Ten Short Films That Will Have You Reaching for the Tissues

I don’t know about you but I will shed a tear very easily when watching TV or film. Perhaps I am easily emotionally manipulated, but I have to say that I enjoy a good old fashioned weep-fest every now and then.  There must be something in the air post-Christmas that engenders the need in me to watch movies that are almost guaranteed to make me cry (I am fully equipped to sob from the beginning of ET, right to the end; please don’t judge, it's pavlovian). However, sometimes I need a quick fix (as it were) but often you have to wait a good hour before you get to release the blubbering. 

While a build-up can be recommended, we all lead busy lives and sometimes it’s best to get straight to the point.  So, here are ten short films that had me reaching for the tissues – and I don’t mean just sad tears – most of these films deal with issues that life can spring upon us.  Yet the emotional release they offer is ultimately uplifting rather than crushing. These are stories about connection, kindness, resilience, acceptance and love - the sort that sneak up on you, catch you off guard, and leave you smiling through the tears. If you’re short on time but in need of a cathartic cry, these films go straight for the heart, no slow burn required.  (There are one or two films produced as long-form adverts included, but as they function as complete short in and of themselves, just ignore the company name at the end).

Tissues at the ready?

A Little Help

Sometimes, we all need a little help.  It stars Sarah Carmel as Holly (I see what you did there), and Charles O’Neil as John, A Little Help was directed by Phil Beastall.   It is the only Christmas story in this particular list, but it’s a lovely take on a simple act of kindness.