Cinemagic On The Pulse: Competition Shorts (Live Action)

Join Cinemagic for a celebratory showcase of young filmmaking talent, from Northern Ireland and Ireland, at the 2023 ‘On the Pulse’ Competition Shortlist Showcase.

As well as celebrating the work of young filmmakers, the showcase allows next-gen creatives to view films made by their peers and offers opportunities for them to network and talk movies!

At the showcase the shortlisted films will be presented before we announce the 2023 winner for Live Action. Come along to celebrate the achievements of young people and meet the film making stars of the future.

Competition Shorts

Last Dance of Wasted Words (Dir: Max Blair)

After finding a woman bleeding by the side of the road, a healer desperately tries to save her. When all fails, the two share a moment of genuine kindness.

Pile Up (Dir: Ethan Donoghue)

A young man can’t come to terms with a traumatic event committed by someone he trusts. Guilt and shame consume him, destroying all the close relationships in his life.

GRÁ (Dir: Chloe Kelly)

GRÁ is a depiction of the mourning period after a long-term relationship ends. The main character reflects on clouded memories of her experiences with her ex-girlfriend.

The Lighthouse Keeper (Dir: Olivia J Walsh)

A short story about the worry that comes with love. The relatable feeling of burn out and carrying the mental load.

What Happened? (Dir: Síomha McStay)

In this psychological thriller Maeve prefers her own company. She’s okay with it. She now awakens to find herself completely alone, perhaps forever.

Fennel (Dir: Brian Brennan)

Fennel is a revenge story that follows the ghost of a young woman as she hunts her murderer in the Scottish countryside.

Cocaine Overkill (Dir: Benjamin Porter)

1988. Miami. In one violent night, Detective Lewis Cannon must rid the streets of illegal narcotics.

Don’t Look @ Me (Dir: Sean Kinsella)

An experimental film about the idea of origin and self-doubt. What home means to someone and how the actor acts as an emotional mediator for artistic expression.

The Painter (Dir: Thomas Burke)

On the eve of being accepted for an interview into a prestigious art college, Laura’s partner leaves her.

The Hollow Men (Dir: Daniel Bingham)

A world-weary hitman must reconsider his life choices when he is forced to come face to face with his target.

Supernova (Dir: Niamh Collins)

On an awkward day on the beach, Hannah tries to talk to Claire about what is happening with their friendship.

Universal (Dir: Seosamh Mac Seoin)

A man reflects on his childhood and the trauma he experienced growing up. Through flashbacks, we see glimpses of his younger self and understand the events that shaped his life.

I Can’t Bear it Anymore (Dir: Thomas Dundas)

A young woman battling with anxiety must push through it to support her best friend. But when years of neglect manifest, she must confront the person closest to her.

Locker (Dir: Tomala White)

When the village gossip tells Davey about the death of a local boy, the news doesn’t hit home like it should.

Screening as part of Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’ Short Film Festival.

On the Pulse is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen and BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, awarding funds from National Lottery.