CFF: I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (15)

Dir. Clio Barnard | 2026 | 109 mins | English 

Clio Barnard returns with her fifth feature, bringing her distinctive eye for place, class and complicated human relationships to an ensemble story about five childhood friends approaching thirty.

A director with a special place in the Cornwall Film Festival programme, Barnard is behind CFF favourites 'The Selfish Giant' and 'Ali & Ava'. Here she adapts Keiran Goddard’s acclaimed novel, with a screenplay by celebrated playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh and a cast including Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack and Lola Petticrew.

I SEE BUILDINGS FALL LIKE LIGHTNING continues Barnard’s remarkable ability to find tenderness, humour and beauty within stories of contemporary working-class life. It asks what becomes of the people we grow up with, and what happens when the futures we once imagined begin to diverge from the lives we actually lead.

Following its world premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2026, the film won the People’s Choice Award at the Cannes Film Festival’s supported by the Foundation, Chantal Akerman.

'Sweet, sad portrait of gen Z discontent and disillusion' 5 stars - Guardian

Cornwall Film Festival: I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (15)

Monday 16th November, 7.30pm

To book tickets online click here. This will take you to the Cornwall Film Festival website. 

Tickets can also be purchased in person at The Poly or via phone at 01326319461

Please be aware films will start at the advertised time, we rarely show adverts and usually show under 5 minutes of trailers.