ThurrockIFF: Seasonal Shorts

26th - 29th March 2026

A short film festival designed to support emerging filmmakers. Our Spring programme will showcase the selected films on https://patreon.com/ThurrockIFFSeasonalShorts

Film Thurrock proudly presents Seasonal Shorts, a new programme dedicated to championing emerging filmmakers and fresh creative voices. 

Official Selections for our Seasonal Shorts Programme: Spring 2026

ENDOLIFE directed by Lisanne Van Ingen

A hybrid documentary that combines the experiences of over 120 people with endometriosis into a single, scripted narrative. Instead of focusing on the medical aspects of the disease, the film illustrates how it affects daily life.

Genre: Documentary, Experimental

Country: United Kingdom

BETTER WHEN YOU’RE DANCING directed by Kyra Owers

On her grandad’s heavenly birthday, Ava struggles to deal with her grief.

Genre: Drama

Country: Ireland

THE COURAGE TO STAND UP directed by Will Glitch

Deep in the "grassroots" world of the booming British stand-up comedy scene, real performers give their unique insights of their real-life stories, aspirations, and struggles - on and off stage.

Genre: Documentary, Comedy

Country: United Kingdom

HERE WHERE THE SEA SHINES directed by Giuseppe A. Modica

Set in the small port of Marina Grande, Sorrento, this short documentary follows Rosy, a ten-year-old dog who has become the beloved mascot of the village. Once the faithful companion of her fisherman owner who has since passed away, Rosy now spends her days helping her new family at the local bar, watching over the fishermen and the sea, and embodying the spirit and traditions of the entire community.

Genre: Documentary

Country: Italy

WHERE THE SEA DOESN’T FOLLOW directed by Yuan Victoria Le

A British-Chinese girl travels to China to meet her estranged little sister discovering her stay might be more permanent than she thought.

Genre: Drama

Country: United Kingdom

MEMOIRS OF MY CAMERA directed by Neel Champaneri

Tanay is making a film on his beloved friend Milan. While Milan is struggling with his sexual identity, Tanay and his cinema has been questioned whether it can bring any changes to Milan’s life and reform the patriarchal and gender norms.

Genre: Documentary, Experimental

Country: India

REPARATION directed by Jordan Dean

After the sudden death of his partner, Simon turns recluse and takes to a remote caravan with only his older brother Jake as a support system. As Simon struggles with grief, memories distort and dark truths surface.

Genre: Thriller, Drama

Country: United Kingdom

ROCKPOOLS directed by Georgy Pleece

On the South Coast of the UK, two siblings navigate the grief of selling their family home. When children's toys start to wash up in the rockpools, memories from the past start to rise to the surface.

Genre: Drama

Country: United Kingdom