ANXIOUS is a surreal dark comedy centred on Ruby, who experiences an anxiety attack and tumbles into the depths of her own mind. There, she encounters alternate versions of herself who begin to take control of her life.

The film draws inspiration from the dreamlike narrative of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the quirky cast of Amelie, and the fantastical journey of Alice in Wonderland. Nida Chowdhry takes on the roles of writer, director, and star in ANXIOUS, crafting a surreal and humorous story about Ruby’s internal struggle. The film’s whirlwind energy is amplified by bold splashes of colour and the vibrant settings of Little Saigon and Little India in Orange County, California.

Opening short film: I Hate Helen dir. Katie Lambert (UK, Fiction, 7m)

FIRST LOVE IS HARD. Emma isn’t going without a fight. She hates Helen, and she hates the way she is feeling.

Recommended viewing from LBFF10 programme for similar themes: Nervous Ellie dir. David Yorke (UK, Fiction, 7m)- ‘Reimagine’ shorts