Growing up is hard, but being grown is even harder. Explore these coming of age shorts that prove we never truly grow up.

This collection of shorts reminds us that there is no timeline for growing up. Fathers and sons grapple with their own toxic masculinity amidst the nostalgic backdrop of summer camp, while mothers fiercely battle to secure the perfect match for their beloved sons. Meanwhile, a troubled millennial confronts the ghosts of her past, as she faces her high school bully once more. This programme is a heartfelt examination of resilience, vulnerability, and the ongoing search for acceptance in a world where we're all just trying (and failing).

Becca Selby, Camilla Baier, Varun Raman

Films:

A Son and a Father Andrés Ramírez Pulido France/Colombia 25 min A troubled teen, forced into therapy with his stepdad, confronts machismo, family chaos, and the generational curse of bad behaviour. [Content Warnings: Strong and discriminatory language]

Tayal Forest Club Laha Mebow Taiwan 19 min Two boys, a machete, and the mountainous Atayal homelands; in their quest for freedom and emancipation they are taught lessons by the wilderness’ harsh truths.
[Content Warnings: Alcohol abuse]

2004 Was Twenty Years Ago Clare Hoey Australia 6.5 min A successful 34-year old returns to her hometown and ends up giving cool girl life advice to a 14-year-old - until her past catches up with her. [Content Warnings: Some strong language, flash photography]

The Grocery List* Taqwa Ali Naser Bahrain 17 min In a quirky pink supermarket, a grown man rebels against his mom’s milk choice - fighting societal pressures in a trolley full of mommy issues.

Little Rebels Cinema Club Khozy Rizal Indonesia 17 min These little cinephilic rebels with a handycam turn a zombie film into a wild adventure, while navigating grief, loss and childhood mischief. [Content Warnings: Domestic abuse and discriminatory language]

Sitter James Arden UK 10 min A witty and energetic look at adulthood, responsibility, and self-reflection as a simple cat-sitting gig spirals into chaos. [Content Warnings: Drug use, strong language]