS GO - Ciaran Gerard Shanahan

The believer explores loss and reflection of oneself and their relationship with others.

CORK IS BURNING - Andrea Foley

We are afraid of what we don't know. Drag is in its golden age right now. The Internet has enabled artists to reach audiences they may never have known existed without it, and the spread of trends allows performers to disrupt their acts in real time. However, just as drag is in its golden age, so are opinions about it.
Almost everyone has an opinion about drag, good or bad, but almost no one with these opinions has ever actually seen a drag show. Those with negative opinions see it as sordid and alien. Those with positive views see it as glamorous and homogeneous. Neither can come close to embracing drag, both the art and its history.
In this short film we dive into the Cork Drag scene, and meet the people who make up the community of artists, some of whom are very successful, others only see drag as a hobby. We learn about the history of the Drag in Cork. We also learn about the world's first drag school and meet some of the students. Behind the bright lights of the Drag we explore the unglamorous life of activism, with the people who work behind the scenes to create spaces for local people and to protect the rights we have from being taken away. We see how these
two groups work together to combat prejudice.

SUNSET - Tereza Feixová

A simple charming story of two aligned souls who appear to be the exact opposite of one another- like day and night, who try to find a way to meet each other in the middle- at sunset.

ROSA: A MAD WONDER - Nazli Yildirim

This film follows Hediye, a Muslim woman grappling with the conflict between her sexual identity and her faith. Although she views love as a gift from God, she confronts the prohibitions found in sacred texts. She questions why God brought her to this place instead of elsewhere and discovers her love for Rosa through a dream. As she navigates the transience of this love and its heartbreaks, Hediye is forced to reconsider her faith and her heart. The film explores the contradictions between love, fate, and belief, revealing a journey of self-discovery and spiritual struggle.

SEARCH FOR LIFE - Kaia Egritepe

A journey exploring identity, meaning and gender dysphoria consuming a life.

DOLLAR BABY’S - Remi Alfallah, Megan Haly

Strapped for cash, an innocent queer couple venture into the 'Girls Club' of online sex work.

FLESH MATTHEW - Bjorn Wallace

An eccentric luxury pathologist, comes face-to-cold-face with his most unusual client yet!