Celebrating the Award-Winning Short FilmΒ KIKI
Weβre excited to share the incredible news thatΒ KIKI, the latest short film by acclaimed directorΒ Naomi Sheridan, has just wonΒ Best Live Action ShortΒ at theΒ Cleveland International Film Festival. Even more exciting? Cleveland is anΒ Oscar-qualifyingΒ festivalβmeaningΒ KIKIΒ is now officially in the running for Academy Award consideration.
Huge congratulations to the entire team behind this remarkable film, and a special shoutout toΒ casting director Sarah Hone. Weβre incredibly proud thatΒ FishpondΒ could help support the casting process of this powerful and poignant piece of work.
KIKIΒ tells the story of two young childrenβone Irish, one Nigerianβwho form an unlikely friendship as they navigate a world shaped by prejudice and grief. Set in modern-day Ireland, the film explores how children experience racism, loss, and the healing power of connection.
The two young leads,Β Saoirse Azwihangwisi O’ConnorΒ andΒ Glen Collins, bring extraordinary heart and authenticity to their roles. Theyβre joined byΒ Derek UgochukwuΒ andΒ Graeme Coughlan, who portray the childrenβs fathers with strength, vulnerability, and deep emotional truth. Together, the cast delivers performances that are both moving and unforgettable.
We spoke with Sarah Hone about the process of casting KIKI, and she shared her insights into finding the right actors for such a meaningful story.
βKIKI is about racism in Ireland, love, loss and light β a message especially poignant in our current dark days. Its story amplifies voices that have been silenced. With only four primary cast, it was vital to get each component rightβa lot of this hung in the casting of our two child roles as they are so vital to the story.
Once we met Saoirse, we knew immediately she was a bright shining star and the role had to be hers. Glen had minimal acting experience but so much charisma and personality β Naomi knew she could work with him for this role and she was correct β he was absolutely perfect.
We needed strong actors to play the fathers of these two characters β ones who could show both strength and vulnerability. We found these attributes and more in Derek and Graeme, and the cast was complete.
I am so proud to have worked on this beautiful film and feel that it is a pivotal work that represents current day Ireland in all its beauty and sorrow.β
KIKIΒ is now available to watch on theΒ Virgin Media PlayerΒ hereΒ β so make a cuppa, take 15 minutes, and let this award-winning short leave its mark on you.


