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Inspired by True Stories
Collection · 8 films · 1h 45m

Inspired by True Stories

This playlist features a series of captivating short films inspired by real-life stories. Each film tells a unique tale of perseverance, forgiveness, and sometimes tragedy, inspired by true events that have left a lasting impact on the filmmakers or the people involved. From tales of survival in the face of adversity, to stories of courage, these films offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Get ready to be moved and inspired by stories that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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Klipist
Curated by
The Klipist editors

Films in this collection

8 films · 1h 45m

  1. Kompromat

    Kompromat

    by Sam Oates

    7m

    A far-right politician under attack by mainstream media

    Details
  2. Zafar

    Zafar

    by Aqsa Altaf

    14m

    An immigrant tries to help his family while a pandemic is breaking out

    Details
  3. Only The Lonely

    Only The Lonely

    by Clare Holman

    17m

    When an old lady loses her beloved husband, life becomes intolerable

    Details
  4. Hymn of Hate

    Hymn of Hate

    by Matt Kennard

    10m

    Russell Tovey (Being Human) & Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) in a WW1 short

    Details
  5. Tsunami

    Tsunami

    by Alissa Autschbach

    15m

    A young girl becomes witness to an unfolding school shooting

    Details
  6. Portrait

    Portrait

    by Keir Siewert

    13m

    A model meets an abusive predatory photographer

    Details
  7. Appetite

    Appetite

    by Katrin Larissa Kasper

    14m

    A predatory dater always runs off when the bill comes

    Details
  8. Boy

    Boy

    by Lucas Helth Postma

    15m

    Emilie is born as a girl but inside she has always been a boy

    Details

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Curator’s note

True stories, told in minutes.

Some of the most unforgettable short films are the ones that actually happened. Stripped to a single true moment, a short can land a real story harder than any feature, with no room to dramatise it into something safer. The films in this collection are hand-picked, complete, and free to watch.

Hymn of Hate puts Russell Tovey (Being Human) and Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) in the trenches of the First World War, and Kompromat drags a politician into the glare of a media takedown. Tsunami follows a young girl who becomes the witness to an unfolding school shooting, while Boy tells the quietly profound story of Emilie, born a girl but always, inside, a boy.

The best true-story short films trust the truth to be enough. Zafar watches an immigrant try to hold his family together as a pandemic breaks, and Only The Lonely sits with an older woman remaking a life after loss. Every film here was chosen by our editors and streams free in all 193 countries, with no subscription. Press play, and remember it really happened.

The Klipist editors

Frequently asked

Are these stories really true?

Every film in this collection is based on or directly inspired by real events. Some faithful retellings, some starting from a single true moment.

How long is the collection?

Just over 100 minutes in total. The order is our suggestion, but every film stands alone. Jump in anywhere.

Are they documentaries?

No. These are fiction films built on true stories. For documentary work, see our Documentaries row on the films page.

Is it free to watch?

Yes. Every film on Klipist is free to watch, in full, on any device. No account needed, though signing up lets you keep a watchlist.

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