Netflix has launched five documentary shorts created by its Documentary Talent Fund recipients.
The filmmakers, who hail from the U.K. and Ireland, were each given £30,000 ($38,000) to create a short doc based around the theme of “connection.”
The films premiered at a screening in London last night and will be available to watch on Netflix’s “Still Watching” YouTube channel. This year’s cohort include:
“Iranian Yellow Pages” by Anna Snowball & Abolfazl Talooni
Synopsis: “Trying to make his new life in London a success, Reza places an advert in an eccentric newspaper and discovers the Iranian community hidden in plain sight.”
“Two Mothers” by Anna Rodgers & Zlata Filipovic
Synopsis: “An unusual bond compels an Irish mother to travel to war torn Ukraine in order to bring her former surrogate and her family to safety.”
“Turn Up The Bass” by Caroline Williamson & Troi Lee
Synopsis: “This is the inspirational story of Troi Lee, a deaf DJ, founder of “deaf rave” and pioneer of the U.K.’s deaf music scene. Troi and his team of deaf producers, DJs, MCs, sign singers and dancers will turn up the bass as they celebrate 20 years of deaf raving.”
“Sperm Donors Wanted!” by Logan Rea & Krishna Istha
Synopsis: “The film follows a transgender performance artist as he interviews hundreds of potential sperm donors live on stage in a quest to find the ultimate connection, one that will enable him and his partner to start their family.”
“Black Stroke” by Olivia Smart
Synopsis: “Drowning isn’t an option as three people tackle their biggest fear.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with such talented filmmakers and watch each teams’ ideas blossom into fully formed documentaries,” said Kate Townsend, Netflix’s director for documentary film. “We are immensely proud of the tenacity, grit and creativity demonstrated to get the films made and presented to this final standard of excellence. Each film is an exciting glimpse into the future talent of UK documentarians.”
The scheme, which is supported by Triple Exposure and Molinare, was originally launched in 2020 to help and encourage emerging filmmakers. As well as financial support, the fund provides training and knowledge.