For Real?
Did that really happen? What kind of world are we living in? ‘For Real’ explores sci-fi worlds, dark fantasies, technological possibilities and shocking but real science and history. Expect alienesque costumes, body scanners, crocodile chromosomes and lesbian telepathy.
This screening will be followed by a performance from Carle Gent and Linda Stupart exploring the world of Ecco the Dolphin.
Curated by Nat Lall.
Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £4, £8, £12, £16, or £20, in order to make SQIFF more accessible to those on a low income. You can choose what you pay based on your circumstances – you won’t be asked for any proof/ID. We just ask that you are honest! Please find the ‘What Should I Pay?’ guidance here. To book your ticket for this event, click here.
Accessibility
This programme has:
- English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Yue Chinese (Cantonese), Japanese audio with English language Descriptive Subtitles
- English-BSL interpretation for introduction and performance
- Live Captioning for introduction and performance
This screening is 81 minutes long and has an age recommendation of N/C 18+.
You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2025 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2025, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or by phone on 07873 331 036.
Films in this programme include:
Skinless, Dirs. Estibaliz Villa, Erik Campos, 2024, Spain, 11 min
After an environmental catastrophe, the only survivors left live sheltered wearing the biodermis, a suit they can survive with but doesn’t allow them to feel touch. After years of lockdown, Nora and Dani go outside.
Content notes: Depiction of nudity. Discussion of loss.
Just above the tear duct on each side, Dirs. Cáit McClay, Éiméar McClay, 2024, United Kingdom, Ireland, 20 min
Using St. Conal’s Hospital archives, this film examines Ireland’s 1950s psychiatric institutions and their carceral, therapeutic, and socioeconomic influences.
Content notes: Discussion of death, hospitalisation, mental health.
Access notes: Flashing imagery.
The Xenogender, Dir. Masataka Ishizaki, 2025, United Kingdom, United States of America, 15 min
Japanese immigrant Kenzo in New York confesses his crocodile identity to date Jack, but becomes more absorbed in videos afterward.
Content notes: Depiction of racism.
The Martial Forest, Dir. J Triangular, 2025, Colombia, Taiwan, 9 min
Exiled Kung Fu master Big Sister 13 leads trans fighters in creating the Martial Forest, where care equals combat power.
Content notes: Discussion of death.
The Generators, Dir. Georgie Cowan-Turner, 2024, Ireland, 14 min
In a future drained of colour, Oscar and his ailing husband struggle with a medical system where energy credits are the new currency. When a hospital visit reveals a zero credit balance, Oscar must join the human generators and physically power Alex’s treatment himself. But as his energy fades, so does the possibility of a future together.
Content notes: Depiction of hospitalisation.
Access notes: Flashing lights.
Hide and Seek, Dir. Junjie Xu, 2024, United Kingdom, 6 min
Hide and Seek is a 3D animated short film that takes viewers on a bittersweet journey. It presents a story of a person hiding their queer identity from their parents at different stages of life. The film highlights the struggles faced by the queer community as they grow up and explores the fantasy of queer spaces with queer phenomenology.
Access notes: Flashing lights.
Clear, Dir. Hogan Seidel, 2024, United States of America, 6 min
Clear is a visceral confrontation with the illusion of “safety,” where altered 16mm footage and layered audio reveal the quiet violence surveillance imposes on trans and gender-nonconforming bodies.
Content notes: Discussion of bodily surveillance.
Access notes: Light strobing images.
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Supported by Screen Scotland, the BFI Audience Projects Fund and Film Hub Scotland (part of the BFI Film Audience Network), all awarding National Lottery funding.
Image Credit: Hide and Seek, Dir. Junjie Xu, 2024