Ganning canny - North East-made short enjoys UK Film Awards success
The ultra-low-budget film is making its mark on the festival circuit
A short film made by North East production company Morning Sir Productions did the double at the recent UK Film Awards 2025.
Gan Canny was named Best Comedy Drama and one of its stars, Lily Storey won the category of Best Newcomer for her debut screen performance as Paige. The film was also a finalist in the Best Music category.
Written and directed by Lou Burns, Gan Canny is described as a darkly comic, working-class family comedy-drama rooted in Geordie culture.
The story centres on siblings Tyler and Paige, who clash with their estranged mother over the arrangements for their Nana’s funeral. When frustration tips into impulse, they steal the hearse and take Nana on one last, ill-judged road trip before saying goodbye.
The film was developed in the aftermath of personal loss for its writer, following the death of her father, who was also the grandad of editor and co-director Aaron Burns.
From that experience, the project grew into an intimate exploration of grief told through comedy - a way, the filmmakers have said, of opening up difficult conversations with warmth, honesty and humour at a time when those conversations were happening close to home.
Founded by producer Michael Burns alongside Lou and Aaron, Morning Sir has a commitment to creating routes into filmmaking for creatives who face barriers to accessing the industry.
Led by disabled and neurodiverse creatives, the company actively promotes diversity, equality and inclusivity across all areas of production.
That ethos runs through the project on both sides of the camera. Gan Canny was made by a predominantly underrepresented and working-class cast and crew, with women and those who identify as female leading across assistant directing, sound, set and costume design, hair and make-up, and post-production.
Filmed in and around Whitley Bay, Shiremoor, Willington Quay and Dunston, the short was made on a very low, self-funded budget of under £750, relying on donated time, skills and resources, alongside support from local communities and businesses.
The production also secured permission to use music by Cornershop, Jimmy Nail and Wallsend band The Pale White, alongside an original score by Marco Belloni.
The UK Film Awards wins build on earlier success, including an honourable mention at the Miraban UK Film Awards and Best Editing and Best Sound Design at the Folkestone Film Festival 2025.
Looking ahead, the film already has nominations lined up for 2026, including Best Northern Short Film at the The Bay International Film Festival, selection at Indie-Lins International Film Festival and a shortlist place at the Barcelona Indie Awards.