Finding Dad

A remarkably self-assured debut, this East London fairytale feels truthful throughout, due to the real-life experiences of the director, and using the same locations. Daisy Fairclough in particular shines as Anita, who sets out with her best friend to find her real father, after the death of her alcoholic mother. Alfie Barker is a rising star of Yorkshire-born filmmaking, with Special Education Needs? (S.E.N) (LIFF34), and now the moving Hanging On, which also played this year’s DocFest. This brilliant docu-drama spotlights community strength in Oulton, Leeds, when a neighbourhood is faced with eviction, and their homes with demolition.