Written by Annie Barber
Looking back on 2025, there was an abundance of film releases that were highly acclaimed and caused quite a buzz. However, some of the most exciting cinema of the year were independent releases that you might not have heard of. Karma! delves into six independent films released last year that put Human Rights at the centre of the conversation.
Urchin
Harris Dickinson’s directorial debut Urchin is truly amazing. By combining the soaring highs and rock-bottom lows of protagonist Mike’s life, the film exposes the realities of being a homeless person who is addicted to drugs in the modern day. Frank Dillane’s performance in this film is stellar — he keeps his emotions simmering at the surface, ready to boil over in moments of emotional turbulence. Glimmers of hope, which are peppered throughout the film, make you want to stand up and cheer for Mike, who is a likeable and totally human character. The surprising surreal and abstract scenes that first appear as flashes in the film show that Dickinson is playing on another level.
Two Black Boys in Paradise
Narrated by Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens, Two Black Boys in Paradise follows two black teens, Eden and Dula, through a journey of self-acceptance. It is a short stop motion film which is based on a poem by Dean Atta and has — rightfully — garnered a lot of support and positive reviews since its release earlier this year. Lush purply pink and aqua scenes represent paradise, a place the pair go to when they are together and healing as their love for each other blossoms. It is a touching and poignant piece which reminds viewers of the difficulties faced by black queer men.
I Swear
Charting the life and achievements of John Davidson, a man who grew up in 1980s Scotland with Tourettes syndrome, I Swear sheds light on a disorder that is not often depicted in media. Robert Aramayo’s star-making performance really enhances the film, which is packed with emotion and humour. Maxine Peake and Shirley Henderson are fantastic, as always, and bring life to the contrasting feminine presences in John’s life. Not only is it an uplifting tale, Andrea Bisset, an Airdrie woman who has Tourettes, stars in the film, lending authenticity and representation to the film. Fair warning: although this is a heartwarming film, it is also tear inducing, so make sure to go into it armed with tissues.
Bowl
A film submitted by students at Edinburgh Napier as part of their degrees, Bowl follows the life of Arthur, an elderly gay man. Following an arthritis diagnosis, he sets out to regain his title as a lawn bowls champion and defeat his arch-nemesis, Norma. One of the charms of the film is seeing Arthur and Norma exchanging humorous and witty insults. The script is what really makes this film, which manages to strike the perfect balance between serious and lighthearted. In an intimate conversation between Arthur and Norma’s granddaughter, Jenn, he talks about losing his friends during the AIDs epidemic. This serious subject matter feels perfectly at home in a film which is otherwise lighthearted and comedic as it brings home the reality that many LGBTQ+ people have had to learn to live with survivor’s guilt and without their peers as they have aged.
Palestine 36
It is a feat that Palestine 36 got made in the year 2025. Taking place in 1930s Palestine, the film charts the arrival of Jewish immigrants — some of whom arrived with a Zionist settler agenda —who were fleeing persecution in Europe. The film spotlights Britain’s involvement in Palestine’s occupation, the horrors inflicted on the Palestinian people, and the radicalism which can result from it. Personally, I feel that the archival footage included in the film would have had more of an impact had it been left unaltered by AI and kept in its original black and white and grainy form — I am, admittedly, completely AIphobic, so I was quite disappointed to learn that it was used in the production of such an important film. The film is far from being perfect, but it is definitely worth a watch.
Dissonance
Glasgow creative Adéráy??’s film Dissonance is personal, raw, and captivating. The film blends scenes filmed in a nightclub and moments from Adéráy??’s life to showcase her lived experiences as a queer black woman who has found her place in Glasgow’s vibrant creative scene. Dance, sound, and film are combined to create a multidisciplinary piece which captures the array of talents that Adéráy?? possesses. Frank conversations about immigration and being queer in the 2020s are weaved throughout this moving film that everyone should watch.
Leave a Reply