Duty of Care

Sunday 21st September 12:45pm (60m)

A compelling handful of films exploring the often unseen responsibilities and emotionally charged involvement in caring for others, paid and unpaid.

Content Guidance: Violence, Drug Use, Abuse (mental/emotional)

CARE

James’ prison cell is a state, Ali’s job is to clean it. He’s regretfully agreed to look after his fellow inmate, a ‘wifer’ with dementia. As their unlikely bond grows, Ali discovers the true value of care - and is forced to face what he’s neglected in his own life.

Director: Stef O’Driscoll

Writer: Sophie Ellerby

Producer: Hannah Tookey, Lindsay Fraser

FIRST TIMER

It’s Meghan’s first week on the job as a home carer. She’s left alone to visit the elderly Bonnie who has a refreshing, yet challenging approach to her personal care.

Director: Hannah Kathryn Kelso

Writer: Hannah Kathryn Kelso

Producer: Danielle Goff

LAUNDRY LIST

Laundry List centers on Joe, a young woman caught in the emotional and physical turmoil of caring for her aging mother. As their relationship strains under the weight of responsibility, frustration simmers, revealing the deep, unspoken challenges of balancing duty with personal sacrifice.

Director: Alison Emma Vivien Foyle

Writer: Joshua Hanks

Producer: Alison Emma Vivien Foyle

STRAY

Stray tells the story of Ella, a troubled teenage girl who, after her foster placement breaks down, finds herself with nowhere to go. With social services unable to find a new placement, she’s reluctantly assigned to Sam, a social care worker with whom she has a relationship albeit a rocky one.

Director: Kim Bartley

Writer: Kim Bartley

Producer: Clara Appelbe

STELLA

It's Stella's 18th birthday and she's finally leaving care. As she waits to reunite with her mam, she shares pivotal moments from her childhood that led to her ending up in the system.

Director: Micky McGregor

Writer: Sarah Tarbit

Producer: Harriet Ghost

Buy your tickets.

You can purchase a ticket to just this screening, or grab a pass to watch lots more films and attend events happening across the festival weekend.

Discounts for groups, families, students and those on low income support are available too.