We Beg to Differ – National Film School Graduate Film Success
We Beg to Differ has quickly become a standout documentary on the international festival circuit. Among its many accolades, it has earned a nomination for the Best Short Film category at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, pre-qualified for the Oscars, and is currently up for a European Film Award. The documentary is also competing in the official selection at the renowned Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, Dublin International Film Festival, and we will be announcing an exciting North American Premiere very soon.
The film delves into the underground world of ‘Diffing,’ a subculture of car enthusiasts who find solace in their passion for cars amidst a backdrop of personal and mental health struggles. Director Ruairí Bradley, originally from Belfast, brings a deeply personal lens to the story. Like his brother and fellow filmmaker Conor Bradley, Ruairí studied BA Film + TV at the National Film School (NFS) in IADT, Dublin. His work often explores themes of community, identity, and connection, and We Beg to Differ is a testament to his skill in telling poignant, nuanced stories.
Since graduating in 2024, Ruairí has worked across a wide range of roles, from music videos to narrative shorts and commercials, continuing to expand his expertise in the industry.
The film is produced by National Film School graduate Thomas Purdy and Ruairí himself, with stunning cinematography by his classmate Daniel Sedgwick, who won the Seamus McGarvey Best Cinematography Award at the Louth Film Festival. The film also features a powerful original score by NFS graduate and filmmaker Reuben Harvey, adding another layer of depth to its emotional impact.
“We Beg to Differ truly exemplifies the exceptional talent of our graduates at the National Film School. The film’s remarkable success is proof of what can happen when a filmmaker blends heartfelt authentic storytelling with a dedication to cinematic craft. We couldn’t be more proud of Ruairí and the team behind this film,” said Vanessa Gildea, Lecturer in Film + Television at National Film School, IADT.
With its compelling narrative and striking visuals, We Beg to Differ is a shining example of the next generation of filmmakers coming out of the National Film School. As it continues to screen at major international festivals, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for Ruairí Bradley and his team.
We Beg to Differ Offical Trailer
Awards to date:
- PÖFF Shorts – Best New Talent
- Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | PÖFF Shorts – European Film Award
- Candidate
- Galway Film Fleadh – Best Short Documentary
- IFI Documentary Film Festival – Audience Choice Award
- Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival – Anti-Stigma Award
- International Motor Film Awards – Best Student Film
- Louth International Film Festival – Best Short Documentary & Seamus McGarvey
- Award for Best Cinematography
- Disappear Here Film Festival – Best Short Documentary
- Kerry International Film Festival – Best Short Documentary
- London Breeze Film Festival – Best Short Documentary
Press:
Directors Notes’ “Ten Cutting-Edge Short Films Screening at Bolton Film Festival.”
Talking Shorts
Cineurope
Follow We Beg to Differ‘s Instagram for details of screenings in your area: www.instagram.com/webegtodifferfilm/