Reel Futures: Award Winners
Create Theatre, West Notts College, Nottinghamshire, NG18 5BH
Wednesday 20th May 2026
Reel Futures: Award Winners
Celebrating bold storytelling, emerging voices, and unforgettable short films.
Join us for the next event in Reel Futures, a screening season exploring bold, boundary-pushing short films from across the UK and beyond.
Reel Futures is a season of short films curated by Mansfield Town Film Festival, designed to bring festival-quality cinema into the heart of the community while creating a direct pathway for students and members of the public alike into MTFF26 this September.
For this special edition, we’re spotlighting Award Winners, a diverse collection of acclaimed short films that have captivated audiences at festivals around the world. From emotionally powerful dramas and surreal comedies to fantasy adventures and animated satire, these films showcase the creativity, ambition and originality shaping the future of independent cinema.
The Films
An Old Friend (13:45)
Directed by: Nuk Suwanchote
An imaginary friend (Jason Faunt) discovers his sole purpose is to bring happiness to his child, only to realise his child is actually a 90-year-old man (Tom Skerritt) on his deathbed. World Naked Bike Tour (9:37) Directed by: William Bradford A nude cycling event is hounded by a right-wing picketer attempting to sabotage it… until cartoon slapstick chaos ensues.
Romchyk (11:36)
Directed by: Alexis Bicât
Following a deadly missile attack, Romchyk’s life is changed forever. Despite severe burns and wearing a medical mask, he pursues his dream of ballroom dancing in a moving story of resilience and hope.
Polaroid (14:12)
Directed by: Irene Corts Curto
Four friends reunite during a summer weekend after Julia returns from a trip abroad. But when a kiss changes everything, hidden feelings begin to surface.
Lazar (18:14)
Directed by: Rafe Bird, Michael Bird
Deep within 17th century Sherwood Forest, a self-obsessed bard flees from a posse of lawmen, only to discover things are not quite as they seem.
Do You Have Kids? (5:57)
Directed by: Tom Gentle
Confronted by an old acquaintance, Lee is taken aback by the question, “Do you have kids?” It’s a friendly question tossed casually into conversation, but for Lee it has a complex and difficult answer.
Aren’t We Havin’ A Good Time (19:09)
Directed by: Derry Shillitto
A grandson helps his grandfather rediscover his voice through music, memory and an impulsive escape from his care home.
What to Expect
After the screening, we’ll host a live filmmaker Q&A featuring creatives from across the programme joining both in-person and remotely.
Audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers behind the stories, exploring the creative process, inspirations, themes and challenges involved in bringing these films to life.
Whether you’re a film lover, aspiring creative, student, or simply curious about discovering powerful new stories on the big screen, Reel Futures offers a welcoming and accessible cinema experience right in the heart of Mansfield.
Agenda
4:30pm – Doors open
5:00pm – 5:15pm – Introductions
5:15pm – 6:45pm – Films
6:45pm – 7:00pm – Break
7:00pm – 7:45pm – Filmmaker Q&A
7:45pm – 8:00pm – Closing and event end
Event Details
Doors Open: 4:30PM
Start Time: 5:00PM
Location
Create Theatre, West Notts College, Mansfield, NG18 5BH
Celebrating bold storytelling, emerging voices, and unforgettable short films.
Join us for the next event in Reel Futures, a screening season exploring bold, boundary-pushing short films from across the UK and beyond.
Reel Futures is a season of short films curated by Mansfield Town Film Festival, designed to bring festival-quality cinema into the heart of the community while creating a direct pathway for students and members of the public alike into MTFF26 this September.
For this special edition, we’re spotlighting Award Winners, a diverse collection of acclaimed short films that have captivated audiences at festivals around the world. From emotionally powerful dramas and surreal comedies to fantasy adventures and animated satire, these films showcase the creativity, ambition and originality shaping the future of independent cinema.
The Films
An Old Friend (13:45)
Directed by: Nuk Suwanchote
An imaginary friend (Jason Faunt) discovers his sole purpose is to bring happiness to his child, only to realise his child is actually a 90-year-old man (Tom Skerritt) on his deathbed. World Naked Bike Tour (9:37) Directed by: William Bradford A nude cycling event is hounded by a right-wing picketer attempting to sabotage it… until cartoon slapstick chaos ensues.
Romchyk (11:36)
Directed by: Alexis Bicât
Following a deadly missile attack, Romchyk’s life is changed forever. Despite severe burns and wearing a medical mask, he pursues his dream of ballroom dancing in a moving story of resilience and hope.
Polaroid (14:12)
Directed by: Irene Corts Curto
Four friends reunite during a summer weekend after Julia returns from a trip abroad. But when a kiss changes everything, hidden feelings begin to surface.
Lazar (18:14)
Directed by: Rafe Bird, Michael Bird
Deep within 17th century Sherwood Forest, a self-obsessed bard flees from a posse of lawmen, only to discover things are not quite as they seem.
Do You Have Kids? (5:57)
Directed by: Tom Gentle
Confronted by an old acquaintance, Lee is taken aback by the question, “Do you have kids?” It’s a friendly question tossed casually into conversation, but for Lee it has a complex and difficult answer.
Aren’t We Havin’ A Good Time (19:09)
Directed by: Derry Shillitto
A grandson helps his grandfather rediscover his voice through music, memory and an impulsive escape from his care home.
What to Expect
After the screening, we’ll host a live filmmaker Q&A featuring creatives from across the programme joining both in-person and remotely.
Audiences will have the opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers behind the stories, exploring the creative process, inspirations, themes and challenges involved in bringing these films to life.
Whether you’re a film lover, aspiring creative, student, or simply curious about discovering powerful new stories on the big screen, Reel Futures offers a welcoming and accessible cinema experience right in the heart of Mansfield.
Agenda
4:30pm – Doors open
5:00pm – 5:15pm – Introductions
5:15pm – 6:45pm – Films
6:45pm – 7:00pm – Break
7:00pm – 7:45pm – Filmmaker Q&A
7:45pm – 8:00pm – Closing and event end
Event Details
Doors Open: 4:30PM
Start Time: 5:00PM
Location
Create Theatre, West Notts College, Mansfield, NG18 5BH
