BRIAN BARNES
astrophysicist turned emotion-driven filmmaker
I make films about people forced to confront the reality that the world is not as it seems.
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“Barnes is an obviously gifted filmmaker”
The Independent Critic
My debut feature film - psychological thriller The Redeeming - was the number 1 thriller on Prime UK for 6 weeks and peaked at number 7 on Prime US.
‘The Redeeming’ was nominated
Best Thriller in the UK’s 2019 National Film Awards.
I have directed nearly 30 short films.
You can see some of them on this page.
The Redeeming
“Bad memories always haunt you.”
My debut feature The Redeeming was the number 1 thriller on Prime UK for 6 weeks and peaked at number 7 on Prime US.
“Psychologically terrifying” - BBC
“Delivers some subtle chills” - Kim Newman
“Psychological thriller at its best” - Movie Critic Next Door
THE URGE
Can you handle your addictions? Or do they control you?
The Urge is much more deadly.
Dying for a cigarette. Don’t fight it.
Winner of 5 awards and 4 nominations.
Awards include Best Film (Kinoteka London Polish Film Festival) and Best Screenplay (Mountain Film Awards)
Interphase
Lockdown is strange. Today something really weird happened to me.
This is the second short I made under lockdown conditions in April 2020 and was one of only 33 films shortlisted for the Lockdown Film Festival 2020 from 1700 worldwide entries. It was also a Finalist in the Black Country Film Festival 2020.
Witch’s Spring
Internet daters, take heart. A cautionary tale for anyone who’s ever wondered how internet dating works, but was afraid to ask.
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Played at dozens of festivals across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Sold to 2 US distributors.
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Made for the National 24 Hour Film Challenge.
Hard Case
Who watches the watcher?
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A tricky assignment from the files of Child Support Agency investigator Emma Lewis.
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Made in 48 hours for the Agar House Film Challenge.
High Windows
Johnny’s never made a decision in his life. This morning some friends are here to help him make the right choice.
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Nominated for Best Short Film at the Houston Film Festival. Played as supporting short with “Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels” and “Pusher” in West End venues. Screened at a major SoHo venue in New York on a “Hot British Directors” night. Sold to a Web TV station.
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The film stars Neil Edmond who went on to win the Perrier Award for Best Newcomer at the 2002 Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his sketch show “The Consultants”. He then developed his show for BBC Radio Four.
Magenta Edge
Grief has a power greater than time.
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Made in 48 hours for the Sci-Fi London Film Challenge.
Soul Control
Short-changed by the Samaritans? Call Soul Control.
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Supported “Silent Cry” in London’s West End.
Flatmate From Hell
Lockdown has got me looking for new hobbies. My experiments with magic have borne some fruit.
Made in 48 hours under lockdown conditions in April 2020.
The Pickup
A collection needs to be made. What could possibly go wrong?
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Made in 48 hours for the Hanover Films Challenge.
Screened at Cannes.