The Participants

A dystopian, sci-fi influenced experimental fable with a strong anti-bullying message set in an eerie, abandoned world where a gang of forgotten children plays endlessly repetitive games to gain the favour of Mikhail, the self-proclaimed leader of this strange and isolated society. In an eerie, abandoned world where no adults are to be found, a gang of forgotten children plays games to gain the favour of Mikhail, the self-proclaimed leader of this strange and isolated society. Rebelling against Mikhail's tyrannical bullying, Emilia, Boris and the bird-like shaman boy Josef devise a plan to escape, twisting the rules to beat Mikhail at his own game.

Directed by Paul Rowley, The Participants leans on a strong ensemble — Anton Giltrap, Josh Carey, Holly Collins — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about science fiction titles of 2015.