Close-Up Culture list our 10 favourite short film performances of 2023.
10. Aoife Duffin and Eileen Walsh – The Golden West
Duffin and Walsh play two warring Irish sisters desperately seeking their fortunes in the gold rush.
9. Nathalie Issa – Sea Salt
Issa is brilliant as Nayla, a 17-year-old who is faced with the same dilemma as any other young person in Lebanon: to leave or to stay.
8. Snorre Monsson and Marie Bya – Tits
Monsson and Bya give affable performances in this tale about an unexpected friendship.
7. Zuzana ฤรกstkovรกย – Electra
Zuzana ฤรกstkovรก and young Marie Verner’s performances are key to the execution this striking film.
6. Gunnur Martinsdรณttir Schlรผter – Fรกr
Gunnur Martinsdรณttir Schlรผter only needs a few minutes to deliver a powerful performance in a fantastic short film she also directs.
5. Joshua Cameron – Area Boy
Cameron is compelling in this story about one boy’s attempt to cut off a part of himself in the wake of his baptism.
4. Catalina Rey – Bogotรก Story
Rey is excellent as a young mother in Bogotรก who faces a tough decison.
3. Kailyn Dulay – When You Left Me on That Boulevard
Kailyn Dulay’s performance is the anchor of this wonderful short film about a boisterous family Thanksgiving.
2. Riz Ahmed – Dammi
A riveting performance from Ahmed as a man forced to face his fears and guilt.
1. Lim Chaeyoung – Hole
Chaeyoung is tremendous as a social worker who makes an unnerving discovery.