Being Billy Official Selection and Best Writer Nomination at Leith Short Film Festival

MancMade Productions’ acclaimed short film Being Billy has been named an Official Selection at the inaugural Leith Short Film Festival, with writer and producer Paul Ludden also receiving a Best Writer nomination.

Taking place in Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront district on Saturday 26 September 2026, the new festival has been created to showcase bold and original short filmmaking from around the world, bringing together filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals through screenings, discussions and awards.

Written and produced by Paul Ludden and directed by Ian Puleston-Davies, Being Billy stars Con O’Neill as William “Billy” Livesey, a Falklands War veteran living with dementia whose connection with a new carer brings long-buried memories of the conflict back to the surface.

The Best Writer recognition marks another significant achievement for the film during its 2026 festival run, celebrating a story that explores friendship, memory, trauma and the lasting consequences of war.

For Being Billy to be part of the very first Leith Short Film Festival makes the selection particularly special, while the writing award provides further recognition for the story at the heart of the film.

Some Wars Never End.