The Sunderland Shorts Film Festival returns in May for a 10th anniversary special, and the depth, breadth and quality of work on show this year remains as astonishing as ever.

This week long celebration of short films is one of the real gems of the north-east cultural crown, and, as ever, the organisers have unearthed a startlingly good collection of works. It all kicks off on Monday 12 May with the Opening Night Showcase and this event will feature some of the most lauded shorts currently around including ‘Bury Your Nephew’ (pictured), starring Karl Pilkington. This tale sees an uncle struggling to find common ground with his nephew before they eventually bond over a morbid curiosity. The opening night will close with a showcase of the 2024 winners. On Tuesday 13 May it’s Young, Emerging & Student Screening 1, and Screening 2, followed by Royal Television Society: North East & The Borders Winners. On Wednesday 14 May there’s another 2024 Winners Showcase and a Music Video Screening (featuring cuts from superstars such as Chappel Roan, rubbing shoulders alongside local acts such as Pit Pony and Twayn). There’s also a special Music Video Retrospective from Field Music. On Thursday 15 May brace yourself for Art and Experimental Shorts, along with a Shorts Showcase; In The Veins: The North East Film Archive; and Comedy Shorts (don’t miss comedian Sophie Duker in ‘The Girl with the Haunted Vagina’). On Friday 16 May there’s: Oska Bright Showcase, Documentary Shorts, International Shorts, Drama Shorts and Horror Shorts (featuring Robyn Faye’s lauded ‘Scrub Me, Daddy’). There’s a bumper day on Saturday 17 May with two Animation Shorts specials, along with strands on Documentary, Drama, Sci-Fi, and Northern Exposure (showcasing the best work from the north). Finally, on Sunday 18 May, there’s BFI Film Academy NE, BIFA Shorts Showcase, Drama, a North East Showcase, and the festival awards ceremony.

Sunderland Shorts Film Festival, 12-18 May. Full programme, ticket details etc from: sunderlandshorts.co.uk