Writer-directors Daniel Audritt and Kat Butterfield sat down with Close-Up Culture’s Senior Writer Genevieve Dammery about their short film Life Goes On, a comedy that brings an unexpected twist to the familiar time-loop narrative. Set in a hospice and led by remarkable performances from David Bradley and Maggie Steed, the film finds humour, tenderness and…

In his directorial debut, Bedcrumbs, writer-director Ross O’Donnellan explores the quiet, deterioration of a relationship that has seemingly run its course. Shot on 16mm, the film pairs a dreamlike aesthetic with an intimate examination of queer relationships. Close-Up Culture’s Genevieve Dammery sat down with O’Donnellan to discuss the importance of authentic queer representation, his transition…

Tired of waiting for gatekeepers to say yes, actress Frankie Minnock decided to take her creative destiny into her own hands. While acting remains her lifelong passion, stepping behind the camera has reshaped how she approaches storytelling, collaboration, and vulnerability on set. In this interview with Close-Up Culture’s James Prestridge, Frankie opens up about championing…

Fresh off its Grand Jury Prize win for Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short Film at LALIFF, the bilingual short The Birthday Gift has officially qualified for the Oscars. Set on a frigid Chicago night, the film welcomes audiences into a warm, inviting home for an intimate birthday dinner, only for an unexpected guest to…

Set on an icy Chicago night, The Birthday Gift follows an Argentine mother and daughter whose intimate birthday dinner is upended by an unexpected guest, forcing them to confront the long-term repercussions of their country’s dark history. In this interview with Close-Up Culture, executive producer and lead star Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel breaks down how she transitioned…

In Andreea-Lorena Florea’s striking animated film Dance of the Spirits, traditional fine art mediums become the battleground for a young boy’s soul. The story follows Matei, a youth trapped under the crushing weight of his father’s expectations and the rigid judgments of his village community. When his internalised pain manifests as violence against the very…

Ben Bovington-Key’s BFI NETWORK short film The Easy Way Out is described as a film for those who leave us and the ones left behind. It is a beautiful and heartbreaking work that examines the choices we make and the consequences that follow. We spoke with Ben about the inspiration behind the film, the creative…