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Belfast Film Festival · 2026

Belfast Film Festival 2026

NI Independents

Programme

4 films · 2 reviews

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20 Cigarettes

Against the backdrop of a vote for Irish unity, a couple are pulled into a life of crime.

(Country: UK; Year: 2026; Director: Will McConnell; Stars: Charlie Creighton, Anita Jurkovic)

Hollow Trees

Review preview for Hollow Trees

The film is competently shot, with some nicely directed chases and a central action scene in the dark that stands out.

Jennie Kermode · 2.5 out of 5
Years after a devastating war, a hardened survivor and a young boy are forced from their home by creatures capable of imitating humans. As they journey north in search of refuge, their fragile bond is pushed to its limit.

(Country: Ireland; Year: 2026; Director: Cathal Fitzpatrick; Writer: Cathal Fitzpatrick; Stars: Tom Kerrisk, Louis Kirwan, Rosey Hayes, Colin Malone, Rob James Capel)

Full review

A Little Learning Is A Dangerous Thing

Review preview for A Little Learning Is A Dangerous Thing

It’s a daring approach for a first feature.

Jennie Kermode · 3.5 out of 5
After a series of misfortunes, Michael rents a cheap bedroom and comes to terms with the state of the world, via online encyclopedias and edutainment videos. He becomes fixated on an English businessman who is mismanaging a local lough.

(Country: UK; Year: 2026; Director: Dominic Curran; Writer: Dominic Curran; Stars: Ryan Dylan, Matt Faris, Richard McFerran, Eleanor Shannel, Simon Sweeney, John Travers)

Full review See: Interview with Dominic Curran about A Little Learning Is A Dangerous Thing

Rozkvet

During World War Two, a Romani woman reluctantly takes up arms in the hope of saving her family from Nazi persecution.

(Country: UK; Year: 2026; Director: Thomas Pollock; Writer: Andrew McNeill; Stars: Katarina Kokenyova, Andrew McNeill, Pavel Kríz, Lejla Szajkova, Richard McFerran, Kealan McAllister)