Animation Short – Official Selection – April 2024
Odudua | Brazil | 2024 | 07’
Director: Flavio Galvao
Writer: Flavio Galvao
Producer: Flavio Galvao
Synopsis: “Odudua” is a short animated film that dives into the universe of Yoruba mythology by adapting one of the stories from the book “Mythology of the Orishas” by Reginaldo Prandi. Inside a mystical gourd inhabit two orishas adorned with seven rings symbolizing their connection to the cosmos. As the tale unfolds, we witness the harmony within the gourd being disrupted by a disagreement over one of the sacred rings. This seemingly insignificant dispute triggers a sequence of events that shatters the ancient tradition and has consequences for the orishas and the whole. Through a narrative without dialogue, “Odudua” uses enigmatic symbols and ethereal imagery to convey the unfolding drama. The characters, endowed with supernatural abilities, are charged with human emotional complexity as they confront the shifting dynamics of power and conflict. At its core, “Odudua” is a mesmerizing look at tradition, betrayal, and the profound impact of choice. As the orishas face the repercussions of their actions, we are drawn into a world where the line between myth and reality is blurred, leaving us intrigued by the story of divine beings and the fragility of their existence.
POOR BIRDS: King Winter | Sweden | 2023 |14’
Director: Martin Tedin
Writer: Martin Tedin
Cast: Peter Hallin, Christine Singbrant, Andreas Hedenmark, Lova Wahlström
Synopsis: Seven months have passed since the tragic accident took place, in which the previous king died during a search for his lost son and heir, Finegan. Finegan was found shortly thereafter, and was crowned at the spot where his father died. And in that moment, a lengthy snowfall began. The time for winter to turn to spring came and went, and it is now the time of year when spring usually turns to summer, but the cold stubbornly persists.
Growin’ Pains | United Kingdom | 2023 | 06’
Director: Sammson Orr
Synopsis: During a family argument, a teenager flees to the garden to find some relief from the noise and conflict inside, but the argument follows them out and cannot be escaped. Feeling hopelessly fed up, they begin to grow into the grass and are swallowed by the ground. When they wake, they are in a world beneath the garden floor where they have transformed into a cryptid creature, a green man, an escape from being human. What seemed at first a magical escapism becomes a burden as the house and conflict still plagues them. This short film deals with themes including childhood, anxiety of growing up, puberty, Queerness, and body dysphoria. As well as exploring climate anxiety and the urge to be closer to nature and the Earth. *Contains nudity
Cut from the Dead | Turkey | 2024 | 03’
Directors: Elif Dönmez, Deniz Koçyiğit
Synopsis: A bulky man with long messy hair and beard enters a graveyard, digs up a coffin, and then drags it into an abandoned shop. There, he performs a necromantic ritual to raise the corpse from the dead. After the spell is cast the man sits on a chair in front of a mirror, while the corpse rises back to life behind him. It extends its hand towards the man, but surprisingly starts cutting and styling the man’s hair. The plot turns out to be the wholesome reunion of a barber and his long-time client!
Dad in the Echo | China | 2023 | 23’
Director: Jacky Heng SUN
Writer: Jacky Heng SUN
Producer: Jianhua YUAN
Synopsis: Xiao Wang’s is about to go abroad, but father could not understand the use of the smartphone. Very disturbing, he decided to give Lao Wang “special training”.
Daisy | Spain | 2023 |05’
Directors: Aditi Dixit, Joffrey Atienza Zamora, Shecid Domínguez Aguilera
Synopis: In the depths of darkness lies a music box which opens to reveal a young girl dressed in a petal dress. As the spotlight illuminates her, she discovers her ability to make music with her movements, which engages her to dance. Unbeknownst to her, eerie eyes observe her dance, causing petals to pluck out from her dress. Suddenly, she realizes that she is being watched by these eerie eyes. Desperate to escape, she struggles against her captors, only to be confined within the music box. However, a twist of fate unfolds as another child emerges from a new music box.
Commedy Short – Official Selection – April 2024
A Bit Much | Canada | 2023 | 08’
Director: Youssef Mutawe
Writer: Youssef Mutawe
Producer: Youssef Mutawe
Cast: Obi D’meano
Synopsis: Panic ensues as our protagonist loses his phone containing rent money hidden behind the protective case. Upon using his soup-slurping landlord’s phone to call his own number, a self-described “Honest George” answers, claiming to have found it, happily offering to return the phone in exchange for a reward. Our protagonist — believing it to be stolen, and with no intention of paying the ransom — goes to the meet-point with a large steel wrench to retrieve the device by any means necessary.
The Sea | United Kingdom | 2024 | 08’
Director: Ian Bartholomew
Writer: Ian Bartholomew
Producer: Loveday Ingram
Cast: Tim McInnerny, Peter Gunn, Georgia Taylor, Phoebe Cheffings
Synopsis: In a small English village, circa 1952, a young farm girl sees a painting of the sea in a shop window, and falls in love with it. Her efforts to buy it lead to an unforeseen and heart-warming encounter with a famous artist. This is a story about the inspirational power of art, and an act of kindness and generosity.
Heleno | Spain | 2022 | 18’
Director: Mikel Arraiz
Writer: Mikel Arraiz
Producer: The Other Film Production
Synopsis: Sergio and Elena are a happy couple. One night, Elena starts to talk and act strangely. The next day the couple take it as a joke. Things start to get complicated when Heleno turns up in their lives. This entity will use old sexist patterns and new liberal ideas to destroy Sergio and his relationship with Elena.
Mouse Man | Canada | 2024-02-28 | 14’
Director: Michael Kontzamanis
Writer: Michael Kontzamanis
Producer: Michael Kontzamanis
Cast: Matt Stefanson
Synopsis: Craving human connection, an agoraphobic man tries to summon the courage to venture out into the world to meet a girl.
Whippy | United Kingdom | 2024 | 05’
Director: James Rooke
Writer: James Rooke
Producers: Sam Topley, Joe Elliott, Mia Walton
Cast: Emun Elliott, Kal John, Aaliyah Iruoesiri
Synopsis: Rivalry, greed and calippos… A messy turf war has erupted between warring ice cream firms in 1980s Glasgow after one rogue vendor is caught crossing county lines.
Flatulence: The Origin | United States | 2023 | 14’
Director: Xingyu “Harry” Chen
Writer: Xingyu “Harry” Chen
Producers: “Ella” Xinchen Zhang, “Jessica” Qinyue Luo
Cast: Jesse Stevenson, Adrienne Janic
Synopsis: A troubled corporate employee must complete a special leadership training for his long-awaited promotion after mysteriously gaining the ability to generate lethal farts.
Maddies Red Hot | Australia | 2023 | 12’
Directors: Madeleine Sherston, Jeremy Cumpston
Writer: Maddie Sherston
Producers: Maddie Sherston, Hal Cumpston
Cast: Maddie Sherston, Simon Lyndon, Morgan Dukes, Kyle Barrett, Jeremy Cumpston, Kristian Schmid, Charlotte Sherston
Synopsis: Too Tall. Too Red. Not enough followers.
In the cut-throat world of acting, Maddie just can’t cut a break. Until one day when her side-hustle and the stars align. How far will she go to make her dreams of stardom come true? ‘Maddie’s Red Hot’ is a relatable and comic story of one girl’s battle between what is right and what is fair.
Siren | Estonia | 2023 | 01’
Director: Katariina Škurinski
Writer: Marian
Producer: Carmen Laurend
Cast: Taavi Teplenkov, Lee Trei, Karolin Jürise
Synopsis: The narrative of “Siren” takes place in a world where fairy tale characters are to blame for everything. Despite the peculiarities of this world, Toomas’ life revolves around his neighbor Eevi’s house. Finally, the day has come when the woman arrives to have dinner with the man. However, not everything goes as planned – to Toomas’ misfortune, a beautiful mermaid appears in front of his car. From there, events unfold that threaten to turn the shy Toomas and his neighbor into fearsome criminals.
Dance/Musical Short – Official Selection – April 2024
ALIBI | Russian Federation | 2023 | 11’
Life Hacks for Lovers | Israel | 2023 | 15’
Director: Marc Grey
Writer: Marc Grey
Producers: Leah Tonic, Erez Barenholtz, Elad Goldman
Cast: Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schraiber
Synopsis: Roberta finds her recipe for love. A comic fantasy about love and creation starring two of the dance world’s most exciting performers.
When the hawk comes | Armenia | 2023 | 06’
Directors: Lilia Li-Mi-Yan, Katherina Sadovsky
Synopsis: A short video by artists Lilia Li-Mi-Yan (Yerevan) and Katherina Sadovsky (Moscow) is a sad, poetic metaphor for what is happening in the world today. The plot and melody of an Armenian lullaby are taken as a starting point, where a mother tries to calm her son by offering to make a symbolic choice of a destiny bird. The boy does not choose peaceful birds, nightingale, or magpie. His predictable choice is a warlike hawk. The horrors of war are resolutely put out of the brackets of this world without men. It is a gynaeceum, majestic, beautiful and frightening. Nineteen women of different ages wander in a string through the endless desert, re-mastering or forever saying goodbye to the space reminiscent of the fields of past battles. At times, the space collapses into a dark cave, a cramped stage area or a place for prayer. At these moments, the movement of women looks like a mysterious ritual. It seems necessary and meaningful. Under the alarmingly changing sound of the lullaby, the stones hang in the air, the predatory hawk turns into a drone and the expectation of catharsis increases. The audience, indeed, is brought close to him, and twice. At first, space explodes with a cataclysm, suggesting the fateful presence of higher forces, and later, the glow of sunset is too similar to a fatal explosion of human origin. And it becomes clear that in this story, there is not only a happy end, but there is no end – it is looped, as it should be at video screenings. Here, this usual technique takes on a new meaning and significance. The story begins from the beginning, and the viewer returns to the pile of female bodies that wake up from sleep or get up after death. Folklore motifs of a lullaby are filled with actual meanings, meditativeness – hidden despair.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – April 2024
*A New Perspective | Germany | 2024 | 30’
Director: Alexandra Begue
Producers: Alexandra Begue, Remy Javel
Synopsis: “A New Perspective” immerses viewers in the heart of South Africa in 2018, where wildlife and flora conservation intertwines closely with the fight against poverty. Tracing the journey of the NGO “Elephants, Rhinos and People” over 10,000 km and charting its progression until 2023, the film unveils the synergy between community development and environmental preservation. Through a series of poignant testimonials and highlighting innovative projects spearheaded by local associations, the documentary showcases how biodiversity conservation can positively transform communities while safeguarding the iconic elephants and rhinos. This film not only offers an intimate look at the beauty and fragility of nature but also serves as an inspiration for the future, showcasing how collaboration between communities, NGOs, and enthusiasts can make a tangible difference in preserving our planet.
Snacks for Smiles | Switzerland | 2024 | 19’
Director: David Weder
Writer: David Weder, Jonas Tanner
Producer: David Weder
Cast: Jonas Tanner, Philippe Schmidt, Éric Deharo
Synopsis: Snacks for Smiles is a documentary that revolves around the project of the same name. It takes place in Laos and is about combating malnutrition in children and pregnant women.
Ofelia | Argentina | 2024 | 19’
Director: Facundo Bartucci
Writer: Facundo Bartucci
Producers: Facundo Bartucci, Facundo Mugica
Cast: Ofelia Piedrabuena, Milagros Bartucci, Felicitas Bartucci, Facundo Mugica, Facundo Matías Bartucci
Synopsis: What lasts after experiencing all aspects of life? At 88 years old, Ofelia reflects on her life under the attentive gaze of her grandchildren. Family, love, disputes, adventures, and tragedies. A story brimming with characters that, as a result of the passing of time, leaves Ofelia as the sole witness to recount it. Produced by Amargo y Retruco Films
Debut Short – Official Selection – April 2024
Ad lucem | Romania | 2023 | 30’
Directors: Olivier Lefèvre, Anna Chiuariu
Writers: Olivier Lefèvre, Anna Chiuariu
Producers: Olivier Lefèvre, Anna Chiuariu
Cast: Daniel Tudor, David Graur, Daniel Georgescu
Synopsis: While the war rages around Romania, Petru, a sick man living alone, refuses the help of his friend who comes to check on him after the whole city of Bucharest goes dark. But that same night, when an angel kid comes during his sleep, he is invited to embrace his shadow self and open up to the light.
Mr.Blanks | India | 2024 | 16’
Director: Sanjana Bhambhani
Producers: Anthony Blanks, Jeannie Colon
Synopsis: Out after 46 years in prison, Anthony Blanks must now re-learn how to live a normal life. But with no surviving family, money or technical skills needed for modern-day living, he is struggling to re-build his life. So he is on a journey to find new family, apply for state benefits, and take technology literacy classes to get by.
Mail Man | United Kingdom | 2023 | 14’
Director: Jessica Johnson
Writer: Jessica Johnson
Producer: Claudia Kaye
Cast: Tom Ward-Thomas, Jessie Bedrossian, Teddy Robson
Synopsis: A lost and lonely postman coasts through his mundane day to day life until one morning his world changes from meeting a female addressee.
M jako Máma | Czech Republic | 2023 | 20’
Director: Nina Bhatt
Writer: Nina Bhatt
Producer: Nina Bhatt
Cast: Angelika Sbouli
Synopsis: A desperate mother, who has been fighting for financial aid to improve the quality of her severely disabled son’s life, is at the end of her tether.
The Acting Coach | Norway | 2024 | 31’
Director: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Writer: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Producer: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Cast: André Landzaat, Denise Trankalis, Morten Rudå, Ed Lesemann, Casper Andreas, Lavleen Kaur, Frida Vhile Hansen
Synopsis: Sebastian lives in a beach house with his cat as sole companion after the death of his husband. A once renowned now disillusioned actor, he occasionally coaches students in method acting. An unexpected encounter challenges him to face his own past and losses, inspires him to reconcile with himself and find new meaning in life.
Drama Short – Official Selection – April 2024
The Pack Croatia 2023-09-01 00:22:43
Director: Marko Jukić
Writer: Marko Jukić
Producers: Danijel Pek, Dora Prpić
Cast: Paško Vukasović, Katarina Romac, Andrija Tomić, Aneta Grabovac, Zdravko Vukelić, Šimun Šitum, Petra Krolo, Stojan Matavulj
Synopsis: Commander Andrija leads a group of firefighters on a seemingly simple task – overhauling. After a conflict with one of the firefighters, Andrija is squeezed between the fight for the dominant position, solving a love relationship, and common sense.
Wish | Taiwan | 2023 | 21’
Director: TZU-WEI YEN
Writers: CHAO-LING KUO, TZU-WEI YEN
Cast: PEI-LING WANG
Producers: KUAN-YI LI, CHIA-LING LIN, HSIU-FENG KUO, MING-CHE LI, MING-CHANG HSIEH
Synopsis: The annual Pu Du ceremony at the Chiayi City God Temple has arrived, and A Gui ventures alone to the banks of the Niudou River to guide the soul of his childhood friend Aki. Unexpectedly, he falls under a malevolent influence. In a daze, amidst the ritualistic chants, a familiar voice echoes. “Aki, is that you coming back?” Before the night’s vigil concludes, will Ah Gui receive a response?
KK | India | 2023 | 33’
Director: Arjun Pankaj Razdan
Writers: Sushil Arun Yadav, Arjun Pankaj Razdan, Reuben Janet Ellis
Producers: Pankaj Jawaharlal Razdan, Sonia Razdan, Arjun Pankaj Razdan
Cast: Rushiraj Pawar, Ritesh Mobh, Om Kanojiya, Kshitj Pawar
Synopsis: “#KK” follows the journey of a talented aspiring actor named KK, who confronts the harsh realities of societal prejudices due to his dark skin complexion. KK, a young and ambitious lower-middle-class boy, resides in the suburbs of Mumbai, India, along with his widowed mother. KK’s ambition is to be an actor and star in films. However, from the outset, KK faces discrimination, rejection, and ridicule in the unforgiving world of showbiz solely based on his appearance. Despite his passion and talent, he encounters closed doors and limited opportunities, leaving him disillusioned and despondent. The story sheds light on KK grappling with his own insecurities, battling against internal doubts, and confronting the external pressures imposed by a prejudiced society. Each setback he faces tests his resilience and determination. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness KK’s relentless pursuit of his dreams amidst adversity. But in the end, does KK come out of people’s stigma and make it big in the pursuit of his dreams? The film sheds light on several prejudices, superstitions, and ignorant biases pertaining to colorism that still exist in an ever-changing, growing India.
Experimental Short – Official Selection – April 2024
Dance of the Angel | China | 2020 | 02’
Director: Zoe Zheng
Writer: Zoe Zheng
Synopsis: ‘Dance of the Angel’ is a visualization of an excerpt of the piano piece, ‘Milonga del Angel’, composed by an Argentine pianist, Astor Piazzolla. The word ‘Milonga’ in the title means a type of Argentine tango, which shows off the legs of the female dancer. This idea inspired the choreography in the animation.
From One Place, Another | Italy | 2024 | 18’
Director: Parlour Collective
Synopsis: Glimpses of another place emerge between the edges of a Tuscan village and it’s surrounding landscape.
Horror Short – Official Selection – April 2024
EXPLOSIVE LIPS | France | 2024 | 01’
Director: Stéphane de durfort
Writer: Stéphane de durfort
Producer: Stéphane de durfort
Synopsis: Will he kiss his crush without the help of the devil?
An Alcoholic Visits Me Every night | Bulgaria | 2023 | 09’
Director: Martin Malinov
Writer: Martin Malinov
Producer: Martin Malinov
Cast: Georgi Karkelanov
Synopsis: An end-stage alcoholic’s bottle is mysteriously filled every night. As bite marks appear on his body, he quesitons reality and comes head-to-head with himself and the force responsible for his drinking
Mini Short – Official Selection – April 2024
Blind Date | France | 2024 | 03’
Director: Freddie Saj
Writer: Freddie Saj
Cast: Pierrick Grillet, Maïwenn Piccioli
Synopsis: How can you score with a girl your age after the civilisation and technology have collapsed?
What She Didn’t Know | United States | 2023 | 04’
Director: Zoe Zheng
Writer: Zoe Zheng
Producer: Zoe Zheng
Synopsis: A colorblind girl sees color through playing the piano
Green light | France |2024 | 03’
Director: Aurore Moutier
Writer: Aurore Moutier
Cast: Bernard Le Coq, François Négret Négret, Oscar Le Bas
Synopsis: On a country road, a traffic light turns red. Young Lucien is embroiled in a heist with two old-school robbers driving a Dauphine.
Movie Night! | United Kingdom | 2024 | 01’
Director: Matt Partridge
Synopsis: A family heads to the local video store to find their weekends entertainment.
Love, Daddy | United States | 2023 | 03’
Director: Kevin Bauer
Synopsis: Love, Daddy is a reflection on the excitement, stress, and fear that comes with being a parent.
Music Video – Official Selection – April 2024
Witch-Hunt! | Germany | 2024 | 07’
Director: LAUREN JANE PRINGLE
Producer: VIRGINIA HERNANDEZ
Cast: SUZETTE SAGISI
Synopsis: Join Suzette, our hunted witch as she grapples to understand her own intuitive body. Fearful and avoidant of an inner voice, this movement film takes us on a journey that combines dance and narrative elements that wrap us into this dystopic world. Stones and dust fill our landscape as alive bodies jump out of the screen. Suzette is chased by a group of witches who are hunting her in order for her to realize her own magic powers. Once she does we are drawn into an emotive space where we see deep revelry in her surrender.
Doom Rock | China | 2024 | 05’
Director: Yang Xu Zhang
Writers: Yi Hua Liu, Yang Xu Zhang, Zhen Ren
Producers: Xiao Qi He, Yang Xu Zhang, Hana Chen
Cast: Wen Yi Chen, Ming Yi Xu
Synopsis: On a hopeless planet, all humans are glued to a live broadcast: a massive starship, representing the final hope, is departing this world in search of a new home. Suddenly, the global live broadcast is hacked, the planet’s most renowned rock band takes the stage, announcing their final performance. Fueled by anger, they use this platform to expose the deceit of the ruling authority. Meanwhile, they are trying to invade the starship with their digital minds……
Hunky Dory | United States | 06’
Director: Steven Vander Meer
Synopsis: Hunky Dory juxtaposes scenes of animal life with images of human existence, observing the quirky and unexpected ways in which we are similar. The meticulously hand-drawn animation is a visual smorgasbord, moving and morphing in perfect time to the banjo music of Béla Fleck and his bandmates in My Bluegrass Heart.
Buen Camino – The Ash of stars | Poland | 2023 | 07’
Director: SEBASTIAN JUSZCZYK
Writer: SEBASTIAN JUSZCZYK
Producer: SEBASTIAN JUSZCZYK
Cast: Paweł Maluśki, Anna Kieca, Rafał Cieluch, Artur Olender
Synopsis: “Let’s hurry up with loving people they pass awayso quickley” A film and a song is about the most important things in life: time and love.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – April 2024
Memory lane | Belgium | 2023 | 20’
Director: Frederic Mosbeux
Writer: Frederic Mosbeux
Producers: François Dubois, Frédéric Mosbeux
Cast: Luc Brumagne, Hélène Theunissen, Stéphanie Goemaere
Synopsis: To prove that he’s still fit to live at home, an old man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease must search the depths of his mind, where memories pile up like jigsaw puzzles, in search of a forgotten past.
No More Gravity At Night | China | 2024 | 27’
Director: Jaron Wong
Writers: Jaron Wong, Alexander Lee
Producer: Sabrina Jane
Cast: Alexander Lee, Riven Wu, Cyril Chung, Mengyang Jiang, Zexin Nie
Synopsis: In an abandoned cement yard in the southern suburbs, a group of workers living in a utopian memory plot a “demolition” to make a quick buck. Chen Qing, a young boy among the workers, hopes to use his actions and even sacrifice himself in order to take his uncle away from this place, in order to wake up his young heroic uncle. At night, his relationship with his uncle had become subtly close, rigid, and broken, and his quicksand memory was like this dusty cement factory, eventually buried in dust.
Nuclear Family | Belgium | 2020 | 20’
Director: Faustine Crespy
Writer: Faustine Crespy
Producer: Marina Festré
Cast: Louka Minella, Catherine Grosjean, Syrus Shahidi, Lohen Van Houtte, Réal Siellez, Alexandre Hérault, Elisabeth Wautier
Synopsis: Jules, 18 years old, reluctantly spends his holidays in the naturist campsite of his childhood. He is torn between his attraction for the beautiful Karim, a seasonal worker on the textile beach, and the depression of his mother Adèle, who refuses to let him grow up.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – April 2024
DREAMING OF VENICE | Italy | 2023 | 15’
Director: Elisabetta Giannini
Writers: Mara Fondacaro, Alessandro Logli
Producer: Marechiarofilm
Cast: Morena Di Leva, Francesco Di Leva, Miriam Candurro, Carmine Borrino
Synopsis: Vittoria, a thirteen-year-old girl dreams of being an influencer. When her father gives her a ticket to the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival, the girl begins searching for her outfit, sharing everything on social media. On the day of the red carpet, however, the two don’t actually go to Venice…
Where the Dreams are Waiting | Germany | 2023 | 30’
Director: Uli Bez
Writer: Uli Bez
Producer: Uli Bez
Cast: Eleni Delidimitriou Tsakmaki, Janet Shakil
Synopsis: From a young age, Eleni Tsakmakis life challenged her with great hardships. The dream of a self-determined life was denied to her. At the age of 5 she witnessed cruel NaziGerman occupation. At the age of 17 she is forced into an arranged marriage. At 23, she and her husband come to Germany as so called “guest worker” and have to leave their children behind in Greece. At the age of 54 she discovered writing . In addition to autobiographical texts, plays, children’s books and documentaries Eleni Tsakmaki inspires her audience with exhibitions on Greek migration history to Germany. Born in Erlangen, Germany, Janet Shakil aka Janet Josephine Petrović is a singer, rapper, songwriter, model, studied technology journalist and PR manager. As a child she faceds racisme as the white environment doesn´t respect the black child as a Native German. In her evey day life she still has do deal with it. For “Where the dreams are waiting” she wrote and sang the soundtrack “Flying”. Lyrically, she tackles the life-changing journey that connects the two protagonists. In her new film, filmmaker Uli Bez deliberately sets herself apart from entrenched categories such as “being a stranger” or “belonging”. She tells the stories of two very different women who both long for a self-determined life without racism and discrimination. A fascinating film about empathy, tenderness, trust, confidence and resilience.
Winter Is No More Lonely Than Other Seasons | United States | 2024 | 15’
Director: Morgan Lu
Writers: Morgan Lu, Hank Lee
Producers: Arthur Liu, Pingchun Tien, Mike Wang, Hank Lee, MengYu Lu
Cast: YuHsuan Lu-Chang
Synopsis: “Winter is no more lonely than other seasons” delves into the life of Wang Fang, a Chinese waitress navigating cultural and linguistic barriers while working in a small restaurant. Strained interactions with her daughter Kayla and Kayla’s American boyfriend Tanner underscore Wang Fang’s struggles with communication and her longing for connection. Despite her efforts to bridge the language and generational gap with Kayla, their relationship remains distant. However, when Tanner seeks Wang Fang’s blessing to marry Kayla, she expresses her hopes and fears, leading to a moment of reconciliation between mother and daughter. Through poignant scenes of solitude and reflection, Wang Fang ultimately finds solace in embracing her independence in spite of her loneliness and cherishing the simple joys of life, offering a touching portrayal of resilience and acceptance of change amidst cultural differences. No matter how old, no matter what culture, a person will often end up alone in the end.
The Purifiers | Poland | 2024 | 11’
Director: Teodor Widerski
Writer: Teodor Widerski
Producer: Teodor Widerski
Cast: Dawid Kunicki, Rafał Januszczak, Grzegorz Juras, Szymon Bekier, Katarzyna Nowak, Zuzanna Gac
Synopsis: During the wheel change Amadeus (Dawid Kunicki) tells his colleague Borys (Rafał Januszczak) about not believing in his job, which is based on getting rid of the homeless men from the city. Borys’s carefreeness leads to Amadeus’s irritation. Later they get a task for 2 homeless men -Arek (Grzegorz Juras) and Gienek (Szymon Bekier), who are playing chess in a city’s park. When Arek goes to the bushes to take a piss, Amadeus and Borys beat Gienek to find Arek. When he sees it, he decides to run away. Amadeus starts a pursuit that leads to the square in front of the hospital, where Arek confesses to Amadeus that he became homeless, because he left his wife for a job and it destroyed him. That leads Amadeus to think again about his job if he wants to kill Arek.
Till death do us part | Switzerland | 20’
Director: Jakob Fessler
Writers: Jakob Fessler, Eleni Pfammatter
Producer: Jael Thoma
Cast: Sophie Angehrn, Marvin Groh
Synopsis: Rona and Timon are at a crossroads in their relationship. It doesn’t feel like it used to and – unlike their friends and everyone around them – they just can’t seem to get it right. As Rona is once again forced to leave an evening with her friends to take care of her boyfriend, their evening as a couple spirals out of control. They both want to end the relationship, but breaking up would not only hurt them both, it would also mean admitting that they wasted their time dating the wrong person. Looking for a way out, they end up fantasizing about how much easier it would be if one of them just died. Isn’t it supposed to be „’till death do us part“ anyways?After a heated cooking session and an awkward dinner, Timon tries to reconnect and accidentally breaks Ronas bowl – and with it their relationship. When they meet a few months later, Timon especially has changed. There is an uncomfortable distance between them and they both seem to have moved on. However, Timon might still hope for Ronas death.
S A R A H | Belgium | 2024 | 10’
Director: Piet MEERSSCHAUT
Writer: Piet MEERSSCHAUT
Producers: Piet MEERSSCHAUT, Jean Pierre FACK
Cast: Maya VAN ZELST, Isaiah VAN GOGH
Synopsis: 1988 – Lynn inherits a French family summer house, an ultimate chance for her to finally get in touch with her biological daughter Sarah. She writes her a letter.
Ofelia | Argentina | 2024 | 19’
Director: Facundo Bartucci
Writer: Facundo Bartucci
Producers: Facundo Bartucci, Facundo Mugica
Cast: Ofelia Piedrabuena, Milagros Bartucci, Felicitas Bartucci, Facundo Mugica, Facundo Matías Bartucci
Synopsis: What lasts after experiencing all aspects of life? At 88 years old, Ofelia reflects on her life under the attentive gaze of her grandchildren. Family, love, disputes, adventures, and tragedies. A story brimming with characters that, as a result of the passing of time, leaves Ofelia as the sole witness to recount it. Produced by Amargo y Retruco Films
The Acting Coach | Norway | 2024 | 29’
Director: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Writer: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Producer: Ingvill Thorson Plesner
Cast: André Landzaat, Denise Trankalis, Morten Rudå, Ed Lesemann, Casper Andreas, Lavleen Kaur, Frida Vhile Hansen
Synopsis: Sebastian lives in a beach house with his cat as sole companion after the death of his husband. A once renowned now disillusioned actor, he occasionally coaches students in method acting. An unexpected encounter challenges him to face his own past and losses, inspires him to reconcile with himself and find new meaning in life.
Romance Short – Official Selection – April 2024
BETA KAFE | Turkey | 2023 | 11’
Director: Mert Ozsoyler
Writer: Mert Ozsoyler
Producer: Mert Ozsoyler
Cast: Betul Gorgulu, Ali Bahadır Bahar
Synopsis: Beta Kafe represents the level of honesty and expectations people have when opening up to the ever-growing online dating world. It also illustrates how apps influence people’s behavior in their search for friendship, love, and affection.
Nothing Can Ever Ruin This | Bulgaria | 2023 | 06’
Director: Toto Mitovski
Writers: Jake Harenberg, Martin Malinov
Producer: Martin Malinov
Cast: Anton Kolev, Eleonora Ivanova
Synopsis: A young man’s relationship starts losing its spark. After meeting a new girl, he begins questioning his relationships.
Student Short – Official Selection – April 2024
The Documentary | China | 2023 | 11’
Director: Dongxu Yan
Writer: Dongxu Yan
Producer: Greta Xiang
Cast: Yilia Yuan, Yun Dai, Huanxi Wang
Synopsis: On the set of a documentary film, the interviewee was emotionally affected by the questions. The director decided to stop the entire shooting procedure to protect the interviewee. The producer insisted on rolling and collaborated with the interviewee, trying to convince the director that it was okay to continue. Unexpectedly, after a conversation with the director, the interviewee’s attitude suddenly changed, which sparked a heated debate between her and the producer. Later, the director also joined in the argument. In the end, the interviewee reveals to the director the secret she has been hiding until the end: she was a hired actress.
Dog days are over | Poland | 2024 | 23’
Director: Kinga Pudełek
Writer: Maciek Bogdański
Producer: Szkoła Filmowa w Łodzi
Cast: Irmina Liszkowska, Daniel Namiotko
Synopsis: The morning visit from a downstairs neighbour and his atypical request, take the main character on a journey down the memory lane of a lost relationship.
Tape | Finland | 2024 | 06’
Director: Wing Ki Hui
Synopsis: A piece of tape takes a young woman on an emotional journey through memories that used to be stuck somewhere in her mind.
I knew you were my kind | Germany | 2023 | 18’
Director: Vanessa Gunesch
Writer: Vanessa Gunesch
Producers: Katrin Kreppel, Isabella Müller de Paula
Cast: Silvana Mihai, Constanta Florentina Tilea
Synopsis: The ghostly off-season at the Italian coast. Just before heading home, two caretakers break into a client’s beach house and fix the faucet. A fleeting vacation day.
The Scarf | China | 2023 | 12’
Director: PU JIA
Writer: PU JIA
Producer: Loan Hoang
Cast: Abigail Chien
Synopsis: A Chinese girl struggles with knitting a scarf left unfinished by her deceased grandma. One day, grandma’s slippers spring to life, secretly helping their granddaughter with completing the scarf.
Body of Water | United Kingdom | 2024 | 16’
Director: Atiha Charlotte Burn
Synopsis: ‘Body of Water’ is a short coming-of-age journey between two Cornish girls, who find solace in their daily morning swims. In the embrace of the sunrise, Elowen and Carmen find comfort in each other and their bond blossoms into a relationship that shelters them from familial troubles, religious differences, and challenges the unique hurdle of their communication.
Two-syllable name | Brazil | 2023 | 20’
Director: Giovanna Castellari Peixoto
Writer: Giovanna Castellari Peixoto
Producer: Beatriz Seligmann
Cast: Mariana Muniz, Rogério Bandeira, Monalisa Silva, Alice Salles
Synopsis: 60-year-old seamstress Cida needs to sign a document at her workplace, but can’t read what it says. With the help of her granddaughter’s teacher, she becomes interested in literacy and, at the same time, starts questioning things that happen at her job.
Daisy | Spain | 2023 | 05’
Director: Aditi Dixit, Joffrey Atienza Zamora, Shecid Domínguez Aguilera
Synopsis: In the depths of darkness lies a music box which opens to reveal a young girl dressed in a petal dress. As the spotlight illuminates her, she discovers her ability to make music with her movements, which engages her to dance. Unbeknownst to her, eerie eyes observe her dance, causing petals to pluck out from her dress. Suddenly, she realizes that she is being watched by these eerie eyes. Desperate to escape, she struggles against her captors, only to be confined within the music box. However, a twist of fate unfolds as another child emerges from a new music box.
Siren | Estonia | 2023 | 01’
Director: Katariina Škurinski
Writer: Marian
Producer: Carmen Laurend
Cast: Taavi Teplenkov, Lee Trei, Karolin Jürise
Synopsis: The narrative of “Siren” takes place in a world where fairy tale characters are to blame for everything. Despite the peculiarities of this world, Toomas’ life revolves around his neighbor Eevi’s house. Finally, the day has come when the woman arrives to have dinner with the man. However, not everything goes as planned – to Toomas’ misfortune, a beautiful mermaid appears in front of his car. From there, events unfold that threaten to turn the shy Toomas and his neighbor into fearsome criminals.
An Alcoholic Visits Me Every night | Bulgaria | 2023 | 09’
Director: Martin Malinov
Writer: Martin Malinov
Producer: Martin Malinov
Cast: Georgi Karkelanov
Synopsis: An end-stage alcoholic’s bottle is mysteriously filled every night. As bite marks appear on his body, he quesitons reality and comes head-to-head with himself and the force responsible for his drinking
Trailer – Official Selection – April 2024
Cosmic Travelers | Macao | 2023 | 04’
Director: Yilin Huang
Producers: Cheng San Lei, Tim Chu Chan
Synopsis: In 2035, Earth becomes mysteriously cut off from the universe. Every spacecraft that goes beyond a certain point disappears, leading to a halt in space exploration and stirring fears and theories among humanity. As the years pass, Earth advances in technology and sustainability, but the curiosity about space fades among the younger generations, replaced by a reliance on robots for exploration due to past failures. Against this backdrop, a group of daring scientists and astronauts, known as the “Cosmic Travelers,” refuse to give up the dream of reconnecting with the cosmos. They embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the Great Disconnection, challenging the laws that keep humans earthbound and seeking to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond our world. This animated series follows their adventures, exploring the blend of human spirit with futuristic innovation in the quest to explore the unknown.
