From the chaos of the workplace to the existential dilemmas of daily life, Work/Life presents a collection of films that examine the delicate balance between labour, identity, and survival. A frantic race through London, a traffic warden’s quiet rebellion, and a millennial’s bureaucratic nightmare reveal the absurdities of modern work. Meanwhile, a rock’s existential crisis, a surreal queer sci-fi, and a sharp critique of beauty standards question what it means to live beyond the structures imposed on us. Playful, poignant, and provocative, these films find humour, poetry, and defiance in the struggle to exist.

Programmers: Becca Selby, Camilla Baier, Varun Raman

Runtime: 89 Minutes

Street Light Romain Dumont Canada, France 16 min A playful meta documentary blurring fact and fiction, where a traffic warden’s resignation sparks a journey of rediscovery and invention. [content warnings: Strong language]

Thoughts & Prayers Tim Nathan Australia 11 min In this dry absurdist comedy one millennial man’s life starts spiraling after an unexpected visit from two licensing inspectors.

Rouge Samaher Khalid Mously Saudi Arabia 11 min A poignant and brutal exploration of gendered beauty standards and societal pressures, as a news anchor’s career unravels after her 39th birthday. [Content warnings:Medical imagery ]

Fluid Lagos Justine Unanka Chima, Kamnelechukwu Obasi, Kenneth 'Laboomz' Donatus, Lateefah Mayaki, Morola Odufuwa, Nora Mandray, Peace 'Dopay' Olatunji, Ramon Shitta, Uwana Anthony 'Churchy', Wami Aluko Nigeria 11 min A vibrant experimental documentary that follows a boatman, a vessel and a passenger in Lagos - whilst exploring the transient, ever-changing nature of water and identity in the city. [Content Warnings: Flashing images]

Probably Ur Own Fault June Bubbles UK 10 min A frantic, funny, and ultra-relatable dash through London as an overworked animator questions if her job is worth the chaos. [content warnings: Strong language, cartoon violence]

Water Sports Whammy Alcazaren Philippines 20 min In a world shaped by climate catastrophe, survival, love, and absurdity collide in this wild, queer sci-fi romance. [content warnings: Strong language, flashing and distressing images]

Stone of Destiny* Julie Černá Czechia 10 min A rock undergoing an existential crisis embarks on a musical journey and discovers the unexpected beauty in finding its path.