Synopsis: In a desperate bid for attention, 11-year-old
Keira compulsively steals from pregnant women at her local aquatic centre. But
her actions put her at risk of losing the only family she has.
BEST DIRECTOR
Trespassers | United States | 2019 | 31’
Director: Yasmine Asha
Writer: Yasmine Asha
Producers: Yasmine Asha, Navid Navid
Cast: Belle Adams, Jamila Hernandez, Jonathan Freeman,
Adam Dorsey, Paul Bond, Barbara Lee Bragg, Luca Sammarcelli
Synopsis: “A young, single mother struggles to make
ends meet. Unexpected help comes from the undocumented teen Sofia, who not only
saves Crystal’s life, but also makes her question her anti-immigrant
sentiment.”
BEST SCREENPLAY
M O R I T U R I | France | 2019 | 17’
Director: Léo Lebesgue
Writers: Léo Lebesgue, Fareed Kairon
Producers: Léo Lebesgue, James Gentry
Cast: Leonor Oberson, Rodolphe Lechat
Synopsis: Marie is desperately waiting for a man she
thinks she will never see again.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
Chlorine | Australia
| 2019 | 18’
Actress: Clementine Bell
Director: Melissa Anastasi
Writer: Melissa Anastasi
Producer: Jessica Carrera
Cast: Marlo Kelly, Clementine Bell, Ezekiel Simat
Synopsis: In a desperate bid for attention, 11-year-old
Keira compulsively steals from pregnant women at her local aquatic centre. But
her actions put her at risk of losing the only family she has.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Birthday | United States | 2019 | 14’
Actor: Joseph Lopez
Director: Mojtaba Mirshekari
Writer: Mojtaba Mirshekari
Producers: Sarahi Salazar, Keegan O’Brien
Cast: Joseph Lopez, Luana Fitzgerald, Dillon LeMaster,
Chris Conley, Catherine Lane, Ariel Jay
Synopsis: Frank tries to celebrate his 70th birthday by
throwing a party and inviting his friends, family and neighbors, but no one
comes to his party except some new neighbors. They spend a great time together,
but not everything goes as he expected.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Chlorine | Australia
| 2019 | 18’
DoP: Emma Paine
Director: Melissa Anastasi
Writer: Melissa Anastasi
Producer: Jessica Carrera
Cast: Marlo Kelly, Clementine Bell, Ezekiel Simat
Synopsis: In a desperate bid for attention, 11-year-old
Keira compulsively steals from pregnant women at her local aquatic centre. But
her actions put her at risk of losing the only family she has.
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Stoners / Slices
of Infinity | Portugal | 2019 | 08’
Director: Fred Miranda
Writer: Mariana Emauz
Producer: Colisão
Studios
Cast: Maria Carlos,
Luis Malaquias
Synopsis:
Conceptual Thriller homaging the
Portuguese Marble.
BEST EDITING
Unblinded | Sweden
| 2020 | 13’
Editor: Nozhan Radnahad,
Paul Jerndal
Director: Paul Jerndal
Writer: Paul Jerndal
Producer: Paul Jerndal
Cast: Frida Gustavsson , David Larsson
Synopsis: Emma who is struggling with depression gets
embroiled in a passionate relationship with Mark, an egocentric pop star. Her
vulnerability and his recklessness reach a climax one evening when Emma finds
the strength to resist.
BEST NARRATIVE
Trespassers | United States | 2019 | 31’
Director: Yasmine Asha
Writer: Yasmine Asha
Producers: Yasmine Asha, Navid Navid
Cast: Belle Adams, Jamila Hernandez, Jonathan Freeman,
Adam Dorsey, Paul Bond, Barbara Lee Bragg, Luca Sammarcelli
Synopsis: “A young, single mother struggles to make
ends meet. Unexpected help comes from the undocumented teen Sofia, who not only
saves Crystal’s life, but also makes her question her anti-immigrant
sentiment.”
BEST COMEDY
THE PLUNGE | United Kingdom | 2019 | 10’
Director: Simon Ryninks
Writer: Omar Khan
Producer: Tibo Travers
Cast: Lydia Wilson, Omar Khan
Synopsis: After a night of passion Emily tells Jay
that she’d like to use a strap-on. Scared of losing a girl he has a connection
with, Jay reluctantly agrees.
BEST DRAMA
INNOCENCE | United Kingdom | 2019 | 20’
Director: Ben Reid
Writers: Ben Reid, Owen Gower
Producers: Tibo Travers, Ken Ross
Cast: Tommy Jessop, Alice Lowe, Lawrence Spellman,
Richard Glover, Beth Asher, Faraz Ayub
Synopsis: When a worker falls to his death at a care
home, it appears to be a terrible accident. But when a detective questions a
young man with Down syndrome spotted at the scene, they uncover a crime more
shocking than anyone imagined.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
The Light Thief |
Spain | 2015 | 19’
Director: Eva Daoud
Writer: Eva Daoud
Synopsis: When the essence of Love is snatched from
someone and locked away in a vessel with no name , what happens to those
persons and how do they change? How can the broken hearted souls break that
curse and recover from their pain? Can they regain their spark by overcoming
dark supernatural forces?
BEST STUDENT
Blindman’s buff | Poland | 2019 | 05’
Director: Filip Twardowski
Writer: Filip Twardowski
Producer: Lodz Film School
Cast: Zofia Bukowska
Synopsis: A lonely girl is playing the game of blindman’s
buff. Heartless faith throws her into memories of both carefree times and
brutal reality of war.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Mammoth | China | 2019 | 15’
Director: Jiamin Huang
Writer: Jiamin Huang
Producer: Zeyi Chen
Cast: Jiayi Li
Synopsis: A 17-year-old girl Chen Jialai, who is going to
participate in a cheerleading competition, suddenly learns the death of her
classmate. Under the thinking and perplexity about the nature of death, she
needs to make a choice.
BEST ANIMATION
Oh, Darling! | Germany | 2019 | 05’
Director: Cornelius Joksch
Synopsis: Obsessed with birds of all sorts, clumsy but
loveable loner Andy finds himself lucky one day, when out of nowhere the most
stunning bird he’s ever seen lands on his windowsill. Tempted by the outlook of
getting recognition amongst fellow bird-aficionados, Andy gets a little carried
away…
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Gold Smile | Israel | 2019 | 05’
Director: Alon daniel
Writer: Alon daniel
Producer: Alon daniel
Cast: Mohammed Kahil
Synopsis: “Gold Smile” is a film about Mohammed
Kahil, a Jaffa-born Muslim Arab. When you grow up in a disbanded family where
the father is a delinquent, a drug dealer, who goes out and enters on a daily
basis from prison, it seeps into the family’s roots.When the roots are rotten,
they are difficult to treat and even more difficult to revive the tree. The
tree needs to grow, get out of its source soil, let it bloom in places it has
not seen before.This movie teaches us how Mohammed Kahil, the boy who stole his
friends’ money for the big trip they dreamed of, went through a process,
cleansed of anything bad he had done in the past and even realized his own
mistakes.
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
Stoners / Slices
of Infinity | Portugal | 2019 | 08’
Director: Fred Miranda
Writer: Mariana Emauz
Producer: Colisão
Studios
Cast: Maria Carlos,
Luis Malaquias
Synopsis: Conceptual Thriller homaging the Portuguese
Marble.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Said No Lover | United States | 2019 | 04’
Director: Miguel Rodrick
Writer: Miguel Rodrick
Producer: Miguel Rodrick
Synopsis: Music Video for the song Said No Lover by Aaron
Gibson & Nahuel Bronzini. A song about leaving everything you love, and the
demons that follow you.
BEST MINI SHORT
A Map of the World | United Kingdom | 2013 | 03’
Director: Vera Graziadei
Writer: Vera Graziadei
Producer: Vera Graziadei
Cast: Oliver Birch, Nikolai Graziadei, Harper Gildener
Synopsis: Single fatherhood is weighing heavy on Ed and
the state of the world is not helping. In order to distract his exuberant
children, he sets them an impossible task – of putting together a map of the
world, that he cuts up in little pieces. His kids’ solution to solving the
puzzle, gives him an unexpected ray of hope.
BEST NO/LOW BUDGET
Reoccurring | United
Kingdom | 2020 | 14’
Directors: Clemente Lohr, Toby Elwes, Alessio Marzilli,
José Solórzano Híjar
Writer: Clemente Lohr
Producers: Clemente Lohr , Toby Elwes
Cast: Ola Forman, Clemente Lohr, Paolo Marconi,
Alessandra Celani, Lorién Sauret, Ximena Romo
‘Reoccurring’ is the combined work of three independent
film crews in London, Rome and Mexico City. This multilingual, zero budget,
film drifts between locations yet follows a single universal story. With
glimpses of young love, parental frustration and social angst, ‘Reoccurring’
exposes a shared human experience across international borders.
Title of the film: On AIR
Genre: Dystopic
Duration: 19’59
Country: France
Director: Marceau Brossard
Synopsis: 1:30pm. The Daily News on a big tv channel are going live. Everything goes smoothly, until a hacker takes over the whole set.
Title of the film: INZOLIA
Genre: Crime/Drama
Duration: 8 min. 38 sec.
Country: Canada
Director: German Jimenez
Synopsis:The Crime Lords from the criminal organizations that rule the city gather to celebrate their victory over the police.
Title of the film: “101 Knocks”
Genre: Drama
Duration: 12:03
Country: New York, USA
Director: Alkiviadis Tzortzoglou
Synopsis: After his mother’s death, a distanced son and father are brought back together to rekindle their relationship.
Title of the film: Bet on Yourself
Genre: Short Biographical Documentary
Duration: 21 minutes
Country: England
Director: Harvey Eaton
Synopsis: “John Reeve, an 80 year old entrepreneur who started his life in war-torn England, now lives in the Caribbean as a cruise ship excursion mogul.
John owned an island-themed nightclub in the centre of Coventry, hosting crooners like Liberace and Tom Jones. He intrepidly sailed across the Atlantic with no experience and no motor, has crashed at least three airplanes and two boats, lived with Pygmy Indians, had his skull caved in with a 4ft iron pipe, escaped from a Grenadian revolution, and entered the 88′ Winter Olympics as the US Virgin Islands bobsled team (yes, the same year as the Jamaicans).
Nothing in life has ever stopped John and he is an inspiration for everyone to go out, make mistakes and make a mark on the world.”
Title of the film: The Nun’s Kaddish
Genre: Drama
Duration: 7’
Country: Portugal
Director: Luis Ismael
Synopsis: A heart-warming vignette that portrays a true story of inter-religious kindness when a Nun observes a Jewish ritual. The Pope himself found this to be a positive and moving episode.
Title of the film: Ballad
Genre: Drama
Duration: 11:15
Country: Romania
Director: Bianca Mina
Synopsis: Burdened by his raging subconscious, Kirk, a grungy rock star, is about to kill himself when Mark, his biggest fan, finds him. As Kirk is getting ready to pull the trigger, Mark tries to convince him to see a future.
Title of the film: WEEKEND
Genre: Fiction
Duration: 13 min. 28 sec.
Country: Turkey
Director: Armağan Akın
Synopsis: BURCU (32) works as a production manager in a company in Istanbul. She feels tired, uninspired and meaningless.On Friday night, Burcu decides to go out of town with her boyfriend LEVENT (33) to ease the constricted soul.
Burcu, on this journey, finds herself facing with dilemmas in the her inner world fanning distress inside more.
Title of the film: New Life
Genre: Experimental
Duration: 3 Minutes
Country: French
Director: Chris Garcia
Synopsis: After a meeting that changer her life, she will try to rebuild herself through dance, the re-appropriation of her body and feminity that will giver her the strength to overcome this aggression.
Title: In My House
Genre – music video, drama, addiction
Duration – 3:52
Country – U.S.A.
Director – Daniel Sole
Synopsis – “Two brothers struggle to care for themselves faced with their mother’s Heroin addiction. Based on a true story.” This short film is the beginning of my story, based around real events that lead me being placed into foster care when I was a child. In the midst of an opioid epidemic, I made this piece because I wanted to show how addiction affected my family.
Title of the film: 30 Genre: Drama Duration: 15’ Country: Cyprus Director: Constantinos Patsalides Synopsis: Cyprus,1974. Maria is trying to find anything she can about her son who is in the battlefield. A shocking twist of fate determines the course of the rest of her life. Cast:Popi Avraam, Gianna Lefkati, Spiros Georgiou, Andreas Nicolaides Written & Produced by: George Avraam, Director of Photography: Nicos Avraamides, Sound: Stavros Terlikkas, Editing:Yorgos Gkikapeppas, Music: Christina Georgiou.
EUROPE
Title of the film: Bet on Yourself
Genre: Short Biographical Documentary
Duration: 21 minutes
Country: England
Director: Harvey Eaton
Synopsis: “John Reeve, an 80 year old entrepreneur who started his life in war-torn England, now lives in the Caribbean as a cruise ship excursion mogul.
John owned an island-themed nightclub in the centre of Coventry, hosting crooners like Liberace and Tom Jones. He intrepidly sailed across the Atlantic with no experience and no motor, has crashed at least three airplanes and two boats, lived with Pygmy Indians, had his skull caved in with a 4ft iron pipe, escaped from a Grenadian revolution, and entered the 88′ Winter Olympics as the US Virgin Islands bobsled team (yes, the same year as the Jamaicans).
Nothing in life has ever stopped John and he is an inspiration for everyone to go out, make mistakes and make a mark on the world.”
Title of the film: Undividable
Genre: Comedy
Duration:11:30
Country: Israel
Director: Gal Dvir
Synopsis: Yuval wakes up on his wedding day to an epic battle between the voices in his mind. How can one make a choice? And what if one is five or more?
Title of the film: Crisalide (english title: Chrysalis)
Genre: drama
Duration: 10’46”
Country: Italy
Director: Beatrice Nalin
Synopsis: Anna is a young woman with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. She has also developed a strong agoraphobia that forces her to stay inside the house. She looks like a chrysalis sleeping in its silk cocoon – a safe and timeless place. Her work is in a dead end, her flat and lonely days go by monotonously. But in Anna’s deepest unconscious lives a soul capable of rebelling against her own body, a soul which will emerge violently under an unexpected form.
Title of the film: Fremmed (Stranger)
Genre: experimental documentary
Duration:07.03
Country:Norway
Director: Cecilie Holtan, Kristiane Nerdrum Bøgwald, Marta Anna Løvberg
Synopsis: “Fremmed” is a short experimental documentary film made collectively by Cecilie Holtan, Kristiane Nerdrum Bøgwald and Marta Anna Løvberg. The short film is a documentation of the first encounter of three women on September 10th in Oslo, Norway. It was made entirely during the following four days. The movie explores how being both filmmakers and the characters affect the material and the developing relation between the women.
Title of the film: Traces
Genre: Drama
Duration: 23:30
Country: Turkey
Director: Osman Şahin
Synopsis: Story of 2 soldiers returning home after captivity during the Balkan Wars in 1913.
Title of the film: Fishing with Father
Genre: Drama
Duration: 23’
Country: Japan
Director: Shigeru Hirai
Synopsis: When a father who bonds with his son over fishing suffers from a stroke, his son chooses to drop out of high school to support the family while he recovers. The once close pair drift apart under their new circumstances, but eventually repair their relationship at long last and go fishing together again.
Title of the film : Companionship Genre: fantasy Duration; 04:59 Director: Engi Mahmud Synopsis: it’s about inner conflict. who is the real hero..? the puppeteer player believes that his puppet just alive through his strange melodies voice.. his feelings and his own stories …everyone try to prove that he is the one. and when they fell down they know that it is not about competition.. it is companionship
ROMANIA
Title of the film: Perpatual (Hayy-i Layemut)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 5:17
Country: Turkey
Director: Sarp Karagemicioglu
Synopsis: An immortal man decides to commit suicide. The world stops as he talks to his aopted boy.
Title of the film: Fever Queen
Genre: Experimental
Duration: 7:30
Country: United States
Director: Nick Cotrufo
Synopsis: In a hallucinatory world of quiet chaos, a young couple is haunted by a myriad of restless souls.
Title of the film: Restless
Genre: surreal
Duration: 2’
Country: Brazil / Canada
Director: Nicolas Audy
Synopsis: A visual representation of what insomnia feels like.
Title of the film: 1-800-Hotline
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 8’
Country: India
Director: Dhun Sharma
Synopsis: A suicide prevention hotline volunteer must deal with the stress of his job all the while balancing his daily life.
Title of the film: Home
Genre: Drama
Duration: 20mins (00:19:40)
Country: UK
Director: Paul Morris
Synopsis: When a lonely young girl meets a Romanian farmhand claiming to be held captive, can she help him or will his secret keep them both prisoner?
Title of the film: A Million Times Before
Genre: Comedy/Romantic Comedy
Duration: 5 minutes 21 seconds
Country: USA
Director: Barrett Edmonds
Synopsis: A comedy about falling in love while breaking apart.
Title of the film: MEAL
Genre: Drama
Duration: 11 minutes
Country: India
Director: Abhiroop Basu
Synopsis: Amidst communal tension outside, a dysfunctional family sits together for their customary morning meal.
Title of the film: You know what I have nightmares about
Genre: Drama
Duration: 16:21
Country: Serbia
Director: Aglaja Filipović
Synopsis: Sunny and Hannah are living together in the big city. Sunny is aspiring actress and she’s intensely preparing for her new play to premiere. Hannah is dealing with her own demons alone.
Title of the film: Clean water, bright future: how a single project benefits thousands in South Sudan
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 6 min
Country: Filmed in South Sudan, Edited in Malaysia, Nationality of filmmaker Mexico
Director: Enrique Leon
Synopsis: In South Sudan, the youngest in the world, 9 out of 10 people don’t have access to clean water and basic sanitation. This is the story of how Patrick, a young Scout from Juba city, is providing safe drinking water and improving the health and education of thousands of children.
Title of the film: Outing
Genre: Realistic
Duration: 22mins19secs
Country: China
Director: Luo Shuhang
Synopsis: The spring is approaching. Zhang Li is sitting downstairs in the hot pot restaurant counting flowers; Chen Ke is trancing before the beverage cabinet; and Zhou Hui enters the kitchen to heat the pot. They are expecting, looking forward to, in their repeated lives, a spring outing.
Title of the film: Clustifer
Genre: Drama
Duration: 14 min,26 sec.
Country: Lebanon
Director: Karim Araman
Synopsis: When cluster headache illness takes over, all hell breaks loose and life becomes a living inferno, will Karim be able to overcome his Clustifer?
Title of the film: Jason Goes Home
Genre: Comedy Short
Duration: 5:38
Country: US
Director: Chris Hawkinson
Synopsis: A glimpse into the life of Jason Voorhees, after he decides to stop killing and settles down in suburbia with his wife and new job.
Title of the film: Unsee
Genre: Experimental
Duration: 5 minutes
Country: India
Director: Joby Varghese
Synopsis: Once you have seen something, you can’t unsee it.
Title of the film: Blooming
Genre: children
Duration: 14 min
Country: Czech Republic
Director: Dora Šustić
Synopsis: Two sisters, Alma (11) and Lila (6), enjoy their playful time together, having a bath. One evening, faced with a strange sensation, Alma experiences the beginning of a transformation from a child to a girl: she gets her first period. At first ignoring it, Alma deals with blood during the night, but is discovered by Lila. In panic, she asks Lila to keep a secret, but little Lila misunderstands it for sickness, thinking her sister is dying. She protects Alma from their mother’s attempts of sending her to school and spills the secret. Their mom allows Alma to stay at home and deal with her problem on her own, giving her a space to bloom. She comforts Alma and helps her to overcome the shame. All three girls are united in the end, playing in the bath.
Title of the film: Make Me Fly
Genre: drama, musical
Duration: 10 min 23 sec
Country: France
Director: Peter Vino (in the credits Piotr Vin)
Synopsis: A flight-hostess meets a young and gentle man onboard a plane, she falls in love but encounters turbulence.
Title of the film: SHADOW OF DEAD TREE
Genre: Dram/fiction
Duration: 15.59
Country: Turkey
Director: Ersin Pehlivan
Synopsis: In fact, the whole story begins and ends in an apple tree… On a cold autumn morning, an old country house… Ali, who has recently lost his grandfather, waits quietly in the room. The rest of the house has begun to calculate the heritage in the next room. It is best for them to go from this village. But Ali is in the village with his memories. An announcement rises from the village. A knell for everyone who has lost his memories and roots… Ali has found a shade of tree to take refuge in. What about the rest?
Title of the film: Peete
Genre: Drama
Duration: 10 min
Country: Canada
Director: Simon Madore
Synopsis: Peete, a marginal man, arrives in a quiet neighborhood. As he waits for a loved one to contact him he realizes that his young neighbour is also an outcast.
Title of the film: “CAUGHT ON CAMERA”
Genre: HORROR/
Duration: 3 min
Country: Sweden
Director & Writer Homayoon Mobaraki
Producer Homayoon Mobaraki
Synopsis: Two lovers finds themselves in a café where weird things happen.
Title of the Film: Haftasonu (The Weekend)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 16′
Country: Turkey
Director: Yasemin Demirci
Synopsis: Silently witnessing an assault from his window on a Saturday evening, Onur finds himself in a difficult situation later in the night.
Title of the film: Cavity
Genre: Drama, Romance
Duration: 13 min 51 sec
Synopsis: On a night out with friends in NYC, Cleo, a troubled and uncertain young actress is seduced by a mysterious figure at the bar. A film about a young woman finding one’s strength in the darkest of times. A film starring, written and produced by Rebecca Knox.
Genre: Romantic comedy
Duration: 9:59
Country: USA
Director: Teddy Tenenbaum
Synopsis: Dating is hard. Especially these days. Especially when you’re married. Nothing is what appears to be in this short romantic-comedy about two people who find each other on an a very special dating app. You just can’t trust what you read online.
Title of the film: Numb
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 5 minutes 8 seconds
Country: The Netherlands
Director: Rachel Wan
Synopsis: Numb is a surreal story about a man’s bizarre day and how he just goes with it.
Title of the film: GACHA GACHA Genre: Suspense Duration: 15’47’ Country:Japan Director:YURUGU MATSUMOTO Synopsis: A woman Seia who is sober and quiet is the laughter of everyone in the company. Seia’s birthday, a young man, Kent, joined Seia and fell in love in an instant. That night, She was encouraged by an eerie man who appeared before Saki who came home, and tried a gacha-gacha called “Becoming a heroine of a drama”. Then, Seia’s birthday rolls in an unexpected direction. . . .
EUROPE
Title of the film: Go Back Forward
Genre: Fiction Short
Duration: 09:16
Country: Venezuela
Director: Marialejandra Martin
Synopsis: Coco rushes onto the stage where the exercise has already begun. In this new silence, she reveals something that she had kept for herself, a connection with the past that transforms her self-consciousness into sheer happiness.
Title of the film: Stay in Summer
Genre: Narrative
Duration: 12 minutes
Country: China
Director: Wu Tingjian
Synopsis: Summer in a small town, the boy desires to join in the school track team. While with something happened to his father, he finds him farther and farther away from his friend and the town.
Title of the film: Where do you come from
Genre: Experimental
Duration: 16’44”
Country: Taiwan
Director: Jun-Yuan Hong
Synopsis:
The film consists of the photographic narratives of individuals’ polaroid pictures taken at the time of their birth, which is used as the intertwining signifiers. A few of the selected actors came from broken families and had similar life experiences as the concept expressed in this work In other words, the subjects in the images are not only a semiotic interpretation of role-playing but also a reiteration of life experiences that overlap with these actors. That is, the creative approach employed constantly seeks subjects close to its own life trajectory as a way to realize internal, psychological imageries and spiritual restoration.
Title of the film: Blooming
Genre: children
Duration: 14 min
Country: Czech Republic
Director: Dora Šustić
Synopsis: Two sisters, Alma (11) and Lila (6), enjoy their playful time together, having a bath. One evening, faced with a strange sensation, Alma experiences the beginning of a transformation from a child to a girl: she gets her first period. At first ignoring it, Alma deals with blood during the night, but is discovered by Lila. In panic, she asks Lila to keep a secret, but little Lila misunderstands it for sickness, thinking her sister is dying. She protects Alma from their mother’s attempts of sending her to school and spills the secret. Their mom allows Alma to stay at home and deal with her problem on her own, giving her a space to bloom. She comforts Alma and helps her to overcome the shame. All three girls are united in the end, playing in the bath.
Title of the film: Peete
Genre: Drama
Duration: 10 min
Country: Canada
Director: Simon Madore
Synopsis: Peete, a marginal man, arrives in a quiet neighborhood. As he waits for a loved one to contact him he realizes that his young neighbour is also an outcast.
Title of the Film: Haftasonu (The Weekend)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 16′
Country: Turkey
Director: Yasemin Demirci
Synopsis: Silently witnessing an assault from his window on a Saturday evening, Onur finds himself in a difficult situation later in the night.
Title of the film: Tell Me Your Secrets
Genre: Fashion Video, Music Video
Duration: Nothing
Country: Japan
Director: Junichi Kagami
Synopsis:
Fashion requires not only hair and makeup and costumes, but also dance, masks, and music.
Masks and dance are often treated as a complement to costumes in fashion.
However, it is not a complement to costumes, but fashion uses hair makeup and masks, dance and music to stimulates human mind.
We have hidden faces, dance music, and a dance, I want to express the secret of the designers in fashion.
Elements that evolve fashion,
Is not it not only costumes and bags but people?
Please see our work and imagine a new fashion.
Title of the film: Cavity
Genre: Drama, Romance
Duration: 13 min 51 sec
Synopsis: On a night out with friends in NYC, Cleo, a troubled and uncertain young actress is seduced by a mysterious figure at the bar. A film about a young woman finding one’s strength in the darkest of times. A film starring, written and produced by Rebecca Knox.
Title of the Film: Michael’s Day Out
Genre: Short Documentary Film
Duration: 5 Minutes 32 Seconds
Country: India
Director: Deepshikha Poddar
Synopsis: Michael, the bubbly, outspoken and forever young puppet has been the closest companion of aging ventriloquist Prabir Das. One day Prabir takes out Michael for a trip to the outskirts of the city of Kolkata. Michael feels overjoyed to see the new roads, flyovers and skyscrapers but Prabir feels nostalgic about the lost villages that have been sucked up by the disproportionately swelling city. Through a curious dialogue with his puppet Prabir recognizes his own ironical position about “development” and is drowned in deep melancholy.
Title of the film: Numb Genre: Comedy Duration: 5 minutes 8 seconds Country: The Netherlands Director: Rachel Wan Synopsis: Numb is a surreal story about a man’s bizarre day and how he just goes with it.
ROMANIA
Title of the film: GACHA GACHA
Genre: Suspense
Duration: 15’47’
Country:Japan
Director:YURUGU MATSUMOTO
Synopsis: A woman Seia who is sober and quiet is the laughter of everyone in the company.
Seia’s birthday, a young man, Kent, joined Seia and fell in love in an instant. That night, She was encouraged by an eerie man who appeared before Saki who came home, and tried a gacha-gacha called “Becoming a heroine of a drama”. Then, Seia’s birthday rolls in an unexpected direction. . . .
Title of the film: KUKLI
Genre: Drama
Duration: 00:24:52
Country: India
Director: Shyama Sundar Majhi
Synopsis: The story is based on a village girl named Pukli who belongs to an indigenous community of rural India called the Santal. Her village is surrounded by nature’s dense jungle, completely secluded from the modern city and civilization.
Despite of the existing polarity between her small world and the urbanized civilization, Pukli grew certain unanswered questions pertaining on her mind that connects the two disconnected dimensions. What made her nurture such questions? And is Pukli’s Kukli (Question) being restrained from getting her a clear perception? Will she get her answer?
Title of the film: Chasing Mandela’s Rainbow
Genre: Social Justice and educational justice documentary
Duration: 30 minutes
Country: Shot in South Africa and produced and directed from the United Kingdom
Director: Gary Janks
Synopsis:“ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ” Nelson Mandela (2003)
Life in Mandela’s South Africa has been an unrelenting struggle between utopian hope – and painful reality. Three school students, aided by their teachers, want to join the success story this country was meant to become, post-Apartheid. They strive for recognition, dream of their place within a society, meant to work for all. Their dissimilar backgrounds and battles illustrate why Mandela’s vision never materialized and is still, a haunting and illusive rainbow.
Title of the film: A Lot More to Give: Recapturing the Dreams of Young Offenders in the Philippines
Genre: Documentary
Duration: 10:16
Country: Filmed in Philippines, Edited in Malaysia, Nationality of Filmmaker Mexico
Director: Enrique Leon
Synopsis: In the Philippines, children can be imprisoned for petty crimes from a very young age. While in high school, Junbert found a way to rehabilitate the children in conflict with the law in his city.
Title of the film: a Woman
Genre: fashion/dance film
Duration: 3 minutes 14 seconds
Country: United Kingdom
Director: Anastasia Raykova
Synopsis: Film “A Woman” tells a lot about love, empowerment and beauty in female life through dance and senses.
Title of the film: GENERICAMENTE
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 18 minutes
Country: Rome, Italy
Director: GIULIO NEGLIA
Synopsis: The attribute ‘crowd’ is not always look kindly upon, to the most not always its meaning alludes to a compliment, but for others it may be a sense of redemption, a breath of relief, a pebble removed from the shoe, a little brick that leads to dream the castle of life. They are the crowds. The ‘crowds’ are known to the most with the name of ‘extras’. They hide in cinematographic works in the so-called ‘mass scenes’, perform the most vortical interpretations showing a certain versatility: from the painter to the policeman, from the waiter to the gardener, from the fireman to the butcher. The ‘crowd’ is the figure certainly less recognized by the public, but esteemed and considered with pride and satisfaction from the components of its category. It remains, despite everything, irremovable by the film industry. Being a crowd is a job? Paolo, that dreams of being an actor, but with very poor results, is more used to appear in marginal roles. Paolo will tell us which are the enormous sacrifices, renunciations, senses of responsibility, injustices that torment the show business. From the eyes of the workers of cinema, Paolo tells an italian cross-section and, despite the economic difficulties, believes in a better world, more congenial and coherent to his dreams; these are the ones who for years have made Paolo dream, leaving aside the parental obligations: the eternal struggle between man and human being.
Title of the film: PAY PHONE
Genre: Human
Duration:2018
Country: Japan
Director: YURUGU MATSUMOTO
Synopsis: Saki in her late twenties unexpectedly gets an incoming call from a pay phone. The caller is her father Sizuo, who lives apart from her. Reunited for the first time after a long time, they are both clumsy and two of a kind. A small night’s small story where their feelings intersect.
Title of the film: TRUE LOVE
Genre: MUSIC VIDEO
Duration: 3:40
Country: ISRAEL
Director: OPHIR BEN SHIMON
Synopsis: A teenager looking for true love while fighting universal emptiness
Title of the film: Alalay
Genre: Drama, Dark Comedy, Crime
Duration: 11 minutes 8 seconds
Country: Philippines
Director: Julo Cope
Synopsis: Joshua, a blind guitarist, learns about the affair between his guide and live-in partner, Emily, and his friend, Daniel, a blind masseur. He confronts Daniel about his betrayal and begs him to leave Emily. But Daniel was unrelenting. The fight between the two blind men begins.
Title of the film: …and in silence.
Genre: Sci-fi, romance, drama
Duration: 04:43
Country: Russia
Director: Irene Grineva
Synopsis: Astronaut Kostik is performing desperate attempts to fix his ship’s lifepod systems while a mysterious voice from the recorder haunts him.
Title of the film: I AM GOD
Genre: Surrealistic Drama, Spiritual Film, Experimental
Duration: 8 minutes 54 seconds
Country: UK
Director: Madalina Mateciuc
Synopsis: I am God’ follows the journey of Ana, a teenager battling PTSD, desperate to gain control over her life. ‘I am God’ is paving the way towards girls empowerment and well-being in a broken modern society.’ Spiritual healing has an ancient pedigree, with much evidence of success.
Animation Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Jinja | United States | 2019 | 07’
Director: Talin Tanielian
Writer: Talin Tanielian
Producer: Talin Tanielian
Cast: Kensei Morita
Synopsis: On his journey to find inner peace, Mango the red panda gets lost in the forest and falls victim to a mischievous spirit who plays tricks on him along the way.
The Shadow of the Sun | Israel | 2019 | 08’
Director: Ido Hartmann
Producer: Bezalel Academy of Art and Design
Synopsis: 7 years ago Boaz has cut all ties with his parents, brother & sister, his friends, and his previous world. The film tracks the story of his disappearance and embarks in a surreal journey into the memories he left with his family.
Mister Monster | China | 2019 | 07’
Director: Guo Site
Writers: Guo Site, A-Li
Producers: Fu Xu , Zhao Xidong
Synopsis: Mr. Monster lives a lonely life away from the town with his only friend, the Mysterious, who grew up with him happily and peacefully. Until one day the Mysterious causes some trouble and makes Mr. Monster embarrassed in front of everyone, and trapped in horrible nightmare. Mr. Monster tries to cut off all contact with the world by locking themselves in the house. Unfortunately, an unexpected fire comes, and Mr. Monster is in a dilemma: dying in the raging fire or being faced with public ridicule. What is his choice, and who is his mysterious friend?
Last supper | Poland | 2019 | 13’
Director: Piotr Dumała
Writer: Piotr Dumała
Producers: Piotr Furmankiewicz, Mateusz Michalak
Synopsis: A tragedy of a group of men sitting at a table and moving to the rhythm of contemporary music played by a string quarter – the Last Supper of Jesus and 12 Apostles
Rain | Poland | 2019 | 05’
Director: Piotr Milczarek
Writer: Piotr Milczarek
Producers: Piotr Furmankiewicz, Mateusz Michalak
Synopsis: ‘The Rain’ is a simple animated film on collective consciousness. It talks about how no accountability for our actions pushes us to thoughtlessly follow the crowd, which may lead to a tragedy. The film also depicts a struggle of an individual with collective hypnosis and its consequences for both the individual and the crowd.
The Butterfly Cage | France | 2020 | 07’
Directors: Hélèna Serra, Maxime Sabisik
Writers: Hélèna Serra, Maxime Sabisik
Producers: Canasucre Productions, Pictanovo, Hélèna Serra, Maxime Sabisik
Cast: Nicola Barber
Synopsis: A little boy is dead. His parents were trying to grieve until they found out about a cloning laboratory that could give them their son back.
Commercial/Ad/TVC Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Genesis | France | 2020 | 01’
Director: David Arnaud
Writer: David Arnaud
Synopsis: Behind every ski run on the Freeride World Tour there is an idea, an inspiration, a vision – just as much as it is the case for a visual artist. In both worlds imagination plays a central role. It is no coincidence that skiers themselves talk about “drawing lines” or “imagining lines”: before existing on the snow, their lines exist only in imagination. The mountain is a canvas. A Freeride World Tour/Audi collaboration.
AURA | Germany | 2019 | 03’
Director: Timm Völkner
Synopsis:AURA gives an emotional insight into the dire world of a migraine patient.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Skate Nation | Sweden | 2019 | 17’
Director: Paul Botwid
Cast: Paul Botwid
Synopsis: When Sayed, Mohsen, and Hazrat first arrived to Sweden as refugees, they knew nothing about skateboarding, now it’s an important part of their lives. Stockholm Skate Nation is an organisation working with skateboarding as a tool for finding a way into society.
Spray | United Kingdom | 2019 | 10’
Director:James McLean
Writer: James McLean
Producer: James McLean
Cast: Jerome Davenport
Synopsis: Spreading environmental awareness through urban art. Jerome Davenport is an aerosol artist from Perth, Australia. His murals help spread awareness about climate change and other environmental factors around the world. *All cans used in this film are CFC free and were 100% recycled after filming.
The Void | United Kingdom | 2019 | 09’ Director: Ally McKenzie Cast: Louise Welsh Synopsis: As Louise’s career comes to an end, she faces her toughest fight – stepping away from the ring and adjusting to life after boxing
Then comes the evening | Serbia | 2019 | 28 Director: Maja Novaković Cast: Obrenija Radić, Vinka Radić Synopsis: The documentary depicts life of two grannies living isolated on the hills of Eastern Bosnia. Nature is the entity with which grannies speak, listen to and respect. The film emphasizes the intangible cultural heritage, through the presentation of chants and rituals for taming the adverse weather, hail, and storm. It reflects the simplicity and purity of their way of life, as well as their painstaking work. In the daily activities that they perform, the excellence and distress of these displays is revealed and revived. Everyday life shows the caring and intimacy of the grannies, both in their mutual relations and in relationship with nature. Poetic tone of the frames relies on references from genre scenes of realism paintings, creating documents of bittersweet everyday life in the countryside.
Experimental Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Wet | United States | 2019 | 02’
Director: Jane Geisler
Writer: Jane Geisler
Producer: Jane Geisler
Cast: Jamie Neumann
Synopsis: With archival images and spoken words excerpted from 1932 correspondence between Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller, “Wet” juxtaposes the eroticism of Nin’s text with the precariousness of New Orleans’ relationship to the water that defines and sustains it. Also an experiment in the degradation of digital footage using grain, dust and scratches, water damage, and film burns applied in post.
The Great Parody | Germany | 2019 | 05’
Director: André Carvalho
Writer: André Carvalho
Producer: André Carvalho
Cast: André Carvalho
Synopsis: A film director falls asleep while watching tv and dreams about selling his soul for fame.
Seven Levels Deep | Germany | 07’
Director: Pina Brutal
Writer: Pina Brutal
Producers: Mattias Larsen, Sabine Färm, Nuno Martini
Synopsis: Seven Levels Deep is a short movie that explores the possibilities of a therapy session going deeper than intended. A visual depiction of a heroines journey through her own darkness. All the shadows are familiar, still threatening. Is there a catharsis after the breaking point? A single take thriller for the curious minded.
Circus Movements | Portugal | 2019 |15’
Directors: Lukas Berger, Mário Gajo de Carvalho
Writers: Lukas Berger, Mário Gajo de Carvalho
Producers: Mário Gajo de Carvalho, Lukas Berger
Synopsis: The young girls Liya and Beza, doing the hula hoop; Habtamnesh, doing the aerial hoop; and the boy Beniyam, who is only 5 years old, performing acrobatics – these are some of the kids who are great circus artists in the magnificent landscapes of Ethiopia. This film about them is punctuated with everyday scenes of rural and city life.
I’m here | Ukraine | 2020 | 04’ Director: Kateryna Tiurina Writer: Kateryna Tiurina Producers: Viktoria Zaliznyuk , Yana Teranis Cast: Apache Crew Synopsis: Kiev, year 2019 – total copying of style, attitudes, hobbies. Unreasonable obsession with everything new, trendy, lack of autonomous thinking, lack of truth and real desires. The new generation stopped asking themselves – what do I really want to do here and now? But these guys have their own reality. This is the new elite youth, that think critically. Original. True. Our short, beautiful video is about the eternal dreamers, boys and girls, called to inspire with their honest deeds. They push us to the new achievements. They know how to dream and fulfill. They live the moment, although it often happens that society breaks their framework of an ideal world, by throwing back to the ugly reality …
Lenses | Colombia | 2018 | 12’
Director: Carlos Smith Rovira
Writer: Carlos Smith Rovira
Producers: Lola Barreto, Carlos Smith Rovira
Cast: Nelson Jara
Synopsis: Mr.X is a grey guy with a boring job. A wallflower. Covering all antique shops on sundays is his only one hobby. One day he comes across a pair of glasses which show him the world really as it is, a city full of beasts killing and eating each other. Scared, he tries to get rid of them, but the visions persist, hopeless. He’ll have to face that reality.
Fashion Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Hotel MFW | Italy | 2019 | 02’
Director: The Blink Fish
Producers: Carlo Alpeggiani, Antonio Guarrella
Synopsis: The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) presents Hotel MFW, the latest fashion film directed and produced by the Milan-based Creativity Factory The Blink Fish. Shot to celebrate Milan Fashion Week S/S 2020 (17-23 September, 2019), Hotel MFW sees several rooms of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Milan brimming with unique guests on the eve of Milan Fashion Week. Championing inclusion, diversity and uniqueness, these values form the central theme of the film and are strongly promoted by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The different looks of the models were carefully curated by fashion editor and stylist Georgia Tal, with a focus on supporting the local design scene by featuring a wide range of brands based in Italy, from emerging to more established, namely Annakiki, The Attico, L’Autre Chose, GCDS, MSGM, Paula Cademartori, Sara Battaglia, Stella Jean and Vivetta. The Blink Fish and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana have been collaborating since 2016, developing an increasingly strong online presence with fresh and relevant video content with each fashion season. Some of their most recent works, such as Start the Buzz, Be Ready and Waiting Room, have been internationally recognised, selected and awarded by several film festivals, including Berlin Commercial, Aesthetica Short Film Festival and the LA Fashion Film Festival.
Redemption | Czech Republic | 2019 | 06’
Director: Jan Moravec
Writer: Jan Moravec
Producer: Jan Moravec
Synopsis: Fashion film for Katerina Fikarova (Fikars Beauty) Make-up, Styling, SFX effects and Air-Brush. This Film is about 4 stories of girls from fashion/showbusiness and different feelngs. In this video we try every Skills what my clients Katerina can use.
Mini Video Short– Official Selection – January 2020
Je suis juste le temps du trajet (Just for the ride) | France | 03’
Director: Cyprien Saccal
Writer: Cyprien Saccal
Cast: Omar Baha, Marion Begoc
We Walk | Spain | 2019 | 03’
Director: Marc Lesperut
Writer: Maria León
Cast: Malcolm McCarthy
Synopsis: “We walk” is a moving piece that talks about the traumatic experience of what it means to run away from your roots and become an immigrant. Purposely set up in an undefined country, the main character battles against desolation and torment while thinking about his family back home. This short portraits a story of survival, hope and wish for freedom.
AURA | Germany | 2019 | 03’
Director: Timm Völkner
Synopsis: AURA gives an emotional insight into the dire world of a migraine patient.
They Don’t Like Sandals | United States | 2020 | 02’
Director: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Writer: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Producer: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Cast: Xiang Zhang
Synopsis: Midnight, a man wakes up and finds things are floating in his living room…
Music Video – Official Selection – January 2020
The Way That I Am | United States | 05’
Director: Arman Alipour
Writer: Arman Alipour
Producer: Rob Snyder
Synopsis:It’s about looking back at a troubled past and heartache but realizing you wouldn’t be who are today without it.
Marsel – Go overseas | Russian Federation | 2019 | 04’
Director: Egor Myasnikov
Writer: Egor Myasnikov
Producer: Igor Kuznetsov
Cast: Mark-Malik Murashkin
Synopsis: In our cities, stars have not been seen for a long time. The only lights that we see are the light from the windows of the buildings opposite. It is a story about a boy who wants to see the stars, and his best friend – a faithful dog. Together they go on a journey to the dream.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Fifteen (Quince) | United Kingdom | 2018 | 10’
Director: Peiman Zekavat
Writer: Peiman Zekavat
Producer: Yani Roncal Villanueva
Cast: Kelly Analy
Synopsis: Private video of Maria goes viral during a volleyball class in a school in Lima.
Follow Me | Israel | 2019 | 19’
Director: Elinor Nechemya
Writer: Elinor Nechemya
Producer: Elinor Nechemya
Cast: Avugayil Koevary, Liam Mendelson
Synopsis: It’s party night, and volunteering at a youth hotline is Omer’s typical excuse not to show up. When he finds out tonight may be his last chance with the girl he fancies, he decides to carry the call center into the night.
Union Jake | Netherlands | 2019 | 03’
Director: Luuk Walschot
Writer: Luuk Walschot
Producer: Hannah Padding
Synopsis: Leading character Jake questions his identity in a politically and religiously divided community. He is done fighting and is in search of something which unites us all.
Oliva | Spain | 2019 | 22’
Director: Irene Segovia Ponce
Writer: Irene Segovia Ponce
Producers: Maricarmen Castillo Abrego, Gisselle Cruz
Cast: Irene Segovia Ponce, Ruth Gonzáles Pujol, Teresita López Illarreta, Edel González Govea
Synopsis: Oliva is emotionally drained. Her low self-esteem makes her go through her days as a mere spectator. However, this emptiness and meaningless life will give birth to the strength that she needs to feel she can fend for herself.
Control | Islamic Republic of Iran | 2019 | 13’
Director: Mohsen Habibi
Writer: Mohsen Habibi
Producer: Mohsen Habibi
Synopsis: Arash and Navid, having decided to go to a Video Game Club, run away from school. Meanwhile, Arash proposes another plan.
“12” | Greece | 2019 | 11’
Director: Ntora Kazantzidi
Writer: Ntora Kazantzidi
Producer: Ntora Kazantzidi
Cast: Christos Sapountzis, Natalia Dimou
Synopsis: The family is invited to the home of Zoe and Nikos. They are going to celebrate the twelfth birthday of Marios. Despite its separate day, tensions can not be hidden between them, so the situation is getting out of control!
The Tail | Turkey | 2019 | 10’
Director: Yiğit Heprsev
Writer: Yiğit Hepsev
Producers: Aslıhan Altuğ, Büke Akşehirli
Cast: Fatih Al, Elit Andaç Çam
Synopsis: Ekrem(40) lives a calm life alone. With one exception… For years, some days he wakes up with a second head and just cuts it off every time! One day he goes out to throw it as usual, he encounters his neighbour, Şevval(37). She is aware of Ekrem’s situation and ok with it. The conversation between them through the garbage container, brings them closer and turns into an inner journey for him. Ekrem, leaves the bag in the trash, continues to walk with Şevval. The head gasps and dies slowly in the bag.
Sunny Hill | Belgium | 20’
Director: Christine Grulois
Writer: Christine Grulois
Producer: Gilles Bissot
Cast: Christine Grulois, Billie Bissot, Rémi Bissot, Suzanne Denamur, Anne-Marie Loop
Elena, and her two children Victor and Nina, empty the family home. They go to the village where a folk fanfare is going to parade. They meet the inhabitants again and improvise a small flea market. What a pity that Suzanne, the grandmother, is not here! Elena and her children decide to pick her up at her rest home, unfortunately she can’t go out …
Boy | Belgium | 2018-01-01 | 17’
Director: Isabelle Schapira
Writer: Isabelle Schapira
Producer: Julie Esparbes
Cast: Aloula Watel, Mélodie Louhala-Hilaire, Marie Mignon, Jenny Carter
Synopsis: Today, Tatiana, 17, is not going to school. She has a far more important event planned with her friends : saying goodbye to the boy she’s not ready to leave yet.
A Escritora (The Writer) | Portugal | 2019 | 20’
Director: HUGO PINTO
Writers: Andreia Moreira , Hugo Pinto
Producer: Rute Simões
Cast: Catarina Lima, Afonso Pimentel, AUREA, Miguel Silva, Dalila Carmo
Synopsis: ‘The Writer’.
A tale about a woman with an unusual talent for writing, overshadowed by a psychological illness: hypergraphy – the incurable disease of writing. Alice, our muse, suffers from the urge to write, unable to stop the verbal flow that plagues her. Alongside her struggle with her illness is her conflicting relationship with her husband.
Because the Night | Austria | 2020 | 13’
Director: Rafael Haider
Writer: Rafael Haider
Producer: Julian Berner
Cast: Anatol Euler-Rolle, Marie-Christine Friedrich, Peter Pertusini
Synopsis: Because the Night is about an 8-year old boy named Tobias who witnesses a fight between his mother and her boyfriend Nico. Although Nico was kicked out of the house and can’t get back in, he won’t leave. Tobias can’t understand why and it keeps him up at night.
Young, Young Men | United Kingdom | 2019 | 13’
Director: Noah Stratton-Twine
Writer: Noah Stratton-Twine
Producer: Grace Evans
Cast: John Worthy, Ned Wakeley
Synopsis: On the cusp of retrieving their exam results, two boisterous schoolboys trek through the countryside towards their first summer party. A poignant snapshot of millennial South-East England.
Funeral | France | 2019 | 15’
Director: Marie Vandelannoote
Writer: Marie Vandelannoote
Producer: BlackVision
Cast: Damien Boisseau, Anne-Laure Gruet, Anne-Hélène Orvelin, Stefen Eynius
Synopsis: Julie, Jean, Justine and Antoine reunite for their brother’s funeral wake.
An opportunity for them to gather and share their best memories, but also more painful ones. Between laughters and settling scores, they will not only bury a brother but also the convictions, guilt and an authoritarian family that caused, by its adamancy, the loss of one of them .
I’am Raining Down İnto The City | Turkey | 2019 | 15’
Director: Kasım Ördek
Writer: Kasım Ördek
Producer: Kasım Ördek
Cast: Ramazan Ergin, Fatoş Yıldız, Eyüp kan, Asuman Durmaz
Synopsis: Sait (55) lives in Diyarbakır with his family. His daughter Hacer gets dumped by her fiancee, Isa. Sait, who doesn’t accept this situation, begins to look for Isa, who is also his old apprentice. After a while, Sait faces some facts.
The Mother | Viet Nam | 2020 | 05’
Director: Le Huy Anh
Writers: Le Huy Anh, Pham Quang Thai
Producers: Hoang Duy Khanh, Khang Nguyen, Mai Phuong Ngo
Cast: Quang Su
Synopsis: An adult man’s journey to find his childhood again.
A Stranger Comes Home | Norway | 2018 | 12’
Director: Fredrik Mortensen
Writer: Fredrik Mortensen
Producer: Silje Burgin-Borch
Cast: Jermund Hermansen, Ragna Schwenke, Anders Dahlberg
Synopsis: It’s the night before Christmas eve and a little boy Discovers a burglar in his home. The burglar claims to be his estranged grandmother and she wants the boy to help her look for valuables. The boy however, is looking for something completely different.
Half a Film | Tunisia | 2020 | 30’
Director: Saif Hasnaoui
Writer: Saif Hasnaoui
Producers: Saif Hasnaoui, Hatem Fezaä
Cast: Salmen Ftouhi, Sonda Siala, Ahmed Zoghlemi
Synopsis: Nour and Chahine, choose to live a world of addiction to drugs and sex to escape from the brutality of their past, but changed their live to a misery.
Landing | United States | 2020 | 06’
Director: Eris Zhao
Writer: Eris Zhao
Producer: Jiayun Li
Cast: Ireland Richards, Hazel Lozano, Calvin Pang
Synopsis: Dreaming of flying, a rebellious girl’s life is turned upside down when a badly injured WWII pilot crash-landed near her backyard.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – January 2020
Girl And A Polar Bear | Canada | 2019 | 07’
Director: Emily Shepard
Writer: Emily Shepard
Cast: Kami Norbom, Polar Bear, Geordie Cheeseman, Ry Dizon, Philip Wilson
Synopsis: A convenience store worker is having a rough night when she is greeted by a very unusual customer.
The nightingale on the sea | Italy | 2020 | 09’
Director: Martina Mele
Writer: Martina Mele
Producers: Martina Mele, Alessandro Rocca, Nicolò Ferrara
Cast: Roberta Pazi, Aurora De Luigi
Synopsis: On a boring sunny day, an anonymous middle-aged woman unexpectedly meets a mysterious child who will lead her to reflect on the persistence of memories.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – January 2020
Cash Stash | France | 2019 | 15’
Directors: Martin Darondeau, Enya Baroux
Writer: Martin Darondeau, Enya Baroux
Producers: Nathalie Algazi, Marie Sonne-Jensen, François Drouot
Cast: Catherine Allégret, Husky Kihal, Philippe Bérodot, Philippe du Janerand
Synopsis: Jacques, 58, has had a stroke. When he wakes up at the hospital, two men claim to be his longtime friends, to have robbed a tobacco bar with him, and to be there to recover their share of the loot. According to them, Jacques is the only one who knows where the money is. However, Jacques does not remember anything. Is Jacques bluffing? Are these two men really his friends?
Running Naked In The Universe | France | 2019 | 18’
Director: Guillaume Levil
Writer: Guillaume Levil
Producer: Pascal Galopin
Cast: Alice de Lencquesaing, Anthony Sonigo
Synopsis: Camille is 25, a suburban girl with a fearful temper. A one-track mind obsesses her: SHE WANTS A KID! She can’t possibly wait three hours, and even less 9 months, not at all: she prefers to steal a child so that it is immediate.
Simon. You’re Done. | Australia | 2019 | 12’
Director: Drew Kendell
Writers: Drew Kendell, Peter Cheng
Producers: Drew Kendell, Peter Cheng
Cast: Patrick Downes
Synopsis: A timid writer struggles to find his place after waking in an alternate universe, where his latest novel has already been published.
Good Ol’ Bernie | France | 2020 | 12’
Directors: Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Writers: Loic Gaillard, Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Producers: Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Cast: Philipppe Du Janerand, Luc Antoie Diquéro, Marie -Christine Orry, Tom Villa
Synopsis: Just retired, Bernie has only one goal left: Win the next regional game of race walking!
There is someone at home | France | 2019 | 11’
Director: Firode laurent
Writer: Firode laurent
Producer: Lesoult nicolas
Cast: Irene ismailoff, bamar kane, patrick dross
Synopsis: A couple thinks they are alone in their apartment while there is a surprise guest hiding there.
Series (Web/TV) – Official Selection – January 2020
Dead End | Israel | 2019 | 04’
Director: Nir Berger
Writers: Nir Berger, Ofir Z Sasson
Producer: Yael Ozsinay – Mind the Gap Animation
Cast: Ofir Z Sasson, Gaya Beer Gurevich
Synopsis: Dead End is an animated comedy web series set in a post-apocalyptic Israel. The year is 2020 and Jerusalem has been decimated by a nuclear war. Bickering teenage siblings Yarden and Kineret travel what remains of the city in search of their little brother who went missing in the aftermath of the bombing. In their travels they encounter various survivors of what was once Israel, only to find that very little had actually changed. 10 Episodes, 4-5 minutes each. Winner, Best Screenplay – Realist Web Fest 2019 Winner, Best Commissioned Animation – Animix Festival – Israel, 2019 Winner, Best Creator in Animation & Webfilm – Asia Web Awards, Korea, 2019 Nominated, Best Short Film – Kaboom Animation Festival – Netherlands, 2019 Nominated, Best Animation – Seoul Web Fest – Korea, 2019 Nominated, Best Web Series – Raindance Film Festival – UK, 2019 Nominated – Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best Screenplay in a Comedy – Asia Web Awards, Korea, 2019
Old Folks’ Tales, Gloria, daughter of gaitan | Colombia | 2018 | 06’
Directors: Carlos Smith Rovira, Marcelo Dematei
Writer: Carolina Robledo
Producers: Carlos Smith Rovira , Laura Piaggio
Synopsis: Gloria Gaitán, daughter of an important Colombian social leader, tells us how her relationship with her father was and how she lived the moment he was murdered.
Short Drama – Official Selection – January 2020
Days of rage | Canada | 2019 | 20’
Director: Eli Jean Tahchi
Writer: Eli Jean Tahchi
Producer: Marina Khoury
Cast: Eli Jean Tahchi, Henry Wehbe, Eve Gadouas, Pierre François Bouffard
Synopsis: In December 2017, as Trump officially recognizes Jerusalem the capital of Israel, WALID, a 27 year old Palestinian finds out that his uncle who raised him, is suffering from terminal phase cancer. These disturbing news upset him and jeopardizes the relationship with his girlfriend especially after a provocative encounter with a man.
Toujane | Tunisia | 30’
Director: Khemais (kamo) hmaied
Writer: Lassaad ben hsin
Producer: Khemais (kamo) hmaied
Cast: Ahmed landolsi
Synopsis: It is a story of an extremist Imam who refuses to hold the funeral prayer for a young man who drinks alcohol. He also refuses to pray on the body of a suicide girl, but a moderate worshiper (Othman) is taking charge of these religious rituals in the cemetery, which makes him an outcast for the extremist imam, and after a while Osman is found dead in his house and the imam refuses to hold the funeral prayer for him on the pretext that he is heretic and his faith is doubtful, so people rise up against the extremist imam.
Oxymoron of Eternity | Bulgaria | 2020 | 20’
Director: Jacqueline Wagenstein
Writer: Jacqueline Wagenstein
Producer: Jacqueline Wagenstein
Cast: RUSI CHANEV, MALIN KRUSTEV, DEYAN DONKOV, IVAN BURNEV, ELENA TELBIS, YOSIF SHAMLI
Synopsis: The main character of the film is a prototype of Jorge Luis Borges called Aleph, he is 120 years old and was born in a Library, which he has never left. He is looking for the perpetuation of the Library, which according to the legend can only happen after the Labyrinth is unlocked by a blind person. The Library, inhabited by the prototypes of Light, Time, Order, and Meaning, is a metaphor of the universe and the human intelligence. This world is opposed to the one outside the Library, remote from the values and depth of the books. A call from Pontius Illiteratus invites Aleph to appear at the Babylon Congress for “adjusting his values.” Thus, Aleph encounters a tame society, an allegory of today’s, eaten by the destructive virus of the spectacle, erasing the critical perspective of its existence, floating in a superficial void. The encounter of two equally powerful characters and worlds represents a clash of values. As a result, Aleph, who is physically weaker, is blinded, but paradoxically, this gives him the right to unlock the Labyrinth.
Evermore | Croatia | 2019 | 08’
Director: Lada Imamovic
Writer: Lada Imamovic
Cast: Aurélie Garault, Joshua Esser
Synopsis: Mia has to come to terms with the death of her husband as her son makes her biggest fear come true.
ANNA | United Kingdom | 2019 | 15’ Director: Dekel Berenson Writer: Dekel Berenson Producer: Dekel Berenson Synopsis: Cannes Official Selection 19′ – Living in war-torn Eastern Ukraine, Anna is an aging single mother who is desperate for a change. Lured by a radio advertisement, she goes to party with a group of American men who are touring the country, searching for love. Nominated for a short Palme d’Or, TIFF, AFI Fest + dozens of selections and awards.
Digital Connection | Germany | 2019 | 14’
Director: Tarek Shayne Tabet
Writer: Tarek Shayne Tabet
Producer: Tarek Shayne Tabet
Cast: Götz Schulte, Ceci Chuh, Dennis Hofmeister
Synopsis: In a near future where digital avatars of the dead are created in Virtual Reality, a father cannot cope with the loss of his son. He frequently visits him in Virtual Reality. By doing so he neglects his daughter and smears the line between Reality and its digital counterpart.
Doll | Hungary | 2019 | 19’
Director: András Schmidt
Writer: András Schmidt
Producers: András Schmidt, Anna Sípos, Peter Fazakas
Cast: Zsuzsanna Rácz, Pallai Mara, Horváth Fruzsina
Synopsis: There’s a group of women who are making a puppet show for their children. They have a director, Orsolya, who tries to teach them how to work together and with the puppet. However working with these women is a little bit difficult, but the question is: why?
Student Short – Official Selection – January 2020
Kindling | Poland | 2019 | 20’
Director: Stacey Rushchak
Writer: Stacey Rushchak
Producers: Stacey Rushchak, Grzegorz Adach, Maciej Slesicki
Cast: Filip Krupa, Magdalena Rozanska
Synopsis: After spending eleven years in prison, Szymon, a man in his mid-twenties, struggles to come to terms with his past demons, over the course of his first 24 hours of freedom.
The limit of memory Eng-subs | Mexico | 2019 | 03’
Director: Nicolás Camacho Restrepo
Writer: Nicolás Camacho Restrepo
Producers: Angelina Fernández, Jorge Bolado
Cast: Juan Bautista
Synopsis: A surreal journey to the last memories of a dying man with alzheimer.
Give me a smile | Germany | 2019 | 09’
Director: Anja Gurres
Writers: Manuel Ostwald, Anja Gurres
Producers: Linda Hartogs, Arthur Struyf
Cast: Ute Lubosch
Synopsis: For the first time since her husband’s death, Ute visits their former FKK-club. Curiously she enters this familiar place and immediately receives a warm welcome. However, she painfully has to realise that in the eyes of her old friends she primarily has become the widow. Unintentionally she finds herself involved in a group game in which you have to make your teammates laugh by saying one simple sentence: “Hey Babe, I love you and if you love me too, give me a smile”. Quickly this innocent game becomes an unexpected challenge for Ute.
My Breakfast Is Your Dinner | Hungary | 19’
Director: Petra Pantyi
Writer: Alina Vincze
Producers: György Pálos, Linda Pfeiffer
Cast: Lolita Noa, Vogl, Abigél Szőke
Synopsis: As a newly diagnosed diabetic, Luca spends her first days in the hospital when she unexpectedly receives a new roommate, Noémi, who opens her eyes on the possibilities of her individual freedom.
Wish | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 12’ Director: Seyoung Lee Writer: Seyoung Lee Cast: Kim Bong-Hee, Park Young-Joon, Song Hwa-Jung, Noh Jae-Joon, Jung Hye-Sun, Lee Young Tak, Park Gun-Ryul Synopsis: Jeong-soon attempts to commit suicide with his son Si-young, who has been in a coma for 12 years.
Pushkin’s Pants | Israel | 2019 | 08’
Director: Lev Brodinsky
Writer: Lev Brodinsky
Producers: Yael Perlov, Alma Ben Zeev
Cast: Tamara Klingon, Micky Arfinio
Synopsis: In the 1990s, Israel established government-built caravansites for Russian and Ethiopian immigrants. Abraham, a 9-year-old immigrantfrom Ethiopia, teaches himself Russian in order to survive the difficultconditions, and creates a unique bond with Marina, his neighbor who immigratedfrom Russia.
Journey | Not Specified | 03’
Director: Yue Zhang
Writer: Yue Zhang
Synopsis: This is the story of a person looking for himself in the universe. A film combinates experimental and narritive elements.
WHAT REMAINS | Poland | 2019 | 28’
Directors: Eliza Godlewska, Alan Ruczyński
Writers: Eliza Godlewska, Alan Ruczyński
Producer: Warsaw Film School
Cast: Marta Ścisłowicz, Piotr Czarniecki
Synopsis: Mania, a city-born journalist, lives in a picturesque cottage in Northeast Poland. One day she has to face the unexpected death of her beloved husband. She decides to lock herself at home with his body and deal with this loss in her own intimate way against judgments of a local community.
Le Miroir (The Mirror) | Australia | 2020 | 17’ Director: Leila Murton Poole Writer: Leila Murton Poole Producers: Jara Gonzales, Leila Murton Poole Cast: Michael Caton, Noah Wiseman, Vivienne Powell, Rachel Giddens Synopsis: Mathilde, a mute French orphan, helps to protect Madame B, the most superstitious lady in the world, from all bad luck. Both have developed their own coping mechanisms to deal with extreme loss. When Mathilde breaks Madame B’s most prized possession, a magical mirror, she goes on a journey to fix it. Along the way, she meets 12 year old Tobias who is wise beyond his years and changes her life forever.
AM HIMMEL – HEAVEN’S MEADOW | Austria | 2018 | 29’ Director: Magdalena Chmielewska Writers: Magdalena Chmielewska, Andreas Schiessler Producer: Yana Eresina Cast: Maria Spanring, Valentin Postlmayr, Julia Jelinek, Johanna Orsini-Rosenberg, Giovanni Jussi Synopsis: It is night in Heaven’s Meadow, on the outskirts of Vienna. Injured and barefoot, Maya runs back home, to the city center. Next day she reports the incident of the prior evening. She undergoes a check-up and files an official statement: assaulted by several perpetrators, no traces of semen, but internal injuries. Rather than falling apart, Maya takes off to Italy to see Daniel. There, she hopes to forget. She wants to regain control of her life. But instead, she keeps floating through the world like an unanchored island.
Silent Night | United States | 2020 | 07’
Director: Aaron Travis Peters
Writer: Aaron Travis Peters
Producer: Aaron Travis Peters
Cast: Dean Nolan, Alexa Teleki
Synopsis: A short film about an important moment between a Father and his Daughter.
Landing | United States | 2020 | 06’
Director: Eris Zhao
Writer: Eris Zhao
Producer: Jiayun Li
Cast: Ireland Richards, Hazel Lozano, Calvin Pang
Synopsis: Dreaming of flying, a rebellious girl’s life is turned upside down when a badly injured WWII pilot crash-landed near her backyard.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – January 2020
Moment | Canada | 2019 | 21’
Director: Geoffrey Uloth
Writer: Geoffrey Uloth
Producers: Geoffrey Uloth, Holly Uloth
Cast: Emelia Hellman, Patrick Émmanuel Abellard, Dayane Ntibarikure
Synopsis: Brutally attacked by three masked men on Halloween night, a homeless girl faces her worst nightmare… until time stops… and she meets two mysterious strangers who can’t save her, but might help her save herself.
ZOE | Argentina | 2019 | 15’
Director: Aretha Resenido
Writer: Aretha Resenido
Producer: Aretha Resenido
Synopsis: A devastated metropolis extends over the planet. Every trace of nature has been eliminated and both water and air are precious resources. ZOE is a woman who seeks and recycles ancient objects in the forbidden zones to survive in the big city. Through those objects she connects with inaccessible and censored times. Despite the extreme control by a global security system, ZOE finds traces of vegetation, which leads to believe that there is still a place to meet with the nature and rebuild her own past.
Monster God | Argentina | 2019 | 11’
Director: Agustina San Martín
Writer: Agustina San Martín
Producers: Maca Herrera Bravo, Lucila de Arizmendi
Cast: Sabrina Grinchspun, Camila Dobrusky, Emilio Vodanovich, Isabella Rapazzo, Mariali Rubio
Synopsis: God is now a Power Plant. On a misty night cows escape, a child is chosen, and a teenager tries to find freedom.
Snow Babel | Italy | 2019 | 09’
Director: Rossella De Venuto
Writer: Rossella De Venuto
Producer: Maurizio Antonini
Cast: Bianca Nappi, Anna Negri, Elettra Mallaby, Chiara Civello, Esther Elisha , Janina Rudenska, Mila Bianchi , Vega Antonini, Mary Louise Gray, Valeria Costa, Mario Antonini
Synopsis: In the middle of a dinner, words run fast from one point to another of the table. A serious and at the same time frivolous chatter made up of anecdotes, references, and assonances. Twelve women are gathered to commemorate a thirteenth, who no longer exists, but it is still there with them. They are women of different eras and different ages. Different in appearance, they share a language, a feeling and a mysterious intimacy. A black thread runs through their speeches. It is death, which in a serious, or irreverent, playful or threatening way makes sense to the things of life. It will be the arrival of a young waiter to reveal us that things are not as they seem, and women are not where they seem to be. And to show us what our women don’t know they don’t know.
Vermo | Spain | 2020 | 18’
Director: Berta Canivell
Writer: Berta canivell
Producers: Berta Canivell, Angela Berruezo, Joana Navas
Cast: Ariadna cabrol, Pol Fernández, Àngela Rosal, Carles Arquimbau
Synopsis: The intense search for their first child will lead Alba and Yago to a loop of temporary jumps.
They Don’t Like Sandals | United States | 2020 | 02’
Director: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Writer: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Producer: Bocong ‘Limbo’ Lin
Cast: Xiang Zhang
Synopsis: Midnight, a man wakes up and finds things are floating in his living room…
Short Horror – Official Selection – January 2020
Swipe | Netherlands | 2019 | 06’
Director: Niels Bourgonje
Writers: Niels Bourgonje, Paul Bontenbal
Producer: Steffie van Rhee
Cast: Ebony Obsidian, Jefferson White
Synopsis: A girl finds out that she has a match on a dating app with a stranger, despite swiping him to the left moments ago. She starts to fear that the man is dangerously close to her.
Going Down | United States | 01’
Director: Daniel Lugo
Writers: Daniel Lugo, Jenly Crespo
Producers: Daniel Lugo, Jenly Crespo, Antonio cortes
Cast: Jenly Crespo, Daniel Lugo
Synopsis: A young woman finds herself trapped in an elevator while an indescribable figure is lurking outside.
Synopsis: Leading character Jake questions his identity
in a politically and religiously divided community. He is done fighting and is
in search of something which unites us all.
BEST DIRECTOR
Then comes the
evening | Serbia | 2019 | 28
Director: Maja
Novaković
Cast: Obrenija
Radić, Vinka Radić
Synopsis: The
documentary depicts life of two grannies living isolated on the hills of Eastern Bosnia. Nature is the entity
with which grannies speak, listen to and
respect. The film emphasizes the intangible cultural heritage, through the presentation of chants
and rituals for taming the adverse
weather, hail, and storm. It reflects the simplicity and purity of their way of life, as well as their
painstaking work. In the daily
activities that they perform, the excellence and distress of these displays is revealed and revived. Everyday
life shows the caring and intimacy of
the grannies, both in their mutual relations and in relationship with nature. Poetic tone of the
frames relies on references from genre
scenes of realism paintings, creating documents of bittersweet everyday life in the countryside.
BEST SCREENPLAY
Union Jake | Netherlands | 2019 | 03’
Director: Luuk Walschot
Writer: Luuk Walschot
Producer: Hannah Padding
Synopsis: Leading character Jake questions his identity
in a politically and religiously divided community. He is done fighting and is
in search of something which unites us all.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
My Breakfast Is Your Dinner | Hungary | 19’
Actress: Abigél Szőke
Director: Petra Pantyi
Writer: Alina Vincze
Producers: György Pálos, Linda Pfeiffer
Cast: Lolita Noa, Vogl, Abigél Szőke
Synopsis: As a newly diagnosed diabetic, Luca spends
her first days in the hospital when she unexpectedly receives a new roommate,
Noémi, who opens her eyes on the possibilities of her individual freedom.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Kindling | Poland | 2019 | 20’
Actor: Filip Krupa
Director: Stacey Rushchak
Writer: Stacey Rushchak
Producers: Stacey Rushchak, Grzegorz Adach, Maciej
Slesicki
Cast: Filip Krupa, Magdalena Rozanska
Synopsis: After spending eleven years in prison,
Szymon, a man in his mid-twenties, struggles to come to terms with his past
demons, over the course of his first 24 hours of freedom.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
I’am Raining Down İnto The City | Turkey | 2019 | 15’
Cinematographer: Emre Pekcayir
Director: Kasım Ördek
Writer: Kasım Ördek
Producer: Kasım Ördek
Cast: Ramazan
Ergin, Fatoş Yıldız, Eyüp kan, Asuman Durmaz
Synopsis: Sait (55) lives in Diyarbakır with his family.
His daughter Hacer gets dumped by her fiancee, Isa. Sait, who doesn’t accept
this situation, begins to look for Isa, who is also his old apprentice. After a
while, Sait faces some facts.
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Le Miroir (The Mirror) | Australia | 2020 | 17’
Production designer: Ziggy Taylor
Director: Leila Murton Poole
Writer: Leila Murton Poole
Producers: Jara Gonzales, Leila Murton Poole
Cast: Michael Caton, Noah Wiseman, Vivienne Powell,
Rachel Giddens
Synopsis: Mathilde, a mute French orphan,
helps to protect Madame B, the most superstitious lady in the world, from all
bad luck. Both have developed their own coping mechanisms to deal with extreme
loss. When Mathilde breaks Madame B’s most prized possession, a magical mirror,
she goes on a journey to fix it. Along the way, she meets 12 year old Tobias
who is wise beyond his years and changes her life forever.
BEST EDITING
The Mother | Viet Nam | 2020 | 05’
Editor: Tuan Do
Director: Le Huy Anh
Writers: Le Huy Anh, Pham Quang Thai
Producers: Hoang Duy Khanh, Khang Nguyen, Mai Phuong Ngo
Cast: Quang Su
Synopsis: An adult man’s journey to find his childhood again.
BEST NARRATIVE
Fifteen (Quince) | United Kingdom | 2018 | 10’
Director: Peiman Zekavat
Writer: Peiman Zekavat
Producer: Yani Roncal Villanueva
Cast: Kelly Analy
Synopsis: Private video of Maria goes viral during a
volleyball class in a school in Lima.
BEST COMEDY
Cash Stash | France | 2019 | 15’
Directors: Martin Darondeau, Enya Baroux
Writer: Martin Darondeau, Enya Baroux
Producers: Nathalie Algazi, Marie Sonne-Jensen, François
Drouot
Cast: Catherine Allégret, Husky Kihal, Philippe Bérodot,
Philippe du Janerand
Synopsis: Jacques, 58, has had a stroke.
When he wakes up at the hospital, two men claim to be his longtime friends, to
have robbed a tobacco bar with him, and to be there to recover their share of
the loot. According to them, Jacques is the only one who knows where the money
is. However, Jacques does not remember anything. Is Jacques bluffing? Are these
two men really his friends?
BEST DRAMA
Days of rage |
Canada | 2019 | 20’
Director: Eli Jean Tahchi
Writer: Eli Jean Tahchi
Producer: Marina Khoury
Cast: Eli Jean Tahchi, Henry Wehbe, Eve Gadouas, Pierre
François Bouffard
Synopsis: In December 2017, as Trump officially
recognizes Jerusalem the capital of Israel, WALID, a 27 year old Palestinian
finds out that his uncle who raised him, is suffering from terminal phase
cancer. These disturbing news upset him
and jeopardizes the relationship with his girlfriend especially after a
provocative encounter with a man.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
Snow Babel | Italy | 2019 | 09’
Director: Rossella De Venuto
Writer: Rossella De Venuto
Producer: Maurizio Antonini
Cast: Bianca Nappi, Anna Negri, Elettra Mallaby, Chiara Civello,
Esther Elisha , Janina Rudenska, Mila Bianchi , Vega Antonini, Mary Louise
Gray, Valeria Costa, Mario Antonini
Synopsis: In the middle of a dinner, words run fast from
one point to another of the table. A
serious and at the same time frivolous chatter made up of anecdotes, references, and assonances. Twelve women are
gathered to commemorate a thirteenth, who no longer exists, but it is still there with them. They
are women of different eras and different ages. Different in appearance, they
share a language, a feeling and a
mysterious intimacy. A black thread runs
through their speeches. It is death, which in a serious, or irreverent,
playful or threatening way makes sense
to the things of life. It will be the arrival of a young waiter to reveal us
that things are not as they seem, and women are not where they seem to be. And
to show us what our women don’t know they don’t know.
BEST HORROR
Swipe | Netherlands
| 2019 | 06’
Director: Niels Bourgonje
Writers: Niels Bourgonje, Paul Bontenbal
Producer: Steffie van Rhee
Cast: Ebony Obsidian, Jefferson White
Synopsis: A girl finds out that she has a match on a
dating app with a stranger, despite swiping him to the left moments ago. She
starts to fear that the man is dangerously close to her.
BEST STUDENT
AM HIMMEL – HEAVEN’S MEADOW | Austria | 2018 | 29’
Director: Magdalena Chmielewska
Writers: Magdalena Chmielewska, Andreas Schiessler
Producer: Yana Eresina
Cast: Maria Spanring, Valentin Postlmayr, Julia Jelinek,
Johanna Orsini-Rosenberg, Giovanni Jussi
Synopsis: It is night in Heaven’s Meadow, on the
outskirts of Vienna. Injured and barefoot, Maya runs back home, to the city
center. Next day she reports the incident of the prior evening. She undergoes a
check-up and files an official statement: assaulted by several perpetrators, no
traces of semen, but internal injuries. Rather than falling apart, Maya takes
off to Italy to see Daniel. There, she hopes to forget. She wants to regain
control of her life. But instead, she keeps floating through the world like an
unanchored island.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Le Miroir (The Mirror) | Australia | 2020 | 17’
Director: Leila Murton Poole
Writer: Leila Murton Poole
Producers: Jara Gonzales, Leila Murton Poole
Cast: Michael Caton, Noah Wiseman, Vivienne Powell,
Rachel Giddens
Synopsis: Mathilde, a mute French orphan,
helps to protect Madame B, the most superstitious lady in the world, from all
bad luck. Both have developed their own coping mechanisms to deal with extreme
loss. When Mathilde breaks Madame B’s most prized possession, a magical mirror,
she goes on a journey to fix it. Along the way, she meets 12 year old Tobias
who is wise beyond his years and changes her life forever.
BEST ANIMATION
The Shadow of the Sun | Israel | 2019 | 08’
Director: Ido Hartmann
Producer: Bezalel Academy of Art and
Design
Synopsis: 7 years ago
Boaz has cut all ties with his parents, brother & sister, his friends, and
his previous world. The film tracks the story of his disappearance and embarks
in a surreal journey into the memories he left with his family.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Spray | United Kingdom | 2019 | 10’
Director:James McLean
Writer: James McLean
Producer: James McLean
Cast: Jerome Davenport
Synopsis: Spreading environmental awareness through urban
art. Jerome Davenport is an aerosol
artist from Perth, Australia. His murals help spread awareness about climate
change and other environmental factors around the world. *All cans used in this film are CFC free and
were 100% recycled after filming.
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
I’m here | Ukraine
| 2020 | 04’
Director: Kateryna
Tiurina
Writer: Kateryna
Tiurina
Producers: Viktoria
Zaliznyuk , Yana Teranis
Cast: Apache Crew
Synopsis: Kiev, year
2019 – total copying of style, attitudes, hobbies. Unreasonable obsession with
everything new, trendy, lack of autonomous thinking, lack of truth and real
desires. The new generation stopped asking themselves – what do I really want
to do here and now? But these guys have their own reality. This is the new
elite youth, that think critically. Original. True. Our short, beautiful video is about the
eternal dreamers, boys and girls, called to inspire with their honest deeds.
They push us to the new achievements. They know how to dream and fulfill. They
live the moment, although it often happens that society breaks their framework
of an ideal world, by throwing back to the ugly reality …
Synopsis: In our cities, stars have not been seen for a
long time. The only lights that we see are the light from the windows of the
buildings opposite. It is a story about a boy who wants to see the stars, and
his best friend – a faithful dog. Together they go on a journey to the dream.
BEST MINI SHORT
We Walk |Spain | 2019 | 03’
Director: Marc Lesperut
Writer: Maria León
Cast: Malcolm McCarthy
Synopsis: “We walk” is a moving piece that
talks about the traumatic experience of what it means to run away from your
roots and become an immigrant. Purposely set up in an undefined country, the
main character battles against desolation and torment while thinking about his
family back home. This short portraits a story of survival, hope and wish for
freedom.
BEST NO/LOW BUDGET
Girl And A Polar Bear | Canada | 2019 | 07’
Director: Emily Shepard
Writer: Emily Shepard
Cast: Kami Norbom, Polar Bear, Geordie Cheeseman, Ry
Dizon, Philip Wilson
Synopsis: A convenience store worker is having a rough
night when she is greeted by a very unusual customer.
BEST SERIES (WEB/TV)
Dead End | Israel | 2019 | 04’
Director: Nir Berger
Writers: Nir Berger, Ofir Z Sasson
Producer: Yael Ozsinay – Mind the Gap Animation
Cast: Ofir Z Sasson, Gaya Beer Gurevich
Synopsis: Dead End is an animated comedy web series set
in a post-apocalyptic Israel. The year is 2020 and Jerusalem has been decimated
by a nuclear war. Bickering teenage siblings Yarden and Kineret travel what
remains of the city in search of their little brother who went missing in the
aftermath of the bombing. In their travels they encounter various survivors of
what was once Israel, only to find that very little had actually changed.
BEST FASHION SHORT
Hotel MFW | Italy
| 2019 | 02’
Director: The Blink
Fish
Producers: Carlo
Alpeggiani, Antonio Guarrella
Synopsis: The Camera
Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) presents
Hotel MFW, the latest fashion film directed and produced by the Milan-based
Creativity Factory The Blink Fish. Shot
to celebrate Milan Fashion Week S/S 2020 (17-23 September, 2019), Hotel MFW
sees several rooms of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Milan brimming with unique
guests on the eve of Milan Fashion Week. Championing inclusion, diversity and
uniqueness, these values form the central theme of the film and are strongly
promoted by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The different looks of the models were
carefully curated by fashion editor and stylist Georgia Tal, with a focus on
supporting the local design scene by featuring a wide range of brands based in
Italy, from emerging to more established, namely Annakiki, The Attico, L’Autre
Chose, GCDS, MSGM, Paula Cademartori, Sara Battaglia, Stella Jean and
Vivetta. The Blink Fish and the Camera
Nazionale della Moda Italiana have been collaborating since 2016, developing an
increasingly strong online presence with fresh and relevant video content with
each fashion season. Some of their most recent works, such as Start the Buzz,
Be Ready and Waiting Room, have been internationally recognised, selected and
awarded by several film festivals, including Berlin Commercial, Aesthetica
Short Film Festival and the LA Fashion Film Festival.
BEST COMMERCIAL
AURA | Germany | 2019 | 03’
Director: Timm Völkner
Synopsis:AURA gives an
emotional insight into the dire world of a migraine patient.
Animation Short – Official Selection – February 2020
The One Who Crossed the Sea | Germany | 2020 | 11’
Director: Jonas Riemer
Writers: Jonas Riemer, Lion Bischof
Producers: Jonas Riemer, Johannes Schubert
Synopsis: The animated documentary THE ONE WHO CROSSED THE SEA tells the story of a GDR refugee who joins the new right. In a folding boat, he flees via Denmark to Western Germany, where the story tips into the dark. His newly acquired freedom turns into disorientation. Only in a burgeoning nationalist movement does the main character find a new home. The film poses the elementary question: Where does the fear of the foreign and the desire for isolation really come from?
One Left | Austria | 2020 | 07’
Director: Sebastian Doringer
Synopsis: “One Left” takes place in a world where life is symbolized by a heart pictogram that appears above a person’s head. Several patients are waiting in a doctor’s office to hear test results regarding their remaining lifetimes. In most cases, the allotted time is not as long as they had hoped for.
Beyond The Moon | Republic of Korea | 2019 | 07’
Directors: JIYONG HYONG, SEOYOUNG CHO
Synopsis: Su-hyun wants to go to the star. But Gumdaeng wants Suhyun to reach the moon.
Division Series | Republic of Korea | 2019 | 06’
Director: HO KWON KIM
Writer: HO KWON KIM
Producer: JIN SOO LEE
Synopsis: Prime Minister Abe goes into KFC(Kennedy Fried Chicken) stores to buy chicken, but chicken is already sold out. At the next table, presidents from various countries start playing cards to win the last chicken basket.
CRUNCH | United States | 2019 | 10’
Director: Liukaidi Peng
Synopsis: “CRUNCH” is a sci-fi comedy 3D animation. The story starts with the morning of a little, short guy named Bob who just starts working in the space agency. When watching the spaceship launching, Bob is hit by a mysterious lightning and starts to grow bigger. But there seems no way to stop…
The Fall | Argentina | 2020 | 03’
Directors: Martin Schurmann, Fernando Szurman
Producers: Sofia Teodoro, Emiliano Bonda
Cast: William Prociuk
Synopsis: Jorge Luis Borges wrote: The mind was dreaming, the world was its dream. The Fall started its life as a dream, a typical drop dream. Everything else, we’re leaving to your imagination!
Children Short – Official Selection – February 2020
The Important Day | Russian Federation | 2019 | 20’
Director: Olesia Aleinikova
Writers: Olesia Aleinikova, Anna Rubtsova
Producer: Olesia Aleinikova
Cast: Ilya Averin, Petr Natarov, Emilia Glagoleva, Elena Tashaeva, Ivan Ivashkin, Elena Saar
Synopsis: Misha (10) is an unusual child. They say “the head in clouds” about such people. A violin virtuoso, he does not just play music, he sees it. Every sound, every note is a colour. The melody is a colourful pattern. Misha perceives the world delicately, but cannot get along with agemates. They dislike this strange timid guy, especially because the adults emphasize his talent and praise him. He is a genius and a future star for the teacher but a sissy for the boys. There is a very important day approaching in the music school – the competition where the famous producer will be present. The teacher asks children to prepare themselves thoroughly but everybody understands the producer will be there because of Misha. His parents manage to persuade this busy man to come. And only Misha does not think about the victory at all. He is just fond of music in its every form. Misha hears a very beautiful song in the subway crossing. This is the song of the vagabond. People pass by the dirty vagabond but the boy is fascinated by the song, though his mother doesn’t let him hear it till the end. Misha is compassionate about the vagabond. In the night the boy crashes the money-box to give him all coins. But there is nobody in the crossing in the morning. Meanwhile everybody waits for the producer to come to the music school. The ambitious Misha’s mother dreams to make him the star by all means. And it doesn’t matter for them whether he wants it or not. He is so small to understand the importance of the success in the modern world. The teacher is at last ready to shine her pedagogic talent – it is she who brought up the genius. She doesn’t notice that her obsessive praise intensifies the envy and provokes the conflict. The class leader Denis wants to win too but doesn’t believe in the chance – everybody admires only Misha. Denis thinks Misha gets everything so easy. It is unfair. The boys led by Denis and Sveta the blogger decide to teach Misha a lesson. They trap him in the toilet and pour the boiling water over his hands so he cannot play. Curious Sveta usually shooting everything for her blog, shoots this too. But having seen the awful act of the boys she is afraid but she doesn’t say anybody a word about it. And Misha’s parents with the teacher, caring only about the producer, do not even notice anything wrong. At last Misha is on the stage. Everybody waits for the virtuosic play but the boy just stands with his violin in hands. Colours and sounds disappeared for him. This is a grandiose failure. The producer is disappointed. Ashamed parents leave the hall silently so the producer cannot see them. The teacher asks the producer to listen to other children because there are, so to say, plenty more pebbles on the beach. Denis who got the first prize, for example. But he angrily leaves the school, he spent so much time in vain. Only Sveta thinks about Misha. She regrets that she did not say anything to the adults like a coward. But it is too late. Misha leaves the school silently. He does not care about his fiasco. The most awful thing for him is that the music and colours disappeared, the world became grey. But suddenly he hears the vagabond’s voice in the subway crossing. Colours come back again step by step. He comes to the vagabond, takes his violin and plays, despite the hurt of the burn hands. Suddenly Misha sees Sveta. She is listening to them and crying. The boy’s music doesn’t leave anybody indifferent. He seems to fly over the people and his music overwhelmed the city.
Ailin on the moon | Argentina | 2018 | 05’
Director: Claudia Ruiz
Writers: Claudia Ruiz, Malena Martinez
Producer: El molinete Animación
Synopsis: Work, do the shopping, cooking, cleaning, ironing, taking care of Ailín: that is the routine of Vilma, mother of 40 years, overwhelmed by fatigue and skin intolerance. Ailín (4), just looking to play and demand the attention of a restless girl, one day causes the emotional outbreak of the mother. The routine that led them away must be broken to meet again.
Commercial/Ad/TVC Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Papirgam.com | Ukraine | 2020 | 01’
Director: Maksym Madonov
Writer: Maksym Madonov
Producers: Ivan Voronkov, Daryna Kot
Synopsis: Papirgam is a strong durable wallet made with Tyvek material using origami technique. Video advertising is focusing on showcasing and testing what Papirgam can withstand.
We give everything for you | Spain | 2019 | 02’
Directors: Daniel Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Writers: Daniel Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Producer: 60ráfagas
Synopsis: Friulio is an event of historical recreation that is celebrated in the North of Spain, emulating celtic everyday life and their fighting against the Roman legions. The objective of the campaign was to attract a greater number of visitors.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Rooted in Shadow | 01’
Director: Bob van de Gronde
Writer: Bob van de Gronde
Producer: Masha Spaans
Cast: Jessey Voorn, Ramon Voorn, Wulicio Sabajo, Lennard Sibeijn
Synopsis: New Balance recently moved into basketball and released its Omni 1S shoe with NBA player Kawhi Leonard. The Rooted in Shadow project was meant to translate their global Basketball launch into a local campaign. Eyeforce found the true story of boxing legend Ramon Voorn and his son Jessey Voorn, who is a professional basketball player, and developed a coming of age film concept. The goal was to create a soulful piece, that feels more like a short film and did right to the original story. Since the film, Jessey has also become an ambassador for New Balance Benelux, and Rooted in Shadow marks the beginning of a longer collaboration.
Undue | Russian Federation | 2020 | 28’
Director: Natalya Lobko
Writer: Natalya Lobko
Producers: Konstantin Lobko, Natalya Lobko
Synopsis: Patients of the newborns intensive care unit are babies, born long ahead the due date. They look like old men with tiny wrinkled faces and fit in the palm of a man. How much does the babies’ chance for a full life depend on parents? How much do they believe in their baby and are ready to fight for him?
He Hekenga Tūhura | New Zealand | 2019 | 08’
Director: Allan George
Writer: Allan George
Producers: Justin Scott, Moehau Hodges-Tai
Cast: Sir Hekenukumai Pūhipi (Hector Busby)
Synopsis: In Sir Hekenukumai Pūhipi’s (1932 – 2019) last interview, he looks back on his legacy of celestial navigation and waka building, and considers who will carry the mantle into the future. Short Synopsis Revered Polynesian navigator and Māori leader, Sir Hekenukumai Pūhipi (Sir Hector Busby), passed away in 2019. During his final days ‘Sir Hek’ reflects on dedicating his life to the restoration of Māori seafaring traditions, sailing the ‘pacific triangle’ – linking Aotearoa (New Zealand), Hawaii and Rapa Nui/Easter Island – and attempting to preserve and revive a knowledge that is in danger of being forgotten. He revisits the origins of those who inspired him, including the late Māori kaumatua Sir James Henare, the Hawaiian navigators from the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the late Micronesian master navigator Mau Piailug. A conversation of an extraordinary life in full te reo Māori.
Alzheimer Cafe | Slovenia | 19’
Director: Martin Draksler
Writer: Martin Draksler
Producer: Jožica Blatnik
Synopsis: Ivan and Jožica, a married couple, move to a care home after 70 years of sharing their lives. Despite the hardships of old age, they continue to live together in the new environment. Memories are fading, love remains.
Music lives here | Russian Federation | 2019 | 27’
Director: Polina Stepanova
Producer: Irkutsk region film foundation
Synopsis: Music has been living in Irkutsk Region Philharmonic Hall for 80 years already. The film tells us about the mission of a musician, about intergenerational continuity and how the hand of a master leads and directs his pupil. About the role of the conductor in the Symphony orchestra, the power of folk music, about the voices “flying to God”. Philharmonic music travels and gets to different parts of the world, and the rattling sound of tram becomes integral part of love and harmony (of Philharmonic).
The Other Side: Dancer | United Arab Emirates | 2020 | 03’
Director: Rajeev Thottippully
Producer: Serena Houdrouge
Synopsis: Expressing her inner desires through sways and twirls, Rhea from Lebanon loves and lives dancing. Fighting the physical fatigue and the mental struggles every dancer faces, Rhea overcomes tapping and sweating away the struggles by creating, expressing and embracing her passion for the art. The series of films depict the incredible journey of different lives among the expatriate community in the UAE, which comprises the larger chunk of it’s total population. The films portray different stories of people who manage to find time to follow their heart and pursue their passion. Depicting “the other side” of their lives, the film explores the minds of passionate people, and their lifestyle, on how they make the right use of their time and resources to do what they really love, amidst their busy work life.
Robin Food | Italy | 2019 | 20’
Director: Pavel Maximov
Writer: Pavel Maximov
Producer: Pavel Maximov
Cast: Shai Rilov, Kobi Carolla, Ido Grossman
Synopsis: Robin Food is a non-profit and pay-as-you-feel restaurant with a mission: rescue, cook and serve food that otherwise would go to waste. The restaurant is saving fruit and vegetables from markets and farms to raise public awareness on issues of food waste, sustainability and climate change in the most tangible and delicious way possible: a tasty meal. Robin Food location: Sirkin St 24, Haifa, Israel Subtitles: English, Spanish, Italian (coming soon Russian, Hebrew, Polish).
Experimental Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Hold Onto the Moving Sky | United States | 2019 | 08’
Director: Benjamin Morgan
Writer: Jocelyn Berado, Benjamin Morgan
Producer: Benjamin Morgan
Cast: Jocelyn Berado, Gregory Rawlins
Synopsis: A “silent film” about a woman who receives a troubling text about her boyfriend. There’s no avoiding it; she must make a decision that will dramatically change the course of her life.
The Universe According to Dan Buckley | Germany | 2019 | 10’
Director: Roberto Santaguida
Writer: Dan Buckley
Producers: Svetla Turnin , Ezra Winton
Cast: Roberto Santaguida
Synopsis: In the beginning, there was nothing. You can get nothing easily.
Fragments | United States | 2020 | 05’
Director: Mark Neeley
Synopsis: Animated short film that combines hand drawn 2D animation and 35mm photography. The story of how individual events synchronize with each other due to timing and nostalgia. In this film, those simultaneous events being a first trip to the state of California and the loss of a pet.
Everything Felt Possible | United Kingdom | 2019 | 15’
Director: Charlie Cattrall
Writer: Charlie Cattrall
Producer: Harry Starkey-Midha
Cast: Aoife Duffin, Romeu Runa
Synopsis: A heart-broken man asks a mysterious woman to be his ex for one night. She agrees and leads him down a labyrinthine path where it’s unclear what is real and what is imaginary. As they journey deeper it is uncertain whether this will lead to their emancipation or annihilation.
Odif | United States | 2018 | 06’
Director: Mike Sanchez
Writers: Jason Madera, Mike Sanchez
Producer: Suzi Sanchez
Cast: Jason Madera, Veronica Jensen, Jordan Mosley
Synopsis: Tormented by loss, Little Man finds renewed love.
Apple | China | 2019 | 08’
Director: Jiang Xiong
Writer: Jiang Xiong
Producer: Jiang Xiong
Cast: Wei Wei, Peng MIngcheng, Xiao Qi, Zhang Xi , Jiang Yani, Yang Yang
Synopsis: The concept of this video comes from my growth experience and thinking about women’s perspective. The symbol “Apple” runs through the entire work, metaphorizing and expressing my thinking about growth / youth. Innocence-Confused-Accepted-Devoured-Return … If this process uses a taste to describe the feeling after viewing, it is like eating a bite of ripe plums, which is memorable, but it is the residual sour taste.
La Mer | Spain | 2019 | 03’
Director: Victor Claramunt
Writers: Ingrid Gené Gili, Victor Claramunt
Producers: Jose Trullenque, Victor Claramunt
Cast: Aroa Renau, Samuel Walton, Lola Walton, Maria Tereski
Synopsis: We live in a society where we are not aware of the amount of plastic around us. Four children, from 11 to 6 years old, in recognizable two-color environments, where the plastic that coexists naturally with us stands out, they will tell us what we are doing with our oceans … with our planet. From the world of fashion we must also make the audience aware that we should do everything in our power to change the course of history. Fashion as a social speaker. Kids as social speakers. We need all world attention. #gobeyondplastic
The evil eye | Germany | 2018 | 15’
Director: Leonore Kasper
Writers: Leonore Kasper, Mihaela Dragan
Producers: Leonore Kasper, proper LUFT Film, Roma Actors Association
Cast: Mihaela Dragan, Nicoleta Visan, Ion Rusu
Synopsis: A reporter and a camera operator are visiting the camp of a protesting Roma community in Bucharest that recently got evicted. During the interview the protesters start questioning the real motivation of the reporter team and claim their right to tell their version of the story. Shortfilm based on the story and experiences of the evicted people from Strada Vulturilor 50 in Bucharest, Romania.
Huo Zhe | Taiwan | 2020 | 04’
Director: Kino Lee
Writer: Kino Lee
Producer: Kino Lee
Cast: Kino Lee
Synopsis: Hands are us, water is how the life treating us, and we as audiences are watching the life from far. The title “Huo Zhe” means “living” in Mandarin.
Mini Video Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Whoopsies! | United States | 2019 | 02’
Director: Jeff Katz
Writer: Jeff Katz
Synopsis: A stop-motion story about a wandering cowgirl and her saguaro nemesis. Made at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2019.
PAPER | China | 2019 | 02’
Director: Jiang Xiong
Writer: Jiang Xiong
Producer: Jiang Xiong
Cast: Wu Dali, Kuang Zhiheng, Ye Youzhen
Synopsis: “Flow and stillness” is the theme of this work. The two topics expressed in the heavy factory and on the light paper are interchangeable. The image of “paper” can be bright and dark, light and heavy, and it can be constantly changed. It can be used under anti-gravity to form an uncontrollable factor.
The Fall | Argentina | 2020 | 03’
Directors: Martin Schurmann, Fernando Szurman
Producers: Sofia Teodoro, Emiliano Bonda
Cast: William Prociuk
Synopsis: Jorge Luis Borges wrote: The mind was dreaming, the world was its dream. The Fall started its life as a dream, a typical drop dream. Everything else, we’re leaving to your imagination!
Mobile Phone Short – Official Selection – February 2020
The Test | Germany | 2020 | 03’
Director: Philipp Christopher
Writer: Philipp Christopher
Producer: Philipp Christopher
Cast: Philipp Christopher, Anna Schumacher
Synopsis: A couple is conversing over the phone while taking a pregnancy test. The result will surprise you.
Sleepwalkers | Russian Federation | 2020-01-29 | 08’
Director: Yakov Ionychev
Writer: Yakov Ionychev
Producer: Geroge Yarygin
Cast: Dmitry Sokolov, Anna Ezhova
Synopsis: A life wasting gamer starts waking up with random things in bed. Trying to find out where they come from he finds himself sleepwalking with someone and tries to meet this person when they are awakened.
Music Video – Official Selection – February 2020
Fucking Down | Spain | 2019 | 05’
Director: Amanda Lago
Producers: Paula Garcia & Patricia Sagues (Lapiscina)
Cast: Paula Garcia, Maria Kaltembacher, Antia Lousada , Silvia Maya, Angeles Paez, Deni Georgieva, Cachito Noguera, Claudia Placer, Alexandra Hervas
Fucking Down is latest music video directed by Spanish filmmaker Amanda Lago for musician Fatal Tiger, produced by Lapiscina. The video explores the struggle we face in accepting ourselves by portraying and engaging with the most extreme aspects of our personality. Set in a futuristic dystopian era with a strong retro aesthetic, Fucking Down presents us with several women of different ages surrounding the singer in a somber hotel room. Though similar in appearance, each reflects a unique trait spanning across the whole spectrum of human emotions. From playful and kind to brutal and fierce, the singer finds herself at their complete mercy with almost no control over their actions. A carefully constructed and purposefully repetitive choreography illustrates this scenario, with each cycle featuring slightly different movements – some more exaggerated and violent and some more restrained and controlled. This reiteration gives the protagonist the chance to react differently each time and learn more about herself, leading her to predict patterns in her own behaviour and gradually accept herself.
LENNY MAKES SOME-THING – “TURN ME ON (feat.ARCX)” MV | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 04’
Director: Junha Kim
Writers: LENNY MAKES SOME-THING, Junha Kim
Producer: Junha Kim
Synopsis: Musician Lenny escapes from his boring routine through his music. Singing his new song “Turn Me On”, he meets his muse Tinkerbell, travels together in the fantasy world and fascinates various fairy tale characters.
Friend Anxiety | Spain | 2018 | 07’
Directors: Daniel Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Writers: Daniel Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Producer: 60ráfagas
Cast: Igor Fernández
Synopsis: Anxiety is a monster that sits on your chest and does not allow you to breathe, it is the constant fear of anticipation of things that will surely never happen. Our society has increased desires to the unbearable and at the same time to satisfy them it’s much more difficult. Time ago people fought on the battlefield of war, today the battlefield has expanded to sex, money and work.
Animals | Greece | 2019 | 06’
Director: Evan Maragkoudakis
Producers: Panos Gklinos, George Diathesopoulos, Dimitris Sakellariou, Dimitris Georgopoulos
Cast: Filius-Mihail Canakis, Vaggelis Salevris, Dimos Kallay, Antonis Mantakas
Synopsis: After an extreme gang hazing “ritual”, a rookie gang member discovers and embraces his true self. Overcoming peer pressure, he gives way to the most sacred human emotion, love.
Moonwalk | Canada | 2019 | 05’
Director: Vincent Marcone
Writer: Vincent Marcone
Producer: Vincent Marcone
Synopsis: A modern day fairytale about a young boy in Ghana who is confronted by a strange spirit animal as he harvests precious bits of copper from a toxic mound of electronic waste.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Bedlam | Singapore | 2020 | 07’
Director: Nor Hisham
Writer: Nor Hisham
Producer: Lim Li Yin
Cast: Ng Lee Huat, Amy Ng Kuan Yeen, Raphael Depari, Tian Dai Thian
Synopsis: A story of a lonely old man.
HERMA | France | 2020 | 29’
Director: Beauron Eric
Writer: Beauron Eric
Producer: Beauron Eric
Cast: Peadar O Baoill, Eoghan Mac, Giolla Bhride
Synopsis: At the edge of the world, four men live on one abandoned island. One morning, a dead man is discovered in a boat. It’s the beginning of a series of catastrophes. The fish is dying, the sea is empty … Seán Beag, the young disciple of Marcus, then seeks to restore the order of things.
Break Street | Australia | 2020 | 06’
Director: Josef Ber
Writer: Josef Ber
Producer: Josef Ber
Synopsis: Childhoods are full of glory stories. Here’s another one.
Short Deeds (Kratki rezi) | Slovenia | 2019 | 31’
Directors: Urban Zorko, Urška Menart, Mitja Mlakar, Kukla, Jure Dostal
Writers: Lara Simona Taufer, Rok Bohinc, Eva Nina Lampič, Vesna Lemaić, Marko Kumer Murč, Simona Hamer
Producers: Marko Kumer – Murč, Mojca Pernat
Cast: Marko Mandić , Katarina Čas, Rok Bohinc , Nina Cijan , Lovro Čuček, Davor Janjić , Doroteja Nadrah, Matija Vastl , Maja Majzelj, Janez Škof , Saša Pavček , Gregor Baković , Primož Pirnat
Synopsis: In the globalised times when everything, including human beings, is seen as a commodity, leaving each other seems to be just another everyday chore. Short Deeds is an omnibus of six different cinematic visions, done by five Slovenian directors, in which human relationships die in funny and unfunny ways. There is a one common witness in each story – a car.
The Flood | Slovenia | 2019 | 15’
Director: Kristijan Krajnčan
Writer: Kristijan Krajnčan
Producers: Katja Lenarčič, Marko Kumer
Cast: Matej Puc, Žigan Krajnčan
Synopsis: A long-absent father and his neglected son set off on a reconciliation trip, heading for the family mountain hut. Although the son longs for his distant father’s appreciation and attention, at the same time he desires to declare his independence and cut loose from all the narrow-mindedness that seems to be passed on from generation to generation. As heavy rains, curiously predicted by the father, suddenly disrupt a sunny day, the two men need to settle their scores before an ominous flood comes upon them.
RUFUS | Poland | 2019 | 19’
Director: Oskar Zakrzewski
Writer: Oskar Zakrzewski
Producers: Karolina Królikowska, Oskar Zakrzewski
Cast: Jakub Sokołowski, Oskar Stoczyński, Wojciech Machnicki, Grzegorz Kowalczyk, Sebastian Figat, Magdalena Kaczmarek, Julia Konarska
Synopsis: Dark comedy about Janek, who wants something more from life. More money, more splendor, more respect. Unfortunately he doesn’t know how to achieve it. He works in a car workshop with his best friend Tomek. Things get complicated when Janek’s to do a “favor” to Mr. Marian – the rich and influential father of his girlfriend.
Pipo and Blind Love | France | 2019 | 12’
Director: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Writer: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Producer: Igal Kohen
Cast: Anatole Zangs, Solange
Synopsis: In a dezhumanized world where emotions are rationed and measured by a gauge, Pipo, a factory worker falls in love with a woman sitting on a bench. He will try anything to attract her attention and seduce her with his own « language ».
Façade – Adrift in a sea of strangers | Canada | 2019 | 06’
Director: Alexandre Richard
Writers: Alexandre Richard, Jean Luc Oicle
Producers: Nicolas Fontaine, Graham Gs, Alexandre Richard
Cast: Charlotte Chabauty, Adrien McElligott
Synopsis: The search for oneself in a deluded wold of ignorance and insecurity.
Love in the Rain | United States | 2019 | 13’
Director: Rajendra Thakurathi
Writer: Rajendra Thakurathi
Producers: Mohit Acharya, Francisco Cantu, Stephen James Thomas
Cast: Vibish Sivakumar, Briana Evigan
Synopsis: A young couple with a history decides their fate on a rainy summer night.
Islander | United States | 2019 | 12’
Director: Derek Pastuszek
Writer: Derek Pastuszek
Cast: Jeff Swisher
Synopsis: The storm took everything… but, now, pieces have begun to wash ashore.
Public Discourse | United Kingdom | 2019 | 12’
Cast: Nik Cage, Alexandra Evans , Isobella Hubbard , Lydia Piechowiak
Log line: Eme and James have conflicting beliefs about the world. Sparks fly when they meet during a night out.
Synopsis: When PHD student James arrives to meet a friend, he’s introduced to the sharp and formidable Esme. They have opposing beliefs about the world which brings them into conflict. Sparks fly as each defends their views. ‘Public Discourse’ explores colliding ideologies and bridging the gap in a culture war between the sexes.
Black Heart, Red Hands | Australia | 2019 | 15’
Director: Russell Southam
Writer: Russell Southam
Producers: Russell Southam, Adam Spinks
Cast: Kurt Bayly, Benjamin W Sullivan, Gemma Dart, Benn Spillane, Kya Stewart, Keely Spedding, Campbell McGillivray, Kashmala Sameer, Albert Goikhman, Caitlin Murphy, Josh Megarrity, Tamaryn Hurly
Synopsis: Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Australia’s World Heritage-listed National Parks; a first-time killer is about to learn what it really takes to pull off the perfect crime.
The Twins | Malaysia | 2020 | 07’
Directors: WKNDPRJCTS, Cru Bannon, Douglas Ho, Yuriz Joe
Writers: WKNDPRJCTS, Cru Bannon, Douglas Ho, Yuriz Joe, Ruby Faye, Tan Mei Ling
Producer: WKNDPRJCTS
Cast: Ruby Faye, Tan Mei Ling, Soo Xu Ze
Synopsis: The greatest love endures the greatest sacrifice. The film revolves around the story of Ah Ma,and her Twins Ah Boy & Ah Girl. Chinese family traditionally prefer boys over girls but often forget the sacrifices made by their daughter. However, with a twist of fate, things change and forever changes the dynamics of this family.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – February 2020
Domestic Bliss | United States | 2020 | 08’
Director: Brittany Bartley
Writer: Brittany Bartley
Synopsis: Eight days in the life of a stoic couple and their ornery cat.
24 Hours in London | United Kingdom | 2020 | 05’
Director: Pavan Guliani
Synopsis: A vision of London through my eyes and the things that have stood out to me during my 9 years of living here.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – February 2020
Good Ol’ Bernie | France | 2020 | 12’
Directors: Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Writers: Loic Gaillard, Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Producers: Olivier Ducray, Wilfried Méance
Cast: Philipppe Du Janerand, Luc Antoie Diquéro, Marie -Christine Orry, Tom Villa
Synopsis: Just retired, Bernie has only one goal left: Win the next regional game of race walking!
Don’t Be A Coward | United States | 2020 | 07’
Director: Lana Marks
Writer: Lana Marks
Producer: Lana Marks
Cast: Lindsay Elston, Carolyn Deskin
Synopsis: A musical about coping with depression…but it’s a comedy
Eye Drops | United States | 2019 | 18’
Director: Michael Suchmann
Writer: Michael Suchmann
Producer: Cami Viollet
Synopsis: Best friends, Benny and Greg sit high in a car, drinking slushees, people watching and discussing their aimless post-college life.
Short Drama – Official Selection – February 2020
Homesick | France | 25’ Director: Koya Kamura Writer: Koya Kamura Producer: Rafael Andrea Soatto Cast: Tasuku Nagaoka, Shouta Ikoma, Yuki Sakurai Synopsis: Two years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Murai braves danger and wanders through the no-go zone in order to spend time with Jun, his eight-year-old son.
Doll | Hungary | 2019 | 19’
Director: András Schmidt
Writer: András Schmidt
Producer: András Schmidt, Anna Sípos, Peter Fazakas
Cast: Zsuzsanna Rácz, Pallai Mara, Horváth Fruzsina
Synopsis: There’s a group of women who are making a puppet show for their children. They have a director, Orsolya, who tries to teach them how to work together and with the puppet. However working with these women is a little bit difficult, but the question is: why?
Yatharth (As It Is) | India | 2019 | 30’
Director: Sangram Soni
Writer: Sangram Soni
Producer: Satya Rajpurohit
Cast: Vitthal Kale, Rajshri Deshpande
Synopsis: A disillusioned fisherman is trying to restore respect from his son while gambling through a whirlpool of instincts. He journey’s through the Ganeshotsav festival, with a ghost of his past, of witnessing a whale in their ocean.
After the Hunt | Slovenia | 19’
Director: Urška Djukić
Writer: Urška Djukić
Producer: Marina Gumzi
Cast: Nataša Barbara Gračner, Ana Penca, Gojmir Lešnjak, Lučka Počkaj
Synopsis: Silva, a middle – aged woman and an ardent hunter, decides to take her teenage daughter for a first hunt. But the initiating trip doesn’t exactly go as she would have wished. Silva returns home n ot with a wild boar, but with a doubt about her identity.
What Kind Of Day Has It Been? | United States | 2020 | 10’
Director: Elijah Reynolds
Writer: Elijah Reynolds
Producers: Elijah Reynolds, Emman Sadorra, Liv Johnson, Aubrey Pyser
Cast: Aubrey Pyser, Shane Morton, Asia Renee
Synopsis: Three highschool students go through their stressful, but normal day. Everything is totally ordinary, until it’s not.
Home Is Where The House Is | Slovenia | 2019 | 24’
Director: Peter Cerovšek
Writers: Maja Šuša, Peter Cerovšek, Dado Ćosić
Producers: Darej Šömen, Jovan Jelisavčić
Cast: Maja Šuša, Dado Ćosić, Lana Karaklajić, Nina Violić, Deana Lozar Šömen, Darij Šömen
Synopsis: Luna and Luka live in their grandmother’s house, which represents the whole universe to them. Any attempt to make a change is considered as the worst betrayal.
A Boy on His Birthday | United States | 2020 | 03’
Director: Jason Duong
Writers: Jason Duong, Zachary Phillips
Producer: Jason Duong
Cast: Enoch Duong-Paul
Synopsis: A boy wakes up on his birthday and despite being the only one awake, he is determined eat his cupcake.
Moschaisk | Germany | 2019 | 12’
Directors: Jonathan L. Williams, Ludwig Bachmann, Adrian Martin
Writer: Jonathan L. Williams
Producer: Adrian Martin
Cast: Max Claus, MArtin Schöndorfer
Synopsis: The two brothers Konrad and Hermann are glad that they do not have to participate in the further advance of their unit. But soon the two find themselves alone in their position and have to fend off an attack by Soviet soldiers. Konrad finally has to carry his wounded brother through no man’s land and has to make a difficult decision.
Break Off | 2020 | 19’
Director: Öykü Orhan
Writer: Öykü Orhan
Producer: Öykü Orhan
Cast: Reyhan Özdilek , Cahit AK, Azra AK, Ustabaşı Hasan , Ezgi Sözmen , Lokanta Görevlisi
Synopsis: Zeliha, mother of two children, is a poor laborer who works in a steel soucepan factory. One day, she is fired as an unexpected moment. While she is attempting to find new job, she also searchs for solution in order to prevent children noticing this situation. A solution created by her, shows deadlock condition as a result of poverty.
Ave Maria | India | 2019 | 25’
Director: Vanita Omung Kumar
Writer: Vanita Omung Kumar
Producers: Omung Kumar B, Deepak Dhar, Rishi Negi
Cast: Shivika Rishi, Annup Sonii, Lin Laishram, Nitinn R Miranni
Synopsis: ‘Ave Maria’ centres around a Christian family in Goa. It deals with Child Abuse. Paul is in his mid thirties, father to Maria who is an 8 year old kid with an issue. She is an intovert and does not like to mingle, lives in her own little world… her space. Paul is a concerned father, who time and again tries to brace the issue regarding Maria with his wife Susan who is a caring mom, but actually in a state of denial regarding her daughters behaviour who tends to be on the defensive where Maria’s silence is concerned… she is a very protective mom. Maria finds solace and a true friend, in a ventriloquist dummy gifted to her by her mother, and names her ‘Mary’. Mary becomes Maria’s voice. Paul finds this behaviour abnormal and expresses his concern as he wants his daughter to be just a normal happy kid. Their fears are realised when Maria decides to confront her demons at her birthday party when she with the help of Mary her dummy, discloses that she has been sexually abused by her Uncle John, Paul’s brother.
Possibility | Ukraine | 2020 | 12’
Director: Volodymyr Kliuiev
Writer: Mikael Karapetian
Producer: Denis Yanchukov
Cast: Oleh Sokolovsky, Tania Zlova
Synopsis: Ukrainian philosophical-psychological drama with elements of science fiction, named Possibility. The story of a young programmer, dreamer, who desperately sought to reach an unprecedented goal – the creation of artificial intelligence, and now is ready to have a long-awaited and decisive conversation that can permanently complete his efforts.
Black Heart, Red Hands | Australia | 2019 | 15’
Director: Russell Southam
Writer: Russell Southam
Producers: Russell Southam, Adam Spinks
Cast: Kurt Bayly, Benjamin W Sullivan, Gemma Dart, Benn Spillane, Kya Stewart, Keely Spedding, Campbell McGillivray, Kashmala Sameer, Albert Goikhman, Caitlin Murphy, Josh Megarrity, Tamaryn Hurly
Synopsis: Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Australia’s World Heritage-listed National Parks; a first-time killer is about to learn what it really takes to pull off the perfect crime.
The Twins | Malaysia | 2020 | 07’
Directors: WKNDPRJCTS, Cru Bannon, Douglas Ho, Yuriz Joe
Writers: WKNDPRJCTS, Cru Bannon, Douglas Ho, Yuriz Joe, Ruby Faye, Tan Mei Ling
Producer: WKNDPRJCTS
Cast: Ruby Faye, Tan Mei Ling, Soo Xu Ze
Synopsis: The greatest love endures the greatest sacrifice. The film revolves around the story of Ah Ma,and her Twins Ah Boy & Ah Girl. Chinese family traditionally prefer boys over girls but often forget the sacrifices made by their daughter. However, with a twist of fate, things change and forever changes the dynamics of this family.
Student Short – Official Selection – February 2020
Tension | Czech Republic | 2019 | 26’
Director: Michal Starý
Writer: Michal Starý
Producer: Kristýna Šlemínová
Cast: Lukáš Král, Tomáš Dianiška, Jitka Ježková, Cyril Drozda, Dana Černá, Jan Maléř
Synopsis: Max Varga runs a private firm which deals in damaging the reputation of individuals ordered by clients. However, during an operation, his assigned target vanishes. A desperate fight against time ensues, in which he can’t afford to disappoint his client Lola Lieberman, at the same time getting caught up in a dispute with his collegue Tom Karloff. The film is about the moral downfall of a person who becomes consumed by th evil he himself created. It draws on conventions of film noir both thematically and stylishtically, but it’s creative purpose were familiar visual elements of classical film noir (such as low-key lighting and dutch angles) with untraditional ones, for example the use of hand-held camera or electronic music.
A Natural Code | United Kingdom | 2019 | 10’
Director: Cristina Ceuca
Writers: Natasha Ellison, Cristina Ceuca
Producer: Cristina Ceuca
Cast: Natasha Ellison, Dr Philip Ball, Prof Philip Maini, Irthisham Zareer (MWSRP)
Synopsis: This is a short wildlife documentary about the fascinating Turing patterns in nature and how they may help endangered species around the world. The first half of the film introduces three characters – a science writer, Philip Ball and two mathematicians, Natasha Ellison and Philip Maini. They will take us on a quest to explain who Alan Turing was and what is his connection with patterns in nature. Alan Turing was able to explain, using two mathematical equations, how the patterns arise in nature, from zebra stripes and leopard spots to landscapes and even animal movements. This is quintessential for the story, as we will later show how this can help endangered species. The second part of the film is showing how these patterns can help with conservation. The main example for this will be the beautiful patterns of a whale shark, as their spot point configuration forms a Turing pattern. The last person introduced will be Iru, the Lead Field Coordinator of the Maldives Whale Shark Research. Through her, viewers will discover how the team can identify individual whale sharks by their unique spots on their skin. Natasha Ellison specialises in models which describe ecological processes. This means she can describe the patterns formed by animal movements, using Turing’s pattern formation theory. She will explain to the viewers that the patterns can also exist in the way the animals use their landscape. Where animal coat patterns are created by chemical reactions, animal movement patterns are created by behaviours, such as foraging for food or avoiding predators. Natasha will link then the animal movement theory with the whale shark movement. This film will take viewers on a fascinating journey, from the secret world of mathematical ecology to incredible Turing patterns in nature and beautiful underwater scenes.
When I’m at home | Serbia | 2019 | 16’
Director: Ivana
Writer: Melina
Producer: Tijana
Cast: Milica
Synopsis: Marija is coming back home to face her childhood trauma.
HAYAT – LIFE | Germany | 2019 | 30’
Director: Suli Kurban
Writer: Suli Kurban
Producers: Bettina Timm, Alexander Riedl
Cast: Süheyla Ünlü, Chinar Mahmadan, Eren Karadag, Slim Carthage, Yasemin Karabazar
Synopsis: Hayat means “Life“. She is in her early twenties and still hanging out in the playgrounds of Neuperlach. She seems somewhat lost, not having arrived anywhere yet. But gradually she starts to fight her way out of this fog and this sense of meaninglessness. Her first boxing fight does not just happen in the streets like before, no, it is a proper boxing match as part of a tournament. Will she also pass the test for secondary school? Mom would be most pleased if she married her favourite. But would that be the best thing for her? A documentary glimpse of a young life.
ROYAL BLUE | Austria | 2018 | 15’
Director: Dinko Draganovic
Writer: Dinko Draganovic
Producers: Dinko Draganovic, Sinisa Vidovic
Cast: Rubina Mia Jungwirth, Ljubisa Lupo Grujcic
Synopsis: On his way to take his daughter to gymnastics, a gambling addict stops at a betting shop, leaving the 9-year-old girl in the car. When he returns, he realizes nothing will ever be the same again.
ALASKA. LOST FACE | Russian Federation | 2020 | 20’
Director: Alexey Matveev
Writer: Alexey Matveev (based on the novel by Jack London)
Producer: Alexey Matveev
Synopsis: Subyenkov, a fur miner, has risen through the ranks, starting as an idealist and ending up as a criminal thrown by fate into the lands of Alaska. And now he sits tied up in natives’ captivity. And next to him, a “Big Ivan” is twisting with pain, a man he thought was a man without nerves. Subyenkov finds a way out for himself, telling the Indian leader about a miraculous remedy that will simply prevent him from dying. The experience of trading with the Indians helps him get the chief into his game. So what’s he up to?
Chick Flicks | United States | 2019 | 20’
Director: Tatiana Jorio
Synopsis: Chick Flicks is a short documentary that explores the experience of women-identifying film students as they navigate a very white male dominated industry, the me-too movement, racism, industry sexism and a film school that perpetuates it all.
Mailman | Canada | 2020 | 12’
Director: Elmo Liao
Writer: Bernardus Bernard
Producer: Una Ching
Cast: Arvin Shah, Raven Light, Lincoln Hall, Richard Rowsell
Synopsis: A timid, judgmental mailman, Tim, delivers envelopes from one mailbox to the other. Silently, he observes each recipient and deduce their ordeal through the kind of mail they receive. He assigns each of them as either being the recipient of fortune or misfortune, though he feels that he’s neither since he’s the one who delivers the mail. He spends most his income on lottery tickets due to his belief in luck. Other than being a mailman, Tim delivers drugs for Mrs. Smith, with whom Tim’s father owed debts to. Tim sees Jesse, Mrs. Smith’s son, struggling with basic mathematics. Tim helps Jesse with the basics, and he grows fond of Jesse. He even helps Jesse to fix up the broken Walkies from Jesse’s long-gone father. Tim’s denial of his misfortune slowly dissipates as he realizes he shared the same childhood as what Jesse’s experiencing right now which makes Tim sympathizes for Jesse. Mrs. Smith soon finds out and forbids Tim to associate with her son. Tim feels at peace knowing that Jesse’s going to try his hardest despite not being able to meet with him anymore and he finally realize that human being can create their own luck by changing fate, so he decides to leave a surprise to little Jesse.
Endless Dream | China | 2019 | 09’
Director: Xinyao Li
Writer: Xinyao Li
Producer: Xinyao Li
Cast: Yishan Wu, Shuge Zhao, Tongyu Zhang, Huanle Lin, Xiaochun Ding
Synopsis: The title of the short film is Endless Dream.A young woman,Lin,goes to see the doctor.When the psychologist does hypnotherapy for Lin,she finds Lin has the scar that she accidentally kills the neighborhood boy in childhood.Lin has an argument with the psychologist after she wakes up,and she kills the doctor unexpectedly.Then Lin is in a coma and she has a dream.In this dream,she wakes up again and does not kill the doctor,who is still treating her.However,when Lin really wakes up,what is the truth that she sees……?
WHEN WE OPEN THE GATES OF THE SKY | Russian Federation | 2019 | 07’
Director: Pavel Bykovchenko
Writer: Aydar Khismatullin
Producer: Pavel Bykovchenko
Synopsis: An inquisitive boy asks his grandfather about a man whose monument he diligently cares for. Who is this man?
Shimmery | Taiwan | 2018 | 04’
Director: TzuYi Yang
Synopsis: Shimmery is a surreal, narrative animation whose style combines 3D and 2D graphic elements. A gentle beast searches for light in a dark forest taking the audience on an exploration of addiction at its essence.
Honeyheart | United States | 2019 | 06’
Director: Alice Langlois
Synopsis: Nestled in her cozy tree trunk home, a bird is going about her day when a wild honeybee flies into her house. The small but startling encounter unfolds into an intense, tumultuous journey of anxiety, fear, and self-acceptance.
Faust | Poland | 2019 | 07’
Director: Marianna Atłas
Writer: Marianna Atłas
Producer: Marianna Atłas
Cast: Tomasz Górecki
Synopsis: “Faust” (2019) – graduation short film created in technique of stop-motion/doll/2D animation with handmade dolls and scenography. It’s my interpretation of the legend of Faust, based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Faust”, where an alchemist trying to find a meaning of life signs a deal with the devil. Animation refers to German Expressionism movement.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – February 2020
Possibility | Ukraine | 2020 | 12’
Director: Volodymyr Kliuiev
Writer: Mikael Karapetian
Producer: Denis Yanchukov
Cast: Oleh Sokolovsky, Tania Zlova
Synopsis: Ukrainian philosophical-psychological drama with elements of science fiction, named Possibility. The story of a young programmer, dreamer, who desperately sought to reach an unprecedented goal – the creation of artificial intelligence, and now is ready to have a long-awaited and decisive conversation that can permanently complete his efforts.
CLOSED | Republic of Korea | 2019 | 21’
Director: YUN Sungwoo
Writer: SEO Dongsu
Producers: KWON Hoyoung, KIM Taekwan
Cast: NA Yooha, SHIN Soi , PARK Minjeong, LIM Semi
Synopsis: Four girls hid in the basement to survive the war, not knowing what’s going on and disconnected from outside world.
Color of the eyes | France | 2019 | 10’
Director: Geoffroy Virgery
Writer: Guillaume Virgery
Producer: Geoffroy Virgery
Cast: Floriane Andersen, Louis Bernard
Synopsis: During nine months, a couple will observe by their windows all the stages of pregnancy, wondering : which color will be their baby’s eyes ?
Tender is the Kiss | United States | 2020 | 15’
Director: Longwei Deng
Writer: Longwei Deng
Producers: Elaine Wong, Jessica Q Yang, Cindy Wu
Cast: Travis Hammer, Chloe Hurst, Tony Amendola, George Tsai
Synopsis: Will he find the mysterious woman who might be the only one to prove his innocence?
Stop Motion/Time Lapse – Official Selection – February 2020
God has already gone ahead (Gott ist schon weg) | Germany | 2018 | 10’
Director: PETER BÖVING
Cast: REINER SCHÖNE
Synopsis: The Egyptian geese marches through the ages: From the bird´s perspective, a centuries-long settlement history is told. While the water level in the pond continues to fall, the inhabitants have the water up the neck. In the end, nothing stays as it was, only the goose suspects nothing bad.
Ailin on the moon | Argentina | 2018 | 05’
Director: Claudia Ruiz
Writers: Claudia Ruiz, Malena Martinez
Producer: El molinete Animación
Synopsis: Work, do the shopping, cooking, cleaning, ironing, taking care of Ailín: that is the routine of Vilma, mother of 40 years, overwhelmed by fatigue and skin intolerance. Ailín (4), just looking to play and demand the attention of a restless girl, one day causes the emotional outbreak of the mother. The routine that led them away must be broken to meet again.
Trailer – Official Selection – February 2020
O T O S – Trailer #1 | Australia | 01’
Director: Kevin Moussaoui
Writer: Kevin Moussaoui
Producers: Kevin Moussaoui, Camilo Ruiz
Cast: Alecsandro Gianonne, Byron J. Brochmann
Synopsis: In the small town of OTOS on the coast, people believe strongly on one thing: their place is the limit of our planet and beyond the ocean, there is nothing! But one of them has a lot of questions; is there something on the other side? Why do people say there is nothing? This person is a little boy, and he will do everything to know the truth.
MANG XIA | China | 2019 | 01’
Director: Shi Lei
Synopsis: The story is adapted from a legendary novel of the Tang dynasty. During the reign of Zhenyuan, 23 lang caughts two fish demons but let it escape accidentally. Several years later, Xie Xiao’e, 14 years old, sailed with her family and relatives. On the way they met the fish monster into the fantasy bandits, all were killed but Xiao’e, she was the only one who escaped from the river with serious injuries. Xiao’e was coma and drifting for several days, a fisherman rescued her and sent her to the Taoist temple. When Xiao’e was coma, she dreamed of her father and husband, who told her a 12-word puzzle about the killer. She swore revenge. She learned to spell from the old priest during her healing at the Taoist temple. After coming down the mountain, she experienced all kinds of difficulties before finding the answer to the 12-word puzzle. She finally met 23 lang, solve the puzzle and successfully revenged.
Synopsis: In a dezhumanized world where
emotions are rationed and measured by a gauge, Pipo, a factory worker falls in
love with a woman sitting on a bench. He will try anything to attract her
attention and seduce her with his own « language ».
BEST DIRECTOR
Pipo and Blind Love | France | 2019
| 12’
Director: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Writer: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Producer: Igal Kohen
Cast: Anatole Zangs, Solange
Synopsis: In a dezhumanized world where emotions are
rationed and measured by a gauge, Pipo, a factory worker falls in love with a
woman sitting on a bench. He will try anything to attract her attention and
seduce her with his own « language ».
BEST SCREENPLAY
HERMA | France | 2020 | 29’
Director: Beauron Eric
Writer: Beauron Eric
Producer: Beauron Eric
Cast: Peadar O Baoill, Eoghan Mac, Giolla
Bhride
Synopsis: At the edge of the world, four men live on
one abandoned island. One morning, a dead man is discovered in a boat. It’s the
beginning of a series of catastrophes. The fish is dying, the sea is empty …
Seán Beag, the young disciple of Marcus, then seeks to restore the order of
things.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
After the Hunt | Slovenia | 19’
Actress: Nataša Barbara Gračner
Director: Urška Djukić
Writer: Urška Djukić
Producer: Marina Gumzi
Cast: Nataša Barbara Gračner, Ana Penca,
Gojmir Lešnjak, Lučka Počkaj
Synopsis: Silva, a middle – aged woman and an ardent
hunter, decides to take her teenage daughter for a first hunt. But the
initiating trip doesn’t exactly go as she would have wished. Silva returns home
n ot with a wild boar, but with a doubt about her identity.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
ROYAL BLUE | Austria | 2018 | 15’
Actor: Ljubisa Lupo Grujcic
Director: Dinko Draganovic
Writer: Dinko Draganovic
Producers: Dinko Draganovic, Sinisa Vidovic
Cast: Rubina Mia Jungwirth, Ljubisa Lupo
Grujcic
Synopsis: On his way to take his daughter to
gymnastics, a gambling addict stops at a betting shop, leaving the 9-year-old
girl in the car. When he returns, he realizes nothing will ever be the same
again.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Flood | Slovenia | 2019 | 15’
Cinematographer: Lev Predan Kowarski
Director: Kristijan Krajnčan
Writer: Kristijan Krajnčan
Producers: Katja Lenarčič, Marko Kumer
Cast: Matej Puc, Žigan Krajnčan
Synopsis: A long-absent father and his neglected son set
off on a reconciliation trip, heading for the family mountain hut. Although the
son longs for his distant father’s appreciation and attention, at the same time
he desires to declare his independence and cut loose from all the
narrow-mindedness that seems to be passed on from generation to generation. As
heavy rains, curiously predicted by the father, suddenly disrupt a sunny day,
the two men need to settle their scores before an ominous flood comes upon
them.
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Pipo and Blind Love | France | 2019
| 12’
Production designer: Mathieu Buffler
Director: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Writer: Hugo Le Gourrierec
Producer: Igal Kohen
Cast: Anatole Zangs, Solange
Synopsis: In a dezhumanized world where
emotions are rationed and measured by a gauge, Pipo, a factory worker falls in
love with a woman sitting on a bench. He will try anything to attract her
attention and seduce her with his own « language ».
BEST EDITING
Façade – Adrift in a sea of strangers | Canada
| 2019 | 06’
Editor: Alexandre
Richard
Director: Alexandre Richard
Writers: Alexandre Richard, Jean Luc Oicle
Producers: Nicolas Fontaine, Graham Gs,
Alexandre Richard
Cast: Charlotte Chabauty, Adrien McElligott
Synopsis: The search for oneself in a deluded wold of
ignorance and insecurity.
BEST NARRATIVE
Short Deeds (Kratki rezi) | Slovenia | 2019
| 31’
Directors: Urban Zorko, Urška Menart, Mitja
Mlakar, Kukla, Jure Dostal
Writers: Lara Simona Taufer, Rok Bohinc, Eva Nina Lampič, Vesna Lemaić,
Marko Kumer Murč, Simona Hamer
Producers: Marko Kumer – Murč, Mojca Pernat
Cast: Marko Mandić , Katarina Čas, Rok
Bohinc , Nina Cijan , Lovro Čuček, Davor Janjić , Doroteja Nadrah, Matija
Vastl , Maja Majzelj, Janez Škof , Saša Pavček , Gregor Baković , Primož Pirnat
Synopsis: In the globalised times when everything,
including human beings, is seen as a commodity, leaving each other seems to be
just another everyday chore. Short Deeds is an omnibus of six different
cinematic visions, done by five Slovenian directors, in which human
relationships die in funny and unfunny ways. There is a one common witness in
each story – a car.
Cast: Philipppe Du Janerand, Luc Antoie
Diquéro, Marie -Christine Orry, Tom Villa
Synopsis: Just retired, Bernie has only one
goal left: Win the next regional game of race walking!
BEST DRAMA
Homesick | France | 25’
Director: Koya Kamura
Writer: Koya Kamura
Producer: Rafael Andrea Soatto
Cast: Tasuku Nagaoka, Shouta Ikoma, Yuki
Sakurai
Synopsis: Two years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster,
Murai braves danger and wanders through the no-go zone in order to spend time
with Jun, his eight-year-old son.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
Possibility | Ukraine | 2020 | 12’
Director: Volodymyr Kliuiev
Writer: Mikael Karapetian
Producer: Denis Yanchukov
Cast: Oleh Sokolovsky, Tania Zlova
Synopsis: Ukrainian philosophical-psychological drama
with elements of science fiction, named Possibility. The story of a young
programmer, dreamer, who desperately sought to reach an unprecedented goal –
the creation of artificial intelligence, and now is ready to have a
long-awaited and decisive conversation that can permanently complete his
efforts.
BEST STUDENT
When I’m at home | Serbia | 2019 | 16’
Director: Ivana
Writer: Melina
Producer: Tijana
Cast: Milica
Synopsis: Marija is coming back home to face her
childhood trauma.
Synopsis: Hayat means “Life“. She is
in her early twenties and still hanging out in the playgrounds of Neuperlach. She
seems somewhat lost, not having arrived anywhere yet. But gradually she starts
to fight her way out of this fog and this sense of meaninglessness. Her first
boxing fight does not just happen in the streets like before, no, it is a
proper boxing match as part of a tournament. Will she also pass the test for
secondary school? Mom would be most pleased if she married her favourite. But
would that be the best thing for her? A documentary glimpse of a young life.
BEST CHILDREN SHORT
Ailin on the moon | Argentina | 2018 |
05’
Director: Claudia Ruiz
Writers: Claudia Ruiz, Malena Martinez
Producer: El molinete Animación
Synopsis: Work, do the shopping, cooking,
cleaning, ironing, taking care of Ailín: that is the routine of Vilma, mother
of 40 years, overwhelmed by fatigue and skin intolerance. Ailín (4), just
looking to play and demand the attention of a restless girl, one day causes the
emotional outbreak of the mother. The routine that led them away must be broken
to meet again.
BEST ANIMATION
CRUNCH
| United States | 2019 | 10’
Director:
Liukaidi Peng
Synopsis: “CRUNCH” is a
sci-fi comedy 3D animation. The story starts with the morning of a little, short
guy named Bob who just starts working in the space agency. When watching the
spaceship launching, Bob is hit by a mysterious lightning and starts to grow
bigger. But there seems no way to stop…
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Robin Food | Italy | 2019 | 20’
Director: Pavel Maximov
Writer: Pavel Maximov
Producer: Pavel Maximov
Cast: Shai Rilov, Kobi Carolla, Ido
Grossman
Synopsis: Robin Food is a non-profit and pay-as-you-feel
restaurant with a mission: rescue, cook and serve food that otherwise would go
to waste. The restaurant is saving fruit and vegetables from markets and farms
to raise public awareness on issues of food waste, sustainability and climate
change in the most tangible and delicious way possible: a tasty meal. Robin Food location: Sirkin St 24, Haifa,
Israel
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
La
Mer | Spain | 2019 | 03’
Director:
Victor Claramunt
Writers: Ingrid
Gené Gili, Victor Claramunt
Producers:
Jose Trullenque, Victor Claramunt
Cast: Aroa
Renau, Samuel Walton, Lola Walton, Maria Tereski
Synopsis:
We live in a society where we are not aware of the amount of plastic around
us. Four children, from 11 to 6 years
old, in recognizable two-color environments, where the plastic that coexists
naturally with us stands out, they will tell us what we are doing with our
oceans … with our planet. From the world of fashion we must also make the
audience aware that we should do everything in our power to change the course
of history. Fashion as a social speaker. Kids as social speakers. We need all
world attention. #gobeyondplastic
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Fucking Down | Spain | 2019 | 05’
Director: Amanda Lago
Producers: Paula Garcia & Patricia
Sagues (Lapiscina)
Cast: Paula Garcia, Maria Kaltembacher,
Antia Lousada , Silvia Maya, Angeles Paez, Deni Georgieva, Cachito Noguera,
Claudia Placer, Alexandra Hervas
Fucking Down is latest music video directed by Spanish
filmmaker Amanda Lago for musician Fatal Tiger, produced by Lapiscina. The
video explores the struggle we face in accepting ourselves by portraying and
engaging with the most extreme aspects of our personality. Set in a futuristic dystopian era with a
strong retro aesthetic, Fucking Down presents us with several women of
different ages surrounding the singer in a somber hotel room. Though similar in
appearance, each reflects a unique trait spanning across the whole spectrum of
human emotions. From playful and kind to brutal and fierce, the singer finds
herself at their complete mercy with almost no control over their actions. A carefully constructed and purposefully
repetitive choreography illustrates this scenario, with each cycle featuring
slightly different movements – some more exaggerated and violent and some more
restrained and controlled. This reiteration gives the protagonist the chance to
react differently each time and learn more about herself, leading her to
predict patterns in her own behaviour and gradually accept herself.
BEST MINI SHORT
The
Fall | Argentina | 2020 | 03’
Directors:
Martin Schurmann, Fernando Szurman
Producers:
Sofia Teodoro, Emiliano Bonda
Cast: William
Prociuk
Synopsis: Jorge Luis
Borges wrote: The mind was dreaming, the world was its dream. The Fall started its life as a dream, a
typical drop dream. Everything else, we’re leaving to your imagination!
BEST MOBILE PHONE
The Test | Germany | 2020 | 03’
Director: Philipp Christopher
Writer: Philipp Christopher
Producer: Philipp Christopher
Cast: Philipp Christopher, Anna Schumacher
Synopsis: A couple is conversing over the
phone while taking a pregnancy test. The result will surprise you.
BEST NO/LOW BUDGET
24 Hours in London | United Kingdom | 2020
| 05’
Director: Pavan Guliani
Synopsis: A vision of London through my
eyes and the things that have stood out to me during my 9 years of living here.
BEST COMMERCIAL
We
give everything for you | Spain | 2019 | 02’
Directors:
Daniel Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Writers: Daniel
Díaz, Gloria Tejero
Producer:
60ráfagas
Synopsis: Friulio is an
event of historical recreation that is celebrated in the North of Spain, emulating celtic
everyday life and their fighting against the Roman legions. The objective of
the campaign was to attract a greater number of visitors.
BEST STOP-MOTION/TIME-LAPSE
God has already gone ahead (Gott ist
schon weg) | Germany | 2018 | 10’
Director: PETER BÖVING
Cast: REINER SCHÖNE
Synopsis: The Egyptian geese marches through the ages:
From the bird´s perspective, a centuries-long settlement history is told. While
the water level in the pond continues to fall, the inhabitants have the water
up the neck. In the end, nothing stays as it was, only the goose suspects
nothing bad.
BEST TRAILER
O T O S – Trailer #1 | Australia | 01’
Director: Kevin Moussaoui
Writer: Kevin Moussaoui
Producers: Kevin Moussaoui, Camilo Ruiz
Cast: Alecsandro Gianonne, Byron J.
Brochmann
Synopsis: In the small town of OTOS on the coast, people
believe strongly on one thing: their place is the limit of our planet and
beyond the ocean, there is nothing! But one of them has a lot of questions; is
there something on the other side? Why do people say there is nothing? This
person is a little boy, and he will do everything to know the truth.
Twinless | Israel | 2019 | 07’ Directors: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel Writers: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel Producers: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel Synopsis: This is Millie’s story, the story of a young woman dealing with the pain and loss that have tormented her since the prenatal death of her twin sister. On her birthday, Millie is drawn through her birthday cake into the depths of her memory. This journey exposes her maturation process in the shadow of the lost twin, her feeling towards this lost opportunity brought about by fate, and her contemplations of what could have been.
Napo | Brazil | 2020 | 17’ Director: Gustavo Ribeiro Writers: Gustavo Ribeiro , Gabriela Antonia Rosa Producers: Thais Peixe, Gustavo Ribeiro Synopsis: John, unable to understand the illness that drives his grandfather between past and present states, stumbles into an old album full of photographs and then let the images guide his imagination, transforming his grandpa’s memories into drawing interpretations. Drawings that shapes their relationship into a history of remembrance and memory building.
The water of the earth | France | 2020 | 05’ Director: Romain Claris Producer: Romain Claris Synopsis: Freely inspired by some thirty paintings by great masters of painting such as Qi Baishi, Gao Xingjian, Shoda Koho, or Katsushika Hokusai, Chloé Guêze paints this tale of Oceania. Director Statement Using the classic tools of dramaturgy, the tale offers, with its metaphors and allegories, several levels of reading, that’s its sweet strength! Often considered to be aimed at young audiences, all nevertheless, young or old, are invited to dream and make up their own story. For some, “Water from the Earth” will be the story of an ordinary little frog who just wanted to become extraordinary, the tragi-comic resolution may then make people smile. For others, it may also take on and illustrate the ravages of ultra-capitalism, and then propose to look for ways in which we could all live better together…
Children Short – Official Selection – March 2020
The red bowtie | Romania | 2020 | 02’ Director: Andrei Mitoiu Writer: Andrei Mitoiu Cast: Andrei Mitoiu, Valentina Mitoiu Synopsis: A shy teddy bear wearing a red bowtie arrives into a new town. At his new school, he is being constantly made fun of his shoes and bowtie, so he feels he is not accepted by his colleagues. During the class he tries to raise his hand to answer, but after his colleagues laugh at him, he decides to give up. At night, at his house, he draws how he was being laughed at. The next day, while he is eating, a new girl sits near him. She wears a red bow on her head, and she waves her hand hello. Happy, the teddy bear waves his hand back as well. Suddenly, the tripod fails, and tilts up revealing the puppet master, that was controlling the puppets.
One Minute to Midnight | United States | 2020 | 07’ Synopsis: A NASA scientist in 2063 creates a powerful energy source, but before he can transmit it for mass production, a mysterious force shows him a desolate future. Will he choose fame and fortune, or will he save the world without anyone knowing? Please Note: All music used is properly licsensed. If the status of this film as a high school student production is in question, please contact via email (jamesbramm@icloud.com) requesting a student ID scan.
Commercial/Ad/TVC Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Where | Taiwan | 02’ Director: Marco Wu Writer: Marco Wu Synopsis: Brief Pingtung is the southernmost county in Taiwan known for its agriculture and traditional society. Through local government’s continuous dedication and visionary urban planning, Pingtung has transformed into one of the major tourist destinations best known for both seasonal and all-year-round attractions. Solution MARQ Films had delivered the most unforgettable tourism commercial film of the year with rapid cutting between exotic-looking locations. Blended with dazzling colors and groovy earworm music, MARQ Films also put on fancy group dance to increase internet shares and discussion. What surprised the audience most was all of the locations were shot in Pingtung. Which created a trendy topic of “Where in Pingtung?” Impact This tourism commercial film was published on Mayor of Pingtung County’s Facebook page and immediately went viral on social media that created millions of views and shares within a weekend. It is commended the most attractive Taiwanese tourist commercial of the year.
Redleaf – Confusion | Poland | 2020 | 01’ Director: Artur Czerwiński Writer: Artur Czerwiński Producer: Artur Czerwiński Synopsis: A short story around a curious tea.
Archetypes | Italy | 2020 | 01’ Director: Carlo De Agostini Writer: Mark Thomas Producer: Barbara Bongetta Cast: Mark Thomas Synopsis: Moellhausen, a leading company in fragrances and flavors, created a set of scents based on the twelve archetypes, but… “What is an archetype?” In the iconic New York, Mark from the back seat of a historical checkered cab looks at the city flowing through, giving a fascinating interpretation of what archetypes are. “They are around us”, he says looking at the people down the street on a rainy night, “They are among us”, referring to the taxi driver that guides him through the night as a sage. “In most cases, we are”, revealing that he’s an archetype himself.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Repeat | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: Ly Bolia Writer: Ly Bolia Producer: Ly Bolia Synopsis: We are all met by a single destiny how we face it is up to us. A man struggles with his mother’s independence and strong will as he tries help her through the early stages of dementia.
Jo & Kessy | France | 2019 | 17’ Director: Nwaye Zar Che Soe Producer: Benjamin Lemaitre Synopsis: The two French artists with disabilities who have passionate dreams in Music but they never met before. Jo Swing is an accordionist, native from Lyon and Kessy Mac Queen is a singer, native from the Caribbean islands. Although they are living in the technological era, it makes them face the difficulties in somehow to get into an inclusive society because of the old-fashioned concepts. They both patient in learning from their blindness and strongly believe that Music can lead in a way of love to overwhelm their obstacles in the modern age. They also astonished in meeting with the Myanmar filmmaker who comes from a place where they’ve never heard before.
Last Chance Dance | United States | 2020 | 09’ Directors: Molly Stanfield, Steven Yao Producers: Steven Yao, Molly Stanfield Cast: Frances Brantley, Mary Alex Bachus, Jania Shanley Synopsis: A documentary about the leaving of a dance teacher and her close relationship with her students.
Sacred Blood (EN-US) | Brazil | 2020 | 22’ Director: Thainá Prado Writer: Thainá Prado Producer: Thainá Prado Synopsis: Sacred Blood is a documentary (short film) about the period taboo in Nigeria and its consequences. In addition, it tells about the adaptation of girls and women to the use of menstrual cups, promoting self-knowledge, empowerment and sustainability.
Music lives here | Russian Federation | 2019 | 27’ Director: Polina Stepanova Writer: Polina Stepanova Producer: Irkutsk region film foundation Synopsis: Music has been living in Irkutsk Region Philharmonic Hall for 80 years already. The film tells us about the mission of a musician, about intergenerational continuity and how the hand of a master leads and directs his pupil. About the role of the conductor in the Symphony orchestra, the power of folk music, about the voices “flying to God”. Philharmonic music travels and gets to different parts of the world, and the rattling sound of tram becomes integral part of love and harmony (of Philharmonic).
‘Extraordinary People – The Burns Victim & The Bosphorus’ | United Kingdom | 2019 | 23’ Director: Ben Hull Producer: Greg Whyte Cast: Greg Whyte, Sylvia MacGregor Synopsis: The most heroic feats of human endurance are often performed quietly, and by people that you may never hear about. Two time Olympian and sports scientist, Professor Greg Whyte knows all about endurance. As the physical expert for ‘Sport Relief’, he has helped train dozens of high-profile celebrities, successfully completing over 30 endurance challenges broadcast on the BBC, helping raise millions of pounds for charity. But it struck Greg that the real heroes, are people you might not be so familiar with. At his London clinic, Greg often works with people who are physically disabled. Many, despite their disability, campaign to make life better for others, often by undertaking incredible physical feats of endurance. Their stories are humbling, remarkable and truly inspiring, and Greg decided that he wanted to share those stories with you. ‘The Burns victim and the Bosphorus’- introduces you to Sylvia Mac, who suffered horrific, life-changing injuries as a child, and who has battled with physical and mental issues her whole life. Despite no open water experience, Sylvia is going to attempt to swim from Asia to Europe along a treacherous stretch of water called The Bosphorus, in order to help raise awareness for body disfigurement. We follow her throughout the highs and lows of her preparation. Will she make it? You’ll have to wait and see. And this is just one story. Through what is hoped will become a series, Professor Greg Whyte want to help break the stigma of disability. To bring you some truly beautiful stories and to introduce the world to more, ‘Extraordinary People’.
Experimental Short – Official Selection – March 2020
16 years | Germany | 2020 | 04’ Director: Patrick Buhr Synopsis: Suddenly it felt right to abort a 16 year old project.
Wombstone | Estonia | 2019 | 17’ Director: Kersti Uibo Writer: Kersti Uibo Producer: Ülo Pikkov Synopsis: A child opens its eyes for the first time and asks where do I fit into this landscape. Am I a giant or a tiny insect?
Landstrength | 2019 | 05’ Director: Jérémy Griffaud Synopsis: Landstrength is composed of handmade drawings and cutted up images from internet. The film shows powerful landscapes, tough trees and mountains making war. The vegetal world is now bodybuildt and ready to fight. This video plays with some stereotypes of the manly individual and social codes of indimidating masculinity.
TRENDS | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Ion Oprea Synopsis: The project started as an exploration of different techniques and visual languages inspired by the current projects in the Motion Graphics industry. Hence the name TRENDS. Slowly but surely, it outgrew the initial premise and started to take on a life of its own with more ideas and techniques, but maintaining the original underlying principle at its core. This led to a series of five short pieces, each with its own title that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Mini Video Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Day Off | Canada | 2019 | 03’ Director: Maitê Arrieira Mahl Writer: Maite Arrieira Mahl Producer: Maite Arrieira Mahl Cast: Maria Synopsis: While celebrating her birthday, Maria is surprised by an unexpected heart warming gift.
O Rage ! | France | 2020 | 03’ Director: Florent Sabatier Writers: Florent Sabatier, Marie Coustaury Producer: Florent Sabatier Cast: David Baïot, Yves Batek Mendy, Anthony Cruz, Antoine Piquet, Samuel Kefi Abrick Synopsis: Diego is reading his last song’s lyrics to friends when policemen intervene violently…
Gardens or a Big Old World | Greece | 2020 | 02’ Director: Υannis Zafiris Writer: Υannis Zafiris Producer: Υannis Zafiris Cast: Mandy Peacock Synopsis: Scientists claim that plants emit ‘’ supersonic ’’ screams when they get stressed, just like humans do when they are in distress or in a state of fear… A woman is looking at her window for a strange noise.
In the Garden | United Kingdom | 2020 | 03’ Director: India-Inés Levy Writer: India-Inés Levy Producer: Zaelo Films Cast: Isabella Speaight , Samuel Woodhams Synopsis: 1783. Berkshire, England. As the last day of summer draws to a close, Frederick and Clementine, two young and attractive aristocrats, talk beneath an old oak tree. Despite the idyllic setting, something more sinister begins to reveal itself.
I’ll say it first | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Director: Alena Shevchenko Writers: Alena Shevchenko, VICTORIA PRIVALOVA Producers: ALENA SHEVCHENKO, KONSTANTIN MELNIKOV, TIMUR ZIATOV Cast: DIANA HELZINA Synopsis: What woman wants? You never know, until get in their mind. This is a story about a girl who wants to text to a boy first, but she really hesitates to make a first step. At the same time she acts like she doesn’t care at all. The main idea is to show that woman aren’t always so confident as they act and how many thoughts can be in one mind in one second before they make a decision . This image was inspired by soviet decade. I wanted to face modern digital world and old sovietу flat as a metaphor that technology changes but dreams stay the same.
Death by Plastic (I) | Germany | 2020 |01’ Director: Tarek Shayne Tabet Producer: Tarek Shayne Tabet Cast: Pauline Stöhr Synopsis: A young woman mysteriously finds herself in front of a wall of plastic. She playfully interacts with the fluttering sheets. They gradually surround her and attempt to asphyxiate, and kill her. She frantically tries to break away.
TRENDS | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Ion Oprea Synopsis: The project started as an exploration of different techniques and visual languages inspired by the current projects in the Motion Graphics industry. Hence the name TRENDS. Slowly but surely, it outgrew the initial premise and started to take on a life of its own with more ideas and techniques, but maintaining the original underlying principle at its core. This led to a series of five short pieces, each with its own title that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Fashion Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Little Stories | Mexico | 2017 | 04’ Director: José Menéndez Writer: José Menéndez Producer: Laura Güemes Synopsis: Fashion Film / Music Video for the song Little Stories by Palmeras
I’ll say it first | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Director: Alena Shevchenko Writers: Alena Shevchenko, VICTORIA PRIVALOVA Producers: ALENA SHEVCHENKO, KONSTANTIN MELNIKOV, TIMUR ZIATOV Cast: DIANA HELZINA Synopsis: What woman wants? You never know, until get in their mind. This is a story about a girl who wants to text to a boy first, but she really hesitates to make a first step. At the same time she acts like she doesn’t care at all. The main idea is to show that woman aren’t always so confident as they act and how many thoughts can be in one mind in one second before they make a decision . This image was inspired by soviet decade. I wanted to face modern digital world and old sovietу flat as a metaphor that technology changes but dreams stay the same.
Music Video – Official Selection – March 2020
Dead Body F*ck Party | United States | 2019 | 03’ Director: Zach Cooper Cast: Jehiel Winters Synopsis: Think Creepshow; 90’s Punk – Zombie Music Video
Dream | United States | 2020 | 04’ Directors: Maxi Witrak, Jose Muro Writers: Maxi Witrak, Kim Berthet Producers: Maxi Witrak, Kim Berthet Cast: Kim Berthet, Maxi Witrak Synopsis: Debut music video for Mik&Maxi, a poppunk duo from Los Angeles, CA.
HAPPY SAD FACE – HEART SHIELD | United States | 2020 | 05’ Director: Rawn Erickson II Writer: Rawn Erickson II Producers: The Machine , Shirah Wagner , Rawn Erickson II Cast: Lou Becker , Happy Sad Face Synopsis: Bigfoot hunter sets out on his final mission to find Sasquatch. He finds it, and they fall in love. Dancing, frolicking, holding hands and making love. Until the creature rips the Bigfoot hunters heart out.
Anthony has died now | Switzerland | 2020 | 08’ Director: Baptiste Jehan Writer: Baptiste Jehan Producer: ADIEU-N°4 Cast: Vidal Arzoni, Milanko Puranovic Synopsis: This is a tribute project, a way of saying farewell. A strong bond, a brotherhood, some moments shared together. To send out a message of love, a powerful one, one that shakes you up, just a way of passing, on an emotion. The hood enables one to hide their emotions. Yet also to keep the anonymity of the person, and to let your interpretation take over. Everyone is free to make the character their own. An intense, dark and radiant story.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Cry Wolf | Canada | 2019 | 22’ Director: W. V. Saumur Writer: W. V. Saumur Producer: Corinne Gaudreau Cast: Véronique Perron , Thomas Vallières, Rose Adam Synopsis: Emma, fashion model at the height of her glory, is intimately convinced that she is observed behind the snowy trees. The photoshoot might run longer. Henry, prestige photographer, is growing impatient…
In Astratto Non Si È | Italy | 06’ Director: Andrea Di Salvatore Writers: Andrea Di Salvatore – Mattia Rubino – Vincenzo Corrado Producer: Andrea Di Salvatore Synopsis: A small theater company from a small town is preparing to go on stage and, in the last 5 minutes before going on stage, an important figure disappears within the cast, and it is immediately chaos.
Touch | Israel | 2019 | 25’ Director: Nir Berger Writer: Nir Berger Producer: Leah Tonic Cast: Neta Roth, Itamar Moalem Synopsis: A dark romantic comedy in the age of social media. The film features no spoken dialogue, as its protagonist communicates solely through text messages. Adele is an aggressive, self-conscious 17-year-old girl who spends most of her time “trolling” (i.e insulting) her classmates online. When she is hit on by another internet troll, Uri, they flirt until he urges her to send a picture in which she is actually visible. But instead of sending her own picture, Adele sends Uri a picture of a random pretty girl from Syria – sparking another unexpected relationship. *** Winner – Best Short Film & Best Screenplay – Moscow Shorts (Nov. 2019) *** Winner – Award of Excellence Special Mention – Accolade Global Film Competition (March 2020) *** Nominated – Best Short Film – Jersualem Film Festival (2019) *** Nominated (TBD) – Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (USA, 2020) *** Finalist – Asian New Force – ifva Awards (Hong Kong, March 2020) *** Nominated (TBD) – Discover Film (UK, October 2020) *** Official Selection – Washington Jewish Film Festival (USA, 2020) *** Nominated – Best Indie Short (TBD) – Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival (Israel, 2020) *** Shortlisted (TBD) – Minikino Film Week (Indonesia, 2020) *** Official Selection – rolling ideas (Romania, 2020) *** Official Selection – River Film Festival (Italy, 2020) *** Finalist (TBD) – Huesca International Film Festival (Spain, 2020)
Sycamore | Turkey | 2019 | 15’ Director: Mehmet Tığlı Writer: Mehmet Tığlı Producer: Erkan Şimşir Cast: Mahmut Gökgöz, Barış Aksavaş, Sefa Turan Synopsis: An old man spends the day wandering the streets of Istanbul. He communicates with the trees and seagulls rather than other people. All day, he checks the ATMs to find change like a child, even though he does not own an ATM card. He gets happy when he finds money and indignant when he doesn’t. For the old man, life is like a game that has remained from his childhood. And the sycamore leaves are a part of this innocent game.
The Next One | Czech Republic | 2020 | 15’ Director: Dominik György Writer: Dominik György Producer: Dominik György Cast: Lesana Sovičová, Jana Krajčiová, Ludmila Jakubův Synopsis: About men without men.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – March 2020
The Anniversary | Italy | 2020 | 11’ Director: Davide Serra Writer: Davide Serra Producer: Davide Serra Cast: Liliana Letterese Synopsis: A widow pays tribute to her dead husband on the day of their wedding anniversary.
Papua New Guinea | The Last Frontier | United States | 2020 | 05’ Director: Dylan Dickerson Synopsis: A cultural travel film of one of the most undiscovered nation’s on earth, Papua New Guinea
Bride | China | 2020 | 03’ Director: Xinwenzhang Writer: Xinwenzhang Producer: Chengjunxu Synopsis: The bride is the new mother, is the beginning of a new cycle of life
POSTPARTUM | Germany | 2020 | 05’ Director: Henriette Rietz Writer: Henriette Rietz Synopsis: The animated film »POSTPARTUM« is about the chaotic phase in life of a new mother. Pumped up with hormones and lacking sleep, this intense time has burned deep into the protagonist’s heart. This film is an honest and very personal insight into the world of an overwhelmed mother, who seriously thought that parental leave would become a sort of sabbatical.
NOVELTY | United States | 2018 | 04’ Director: Saunder Lynne Boyle Writer: Saunder Lynne Boyle Producer: Sydney Simoncini Cast: Stephane Belhandouz, Amelia Xanthe Boscov Synopsis: NOVELTY follows a dejected wind-up toy in a Paris souvenir shop as he investigates the meaning of art and life.
Lipstick | New Zealand | 2020 | 04’ Director: Arthur Gay Cast: Matapia Rihari Oneroa, Rainton Reuben Oneroa, Tasman Vance Synopsis: A young adolescent boy is confronted by his new found feelings on sexuality.
(Dys)Functional | 13’ Director: Adam Nowak Writer: Marek Nowak Producer: Adam Nowak Cast: Agnieszka Kawiorska Synopsis: In the near future, humanism is lost by a longing for profit. People lose their jobs and are replaced by intelligent robots – androids. Frustrated official – Adrian – is sent to a modern robot called Eva, who stopped appearing at her workplace. Adrian’s job is to find the fault and fix it. This meeting is a chance for both of them to think about their lives and the decisions they have made.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – March 2020
The Painting | Sweden | 2020 | 07’ Director: Dan Jonsson Writer: Jonathan Norberg Producer: Jonathan Norberg Cast: Maria Forslin, Jonas Radehorn, Kattis Melander, Christer Ölén Synopsis: Malin and Alex are invited to dinner with their new neighbors. But it turns out the neighbors have a hidden agenda.
Nice to Meat You | Singapore | 2020 | 16’ Director: Nicholas Teo Writers: Natasha Wee, Nicholas Teo Producers: Brenlyn Ng, Natasha Wee Cast: Scott Hillyard, Geraldine Wu Synopsis: A young Jeffery Tan acts on a cannibalistic impulse tries to eat his classmate. His father has a doctor prescribe Jeffery pills to curb his tendencies and forces him to become vegetarian. Twelve years later, Jeffery’s father passes away and Jeffery discards his pills as a mark of his freedom. He then opens his home to a new roommate, Renae Lim. Upon his first taste of meat, his repressed cannibalistic instincts kick in, and he formulates a plan to eat Renae. Following his three-step meat-priming plan, everything seems to be going perfectly until Jeffery realises he has developed feelings for Renae. Although his affection for Renae grows, Jeffery’s cravings seem to be stronger. What will he choose in the end – love or hunger?
The VV Vlog- #RelationshipGoals | United Kingdom | 2020 | 07’ Director: Sophia Carr-Gomm Writer: Carlotta Morelli Producer: Carlotta Morelli Cast: Carlotta Morelli, Julian Moore-Cook, Mitchell Mullen, Val Adams Synopsis: The VV Vlog is a YouTube Channel spoof by Valentina Valentino, a fashion model-turned-activist who educates her followers on trends and social issues. In this episode Valentina helps her unlucky-single-followers find a boyfriend.
Short Drama – Official Selection – March 2020
Teddy | United Kingdom | 2019 | 05’ Director: Graeme Willetts Writer: Graeme Willetts Producer: Graeme Willetts Cast: Blake Sealey, James Reynard, Keane Holbrook Synopsis: Matt is a man-child on a road trip holiday with his beloved Teddy Bear. But when their car breaks down, Matt realises he’s lost. He must change his ways if he wants to move on.
Resonance | United States | 2018 | 05’ Director: Alan Capinpin Writer: Alan Capinpin Producers: Alan Capinpin, Marcus Slabine Cast: Rick J. Koch, Fergus Scully Synopsis: Hitman David and his protege Quinn venture through the woods on what they believe to be a simple assignment. As they reminisce about their past, they bring up questions about their futures.
Pastel | Switzerland | 16’ Director: Michael Guillod Writer: Michael Guillod Cornland Studio Sàrl Nathalie Sabato, Yann Philipona Synopsis: Elisabeth catches her son James kissing a young man. She now faces a life struggle. She decides to fight for what she believes to be sickness and cure her only son from his presumed homosexuality. During the process of the conversion therapy, what she believes to be the cure, things get clearer. She begins to realise that appearances can be deceiving…
Color of a nation | India | 2020 | 15’ Director: Raja Valluru Writers: Raja Valluru, sundaram tallavajula Producer: Kasturi valluru Cast: Tanikella bharani Synopsis: Set during the politically driven Calcutta riots of 1946, Color of a Nation is about a family separated in the midst of the disorder and bloodshed. The story follows the father’s desperate search for his family and the trials the family faces to be reunited.
Daddy Issues | Denmark | 2019 | 23’ Director: Cecilie Kronborg Thomsen Writer: Cecilie Kronborg Thomsen Cast: Isabella Møller Hansen, Eigil Hedegaard Synopsis: 17-year-old Agnes works at a café while she tries to deal with the disappointment of her father’s absence in her life. And with her father’s announcement about moving abroad, Agnes fells left behind again. But in the middle of the tragedy, a love affair occurs between Agnes and the middle-aged man, Esben (40), who one day steps into the café. A love affair that is either a compensation for Agnes’ absent father, or simply caused by the uncontrollable power of emotions.
Gathering | Sweden | 2019 | 09’ Directors: Magnus af Sandeberg, Sofia Brattvall Writers: Sofia Brattvall, Magnus af Sandeberg Producers: Magnus af Sandeberg, Sofia Brattvall Cast: Tuva Jagell, Marius Pierazzi Tezcan Synopsis: The film is a portrait of how drugs affect both buyers and sellers and raises questions about who is really to blame.
The Touching | Czech Republic | 2020 | 30’ Director: Dominik György Writer: Dominik György Producer: Natália Pavlove Cast: Heřman Tajovský, Kryštof Brand, Ludmila Jakubův, Jana Oľhová, Erika Stárková Synopsis: Behind the door of David’s and Mark’s room is hidden secret of their mutual self-discovery. But when Marek’s teenage curiosity disappears, he realize that they have crossed the limits of brotherly love, which younger David cannot understand yet…
Student Short – Official Selection – March 2020
Promise Me | United States | 2020 | 15’ Director: James Austen Writer: Angela Romeo Producers: James Austen, Yujun Chen Cast: Nikhaar Kishnani, Clint Campbell Synopsis: A man is haunted by the loss of his fiancée and struggles to find a way to move forward
The Thrush | Switzerland | 2020 | 11’ Director: Kenneth Gilomen Writer: Kenneth Gilomen Producer: Zürcher Hochschule der Künste Cast: Manfred Liechti, Annina Euling, Florian Steiner Synopsis: Bern, Switzerland. Two police officers, conducting a traffic check. Jürg, the experienced one, takes it easy and often even turns a blind eye. Martina, a newbie, persuades Jürg to stop a traffic offender. But the routine check does not go as planned and takes a tragic turn.
WineGame | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Vahan Bedelian Writer: Vahan Bedelian Producers: Sophia Zhu, Walker Entertainer Academy, Loyola Marymount University School of Film & Television Cast: Phillip E. Walker Synopsis: Vahan Bedelian’s silent, absurdist, micro short film retells the Sisyphus punishment myth with the stone rolling up the hill being found expensive wine and a worker’s wagon. Hollywood’s Phillip E. Walker-MFA is this one-man-movie’s lone performer.
JACK AND CHAN | Russian Federation | 2020 | 18’ Director: Alexey Petrashevich Writer: Alexey Petrashevich Producer: Alexey Petrashevich Synopsis: The recently appointed Mayor of the provincial town makes casual preparations for impending inspection by an image committee, all the while enjoying his new state of life and the recently purchased new imported car with money intended for acquire an international celebrity. Right before the committee’s arrival, the Mayor is informed that a registered international celebrity in his town is a crucial requirement, which won’t be possible to ignore.
Like You Said You’d Be | United States | 2020 | 13’ Director: Cole Bacani Writer: Cole Bacani Producers: Cole Bacani, Norrie Palmer Cast: Nicole McCullough, Damon McKinnis, John Lane Synopsis: After her latest project is canceled due to uncontrollable circumstances, Nicole turns to the music in her head as she searches for an escape from her disappointment.
The Next Stop | Czech Republic | 2018 | 13’ Director: Dominik György Writer: Dominik György Cast: Jana Oľhová, Ondřej Novák Synopsis: Mentally disabled driver and tired stewardess traveling with bus on the road of life. How far can they drive? “Dear passengers, fasten your seatbelts.” The affection of a loving mother to fulfill her disabled son’s dream by playing a game that gives him the opportunity to live in the world of fantasy in where he is so happy, also fulfills the goal of surviving and preserving peace in the family. The son has grown but not mentally, so the mother’s play for herself has become a daily struggle and suffering. How long she can keep this long-lasting treatment under control is questionable. Will be The Next Stop their final destination?
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – March 2020
When a Tree Falls | Canada | 07’ Director: Matt Kincses Writers: John Porter, Matt Kincses Producers: Matt Kincses, Kaio Kathriner Cast: Brenna Llewellyn, Paul Nicholas Synopsis: A mystical Forest Goddess warns a hard working Lumberjack to leave her forest alone.
3:14PM China | 2020 | 20’ Director: I Fu Chen Writers: Yimei Huang, Yinuo Wang Producers: Jacqueline W. Liu, Yuyu Yang Cast: Zaizai Lin, Cheng-Wei Ho Synopsis: An 11 year-old boy Yi lives with his mother in a static world where time perpetually stops at 3:14 p.m. They move frequently to escape from the bad guys. Yi has a crush on a static girl in his temporary residence, and often visits her after his mother falls asleep. He wishes time starts moving again so the girl will play with him. As his mother finds out about his secret, they got into a big quarrel. All of a sudden, Dr. Cheng and his gang find them through the noise. During the standoff, Yi realizes he stopped time when the world was about to be destroyed. Dr. Cheng attempts to kill Yi to keep time static. Yi’s mother sacrifices herself to save him. Yi faces a conundrum. Shall he live alone in this static world, or shall he activate time and embark on an unknown journey?
New Year’s Eve dinner | China | 2020 | 23’ Director: Xinwenzhang Writer: Xinwenzhang Producer: Chengjunxu Cast: Yixinzhao, xiaopangli, zhouyangli Synopsis: 未来世界里，人畜地位颠倒，人为其食，绝望与希望交替，看看颠倒过来的世界我们的处境与命运。
XENO | France | 2020 | 14’ Director: Fanny GALAN Writer: Fanny GALAN Producer: Fanny GALAN – XENO PRODUCTION Cast: Mélia LUCCHINI Synopsis: Taxidermist for the animal cause, Lou cannot bring herself to let a fox die, whatever it costs. An eye for an eye, a heart for a heart.
(Dys)Functional | 13’ Director: Adam Nowak Writer: Marek Nowak Producer: Adam Nowak Cast: Agnieszka Kawiorska Synopsis: In the near future, humanism is lost by a longing for profit. People lose their jobs and are replaced by intelligent robots – androids. Frustrated official – Adrian – is sent to a modern robot called Eva, who stopped appearing at her workplace. Adrian’s job is to find the fault and fix it. This meeting is a chance for both of them to think about their lives and the decisions they have made.
Instant Doctor | United States | 2020 | 07’ Directors: Youth, Diogo Gameiro Writers: Bianca Troncone, David Stemler, Bernardo Romero, Youth Producer: Nani Matias Cast: Fernando Alves Pinto Synopsis: What will the future of healthcare hold? Will algorithms eclipse doctors entirely? We hope not. Instant doctor is a short film to show appreciation for doctors and healthcare human workers everywhere.
Stop Motion/Time Lapse – Official Selection – March 2020
To the dusty sea | France | 2020 | 13’ Director: Héloïse Ferlay Writer: Héloïse Ferlay Producer: EnsAD Synopsis: Left alone in the deepest of the summer, Malo and Zoe are trying their best to catch their mother’s elusive eye…
BRAVE FACTORY | Ukraine | 2020 | 06’ Directors: Tina AJ, Andrew AJ Writer: Timur Basha Producers: Aleksandra Kostina, Aleksandr Rijov Synopsis: The Beetle and his faithful friend Tree made their way to the factory to turn a rational industrial facility into a world of irrational beauty. To free all its inhabitants from conventions and morals and work not for production and marketing, but for art, music and the moment of unity.
Curtain Call | United States | 2019 | 04’ Director: Angel Yau Writer: Angel Yau Cast: Angel Yau Synopsis: All the moments I have been on stage in childhood and what that have taught me.
Short Horror – Official Selection – March 2020
As The Devil Drives | Ireland | 2019 | 19’ Director: Callum Patrick O’Brien Writer: Callum Patrick O’Brien Producers: Philip Emo, David Toolan Cast: Cormac Ó Broin, Eleanor O’Brien Synopsis: In a small Irish town – Ken, infatuated with his best friend’s girlfriend, confesses his sins and desires to a mysterious, cold young woman, who turns his own choices against him – entangling him in her dark designs as she reveals herself to be an agent of a very old, familiar evil.
One of the Missing | Hungary | 2019 | 12’ Director: Gábor Szentiványi Writers: Gábor Szentiványi, György Benyák Producer: András Muskovszky Cast: Roland Tzafetaas Synopsis: A freedom fighter trapped under rubble-after the building he was hiding in is bombed-wrestles his demons as he faces certain death.
Cast: Lesana Sovičová, Jana Krajčiová, Ludmila Jakubův Synopsis: About men without men.
BEST DIRECTOR
Pastel | Switzerland | 16’
Director: Michael Guillod
Writer: Michael Guillod
Cornland Studio Sàrl
Nathalie Sabato, Yann Philipona
Synopsis: Elisabeth catches her son James kissing a young man. She now faces a life struggle. She decides to fight for what she believes to be sickness and cure her only son from his presumed homosexuality. During the process of the conversion therapy, what she believes to be the cure, things get clearer. She begins to realise that appearances can be deceiving…
BEST SCREENPLAY
The Painting | Sweden | 2020 | 07’
Director: Dan Jonsson
Writer: Jonathan Norberg
Producer: Jonathan Norberg
Cast: Maria Forslin, Jonas Radehorn, Kattis Melander, Christer Ölén
Synopsis: Malin and Alex are invited to dinner with their new neighbors. But it turns out the neighbors have a hidden agenda.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
The Next One | Czech Republic | 2020 | 15’
Actress: Lesana Sovičová
Director: Dominik György
Writer: Dominik György
Producer: Dominik György
Cast: Lesana Sovičová, Jana Krajčiová, Ludmila Jakubův
Synopsis: About men without men.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Sycamore | Turkey | 2019 | 15’
Actor: Mahmut Gökgöz
Cinematographer: Erkan Șimșir-Gokhan Deniz
Director: Mehmet Tığlı
Writer: Mehmet Tığlı
Producer: Erkan Şimşir
Cast: Mahmut Gökgöz, Barış Aksavaş, Sefa Turan
Synopsis: An old man spends the day wandering the streets of Istanbul. He communicates with the trees and seagulls rather than other people. All day, he checks the ATMs to find change like a child, even though he does not own an ATM card. He gets happy when he finds money and indignant when he doesn’t. For the old man, life is like a game that has remained from his childhood. And the sycamore leaves are a part of this innocent game.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Sycamore | Turkey | 2019 | 15’
Cinematographer: Erkan Șimșir-Gokhan Deniz
Director: Mehmet Tığlı
Writer: Mehmet Tığlı
Producer: Erkan Şimşir
Cast: Mahmut Gökgöz, Barış Aksavaş, Sefa Turan
Synopsis: An old man spends the day wandering the streets of Istanbul. He communicates with the trees and seagulls rather than other people. All day, he checks the ATMs to find change like a child, even though he does not own an ATM card. He gets happy when he finds money and indignant when he doesn’t. For the old man, life is like a game that has remained from his childhood. And the sycamore leaves are a part of this innocent game.
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
3:14PM | China | 2020 | 20’
Director: I Fu Chen
Writers: Yimei Huang, Yinuo Wang
Producers: Jacqueline W. Liu, Yuyu Yang
Cast: Zaizai Lin, Cheng-Wei Ho
Synopsis: An 11 year-old boy Yi lives with his mother in a static world where time perpetually stops at 3:14 p.m. They move frequently to escape from the bad guys. Yi has a crush on a static girl in his temporary residence, and often visits her after his mother falls asleep. He wishes time starts moving again so the girl will play with him. As his mother finds out about his secret, they got into a big quarrel. All of a sudden, Dr. Cheng and his gang find them through the noise. During the standoff, Yi realizes he stopped time when the world was about to be destroyed. Dr. Cheng attempts to kill Yi to keep time static. Yi’s mother sacrifices herself to save him. Yi faces a conundrum. Shall he live alone in this static world, or shall he activate time and embark on an unknown journey?
BEST EDITING
Gathering | Sweden | 2019 | 09’
Directors: Magnus af Sandeberg, Sofia Brattvall
Writers: Sofia Brattvall, Magnus af Sandeberg
Producers: Magnus af Sandeberg, Sofia Brattvall
Cast: Tuva Jagell, Marius Pierazzi Tezcan
Synopsis: The film is a portrait of how drugs affect both buyers and sellers and raises questions about who is really to blame.
BEST NARRATIVE
Touch | Israel | 2019 | 25’
Director: Nir Berger
Writer: Nir Berger
Producer: Leah Tonic
Cast: Neta Roth, Itamar Moalem
Synopsis: A dark romantic comedy in the age of social media. The film features no spoken dialogue, as its protagonist communicates solely through text messages. Adele is an aggressive, self-conscious 17-year-old girl who spends most of her time “trolling” (i.e insulting) her classmates online. When she is hit on by another internet troll, Uri, they flirt until he urges her to send a picture in which she is actually visible. But instead of sending her own picture, Adele sends Uri a picture of a random pretty girl from Syria – sparking another unexpected relationship.
BEST COMEDY
The Painting | Sweden | 2020 | 07’
Director: Dan Jonsson
Writer: Jonathan Norberg
Producer: Jonathan Norberg
Cast: Maria Forslin, Jonas Radehorn, Kattis Melander, Christer Ölén
Synopsis: Malin and Alex are invited to dinner with their new neighbors. But it turns out the neighbors have a hidden agenda.
BEST DRAMA
Daddy Issues | Denmark | 2019 | 23’
Director: Cecilie Kronborg Thomsen
Writer: Cecilie Kronborg Thomsen
Cast: Isabella Møller Hansen, Eigil Hedegaard
Synopsis: 17-year-old Agnes works at a café while she tries to deal with the disappointment of her father’s absence in her life. And with her father’s announcement about moving abroad, Agnes fells left behind again. But in the middle of the tragedy, a love affair occurs between Agnes and the middle-aged man, Esben (40), who one day steps into the café. A love affair that is either a compensation for Agnes’ absent father, or simply caused by the uncontrollable power of emotions.
BEST HORROR
One of the Missing | Hungary | 2019 | 12’
Director: Gábor Szentiványi
Writers: Gábor Szentiványi, György Benyák
Producer: András Muskovszky
Cast: Roland Tzafetaas
Synopsis: A freedom fighter trapped under rubble-after the building he was hiding in is bombed-wrestles his demons as he faces certain death.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
3:14PM | China | 2020 | 20’
Director: I Fu Chen
Writers: Yimei Huang, Yinuo Wang
Producers: Jacqueline W. Liu, Yuyu Yang
Cast: Zaizai Lin, Cheng-Wei Ho
Synopsis: An 11 year-old boy Yi lives with his mother in a static world where time perpetually stops at 3:14 p.m. They move frequently to escape from the bad guys. Yi has a crush on a static girl in his temporary residence, and often visits her after his mother falls asleep. He wishes time starts moving again so the girl will play with him. As his mother finds out about his secret, they got into a big quarrel. All of a sudden, Dr. Cheng and his gang find them through the noise. During the standoff, Yi realizes he stopped time when the world was about to be destroyed. Dr. Cheng attempts to kill Yi to keep time static. Yi’s mother sacrifices herself to save him. Yi faces a conundrum. Shall he live alone in this static world, or shall he activate time and embark on an unknown journey?
BEST STUDENT
The Next Stop | Czech Republic | 2018 | 13’
Director: Dominik György
Writer: Dominik György
Cast: Jana Oľhová, Ondřej Novák
Synopsis: Mentally disabled driver and tired stewardess traveling with bus on the road of life. How far can they drive? “Dear passengers, fasten your seatbelts.” The affection of a loving mother to fulfill her disabled son’s dream by playing a game that gives him the opportunity to live in the world of fantasy in where he is so happy, also fulfills the goal of surviving and preserving peace in the family. The son has grown but not mentally, so the mother’s play for herself has become a daily struggle and suffering. How long she can keep this long-lasting treatment under control is questionable. Will be The Next Stop their final destination?
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
The Next Stop | Czech Republic | 2018 | 13’
Director: Dominik György
Writer: Dominik György
Cast: Jana Oľhová, Ondřej Novák
Synopsis: Mentally disabled driver and tired stewardess traveling with bus on the road of life. How far can they drive? “Dear passengers, fasten your seatbelts.” The affection of a loving mother to fulfill her disabled son’s dream by playing a game that gives him the opportunity to live in the world of fantasy in where he is so happy, also fulfills the goal of surviving and preserving peace in the family. The son has grown but not mentally, so the mother’s play for herself has become a daily struggle and suffering. How long she can keep this long-lasting treatment under control is questionable. Will be The Next Stop their final destination?
BEST CHILDREN SHORT
One Minute to Midnight | United States | 2020 | 07’
Director: James Brammer
Writer: James Brammer
Synopsis: A NASA scientist in 2063 creates a powerful energy source, but before he can transmit it for mass production, a mysterious force shows him a desolate future. Will he choose fame and fortune, or will he save the world without anyone knowing?
BEST ANIMATION
Twinless | Israel | 2019 | 07’
Directors: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel
Writers: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel
Producers: Sapir Danan, Ronalee Israel
Synopsis: This is Millie’s story, the story of a young woman dealing with the pain and loss that have tormented her since the prenatal death of her twin sister. On her birthday, Millie is drawn through her birthday cake into the depths of her memory. This journey exposes her maturation process in the shadow of the lost twin, her feeling towards this lost opportunity brought about by fate, and her contemplations of what could have been.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Music lives here | Russian Federation | 2019 | 27’
Director: Polina Stepanova
Writer: Polina Stepanova
Producer: Irkutsk region film foundation
Synopsis: Music has been living in Irkutsk Region Philharmonic Hall for 80 years already. The film tells us about the mission of a musician, about intergenerational continuity and how the hand of a master leads and directs his pupil. About the role of the conductor in the Symphony orchestra, the power of folk music, about the voices “flying to God”. Philharmonic music travels and gets to different parts of the world, and the rattling sound of tram becomes integral part of love and harmony (of Philharmonic).
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
TRENDS | United States | 2020 | 02’
Director: Ion Oprea
Synopsis: The project started as an exploration of different techniques and visual languages inspired by the current projects in the Motion Graphics industry. Hence the name TRENDS. Slowly but surely, it outgrew the initial premise and started to take on a life of its own with more ideas and techniques, but maintaining the original underlying principle at its core. This led to a series of five short pieces, each with its own title that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Anthony has died now | Switzerland | 2020 | 08’
Director: Baptiste Jehan
Writer: Baptiste Jehan
Producer: ADIEU-N°4
Cast: Vidal Arzoni, Milanko Puranovic
Synopsis: This is a tribute project, a way of saying farewell. A strong bond, a brotherhood, some moments shared together. To send out a message of love, a powerful one, one that shakes you up, just a way of passing, on an emotion. The hood enables one to hide their emotions. Yet also to keep the anonymity of the person, and to let your interpretation take over. Everyone is free to make the character their own. An intense, dark and radiant story.
BEST MINI SHORT
O Rage ! | France | 2020 | 03’
Director: Florent Sabatier
Writers: Florent Sabatier, Marie Coustaury
Producer: Florent Sabatier
Cast: David Baïot, Yves Batek Mendy, Anthony Cruz, Antoine Piquet, Samuel Kefi Abrick
Synopsis: Diego is reading his last song’s lyrics to friends when policemen intervene violently…
BEST LOW/NO BUDGET
POSTPARTUM | Germany | 2020 | 05’
Director: Henriette Rietz
Writer: Henriette Rietz
Synopsis: The animated film »POSTPARTUM« is about the chaotic phase in life of a new mother. Pumped up with hormones and lacking sleep, this intense time has burned deep into the protagonist’s heart. This film is an honest and very personal insight into the world of an overwhelmed mother, who seriously thought that parental leave would become a sort of sabbatical.
BEST FASHION SHORT
I’ll say it first | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’
Director: Alena Shevchenko
Writers: Alena Shevchenko, VICTORIA PRIVALOVA
Producers: ALENA SHEVCHENKO, KONSTANTIN MELNIKOV, TIMUR ZIATOV
Cast: DIANA HELZINA
Synopsis: What woman wants? You never know, until get in their mind. This is a story about a girl who wants to text to a boy first, but she really hesitates to make a first step. At the same time she acts like she doesn’t care at all. The main idea is to show that woman aren’t always so confident as they act and how many thoughts can be in one mind in one second before they make a decision . This image was inspired by soviet decade. I wanted to face modern digital world and old sovietу flat as a metaphor that technology changes but dreams stay the same.
BEST COMMERCIAL
Redleaf – Confusion | Poland | 2020 | 01’
Director: Artur Czerwiński
Writer: Artur Czerwiński
Producer: Artur Czerwiński
Synopsis: A short story around a curious tea.
BEST STOP-MOTION/TIME-LAPSE
To the dusty sea | France | 2020 | 13’
Director: Héloïse Ferlay
Writer: Héloïse Ferlay
Producer: EnsAD
Synopsis: Left alone in the deepest of the summer, Malo and Zoe are trying their best to catch their mother’s elusive eye…
Esto si es negocio | Mexico | 2020 | 04’ Director: Mario Ayala Urias Writer: Mario Ayala Urias Producer: Mario Ayala Urias Cast: Héctor Sauceda Ruiz, Jonathan Padilla Jaramillo , Áxel Sánchez López Synopsis: [English] Omar is about to become a drug dealer, there is no other option. [Español] Omar esta a punto de convertirse en un traficante, no hay otra opción.
Just play | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Director: Kirill Chikalin Writer: Kirill Chikalin Synopsis: Two adult desk lamps play chess. A young playful lamp tries to understand the rules of the game, but in its own way. The young lamp jumps onto a chessboard and scatters all chess pieces, and ruins the game. Will the adults accept the new rules?
Animation Short – Official Selection – April 2020
Fly | Australia | 2019 | 07’ Director: Morteza halimi Writer: morteza halimi Producer: morteza halimi Synopsis: After losing his family as an egg, the little penguin finds his own reason to live. His reason is his desire to fly.
Crick | United Kingdom | 2020 | 01’ Director: Nick Crimmen Writer: Nick Crimmen Producer: Nick Crimmen Synopsis: A pilot contemplates home, but Crick Island calls to him
L.M.J | Canada | 2020 | 03’ Director: Areg Savchenko Cast: Milica Vicentic, Raymondd Parisien Synopsis: L.M.J Is an animated film centered on an energetic punk trying to escape a monstrous Business Man after spray painting his condo
Her Voiceless Song | Japan | 2020 | 17’ Director: Nobuyoshi Suzuki Writer: Nobuyoshi Suzuki Cast: Yu Mashiro, Ai Hazumi, Hana Uzuki Synopsis: The first video work by Nobuyoshi Suzuki who directed, animated, screenplay, music, sound design, and edited all by himself.This work depicts the heavy subject and sin of having a dog.I would like more people to see my work, but especially those who have dogs, people who want to have dogs, and people who have had dogs before.
The Carousel | Italy | 2019 | 11’ Director: Valerio Berruti Producer: Roberto Pisoni, Cristina Pistis Synopsis: Nina is a little girl forced to work at the merry-go-round of her treacherous grandfather. Geppo is an adult boy with a childish soul who creates chaos in the village among the customers of the carousel. Hints of provincialism, resignation and fear of differences are transformed into a great desire for freedom. The carousel is actually made of flying birds…
Melted | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Nikki Chapman Writer: Nikki Chapman Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Cast: Shelby Lewis Synopsis: A macabre girl laments about the inevitability of death after being given a melting cartoon character popsicle.
Meaningless | Australia | 2017 | 05’ Director: Tyson Di Rosa Writer: Tyson Di Rosa Producers: Medo Rashed, Tyson Di Rosa Synopsis: A quiet man struggles to get a boulder to the top of a hill however making it to the top might not be his only task.
Stop Talking to Me | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Eric Fritz Writer: Eric Fritz Producer: Eric Fritz Cast: Eric Fritz Synopsis: Stop Talking to Me features a dialogue between yourself, the viewer, and Tony. You’ll find that he’s more than happy to chat (just give him a moment to warm up to you). The film explores the conflict between a desire to be left alone and the human need for social interaction. Viewers will follow Tony as they hang out with each other over the course of the day.
Commercial/Ad/TVC Short – Official Selection – April 2020
Safe Water | Germany | 2020 | 01’ Director: Mario Dahl Writer: Mario Dahl Producer: Stefanie Gödicke Cast: Giulia Pecoraro Synopsis: Safe water: more important than ever.
it works! | Germany | 2020 | 01’ Director: Mario Dahl Writer: Mario Dahl Producers: Stefanie Gödicke, Sophie Lotsch Cast: Philipp Reinheimer, Florian Mania Synopsis: It really does.
Feel It | United States | 2018 | 01’
Documentary Short – Official Selection – April 2020
The spider crab | France | 2020 | 12’ Director: Tristan Francia Writer: Tristan Francia Producer: Tristan Francia Cast: Pierre Bontemps Synopsis: A 70-year-old man remembers his journey to his dying father’s bedside, between hope and fear, between reality and imaginary.
Touch and Go Chess Party | 2019 | 03’ Director: Paul Restivo Cast: Cecil Locke Synopsis: “Chess is a game of war without Violence.” Touch and Go Chess Party is an experimental documentary on Cecil Locke and his 26 foot long 200 pound collapsable chess table located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago Illinois. He has set up outside of the art institute 6 days a week from April to November since 1998. Not only is Touch and Go Chess Party a unique street art installation, but also a staple of the chess community and passersby alike.
More with Less Singapore | 2020 | 16’ Directors: Kevyn Puah, Aronn Lim Producer: Amanda Jane Lim Synopsis: Minimalism is often associated with words like ‘boring’ and ‘deprivation’, where it is pegged with negative connotations to the uninitiated. More with Less is a short documentary that explores the benefits minimalism brings to those who adopt it and the positive impact it has on the environment. The film reveals an unknown and misunderstood part of this lifestyle choice, through the lives of Jane, a pastry chef, and Amanda, a KonMari consultant-in-training. We dive deeper into the challenges they face and how they overcame them in their minimalism journeys.
A Room in Moscow | Russian Federation | 2019 | 32’ Director: Alexander Zubkov Writer: Marina Sapunova Producers: Ekaterina Dyba, Alexei Novikov Synopsis: Is it so easy to give up the idea of owning something in favour of renting? Now the urban people are learning the benefits of sharing. The proximity of housing to work, the gym, the city centre comes to the fore nowadays. And the house is just a set of boxes that you can always take with you in a small truck.
The Texture of Air | United Kingdom | 2020 | 24’ Directors: Ben Evans James, Olivia Bellas, Laura Mitchison Writers: Laura Mitchison, Olivia Bellas Producers: Guy Noble, On the Record CIC, ScreenDeep Synopsis: The Texture of Air is a collective memoir of two lost hospital buildings and the extraordinary perceptual worlds within them. It unfolds in the last days of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, located at no. 330 Grays Inn Road for nearly 150 years, and the Eastman Dental Hospital, a few doors down, established 1930. Vignettes of the staff and patients are ‘overheard’ spilling into psychedelic corridors, waiting rooms and walnut gardens. Witness the moment a cochlear implant is switched on for the first time, the music journalist awakening to a phantom orchestra, the numinous experience of a perfectly pitched anaesthetic, the trills and purrs of voice therapy, until the entire human sensorium is assembled before you. Buildings, bodies and memories are three notes striking a chord in these intimate stories. The film’s music – eight original pieces recorded on site – gives architectural substance and tension to the voices. An oboe and a clarinet call back and forth to one another, reverberating off hard floors and high ceilings. Pitch and melody are shaped by the sounds of machines and corridors. Rhythms are taken from the gallop motion of rocking horses in the play-area. An underwater recording of the hospital fountain triggers notes on a piano, the droplets finally yielding to the hum of Victorian piping. The sonic history of each building unravels with spools of 16mm film – a nod to George Eastman, who built one of the hospitals with the billions generated by his Kodak camera company. The film stock used in this experimental documentary was discovered in a drawer at the Eastman Dental Hospital – it had literally passed its sell-by-date. Buried treasures relating to each vignette rotate, dream-like: a ‘museum’ of ‘ear trumpets’, a sliced head, an art Deco stairwell, an ark-load of specimens ranging from a pygmy shrew to a giraffe. The nostalgic pastels of 16mm film bleed, through a repurposed microscope lens, into futuristic 3D-scan animation. It is as if the dental technicians were dreaming of the 3D scanning technology that will displace their analogue skills. “We’ll all still be together, won’t we?” we hear one of the therapists ask her colleagues. Hospital staff had worked together for 25 years or more, fallen in love with one another, volunteered for one another’s experiments, fed each other’s terrapins with fresh shrimp. The Texture of Air engages dozens of staff, patients and local musicians in documenting two sites replete with medical firsts – the discovery of oto-acoustic emissions, the first NHS cochlear implant programme, the rehab of celebrity vocal chords. But it’s the everyday senses of place that count. “It’s the texture of air”, says a nose patient who has lost his sense of smell, describing his uncanny experience of a perception severed from its former physical architecture. This is a fitting title for a film about closed hospitals that persist in the imagination. Services transferred to a smaller combined site on Huntley Street between 2019 and 2020.
Experimental Short – Official Selection – April 2020
The Texture of Air | United Kingdom | 2020 | 24’ Directors: Ben Evans James, Olivia Bellas, Laura Mitchison Writers: Laura Mitchison, Olivia Bellas Producers: Guy Noble, On the Record CIC, ScreenDeep Synopsis: The Texture of Air is a collective memoir of two lost hospital buildings and the extraordinary perceptual worlds within them. It unfolds in the last days of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, located at no. 330 Grays Inn Road for nearly 150 years, and the Eastman Dental Hospital, a few doors down, established 1930. Vignettes of the staff and patients are ‘overheard’ spilling into psychedelic corridors, waiting rooms and walnut gardens. Witness the moment a cochlear implant is switched on for the first time, the music journalist awakening to a phantom orchestra, the numinous experience of a perfectly pitched anaesthetic, the trills and purrs of voice therapy, until the entire human sensorium is assembled before you. Buildings, bodies and memories are three notes striking a chord in these intimate stories. The film’s music – eight original pieces recorded on site – gives architectural substance and tension to the voices. An oboe and a clarinet call back and forth to one another, reverberating off hard floors and high ceilings. Pitch and melody are shaped by the sounds of machines and corridors. Rhythms are taken from the gallop motion of rocking horses in the play-area. An underwater recording of the hospital fountain triggers notes on a piano, the droplets finally yielding to the hum of Victorian piping. The sonic history of each building unravels with spools of 16mm film – a nod to George Eastman, who built one of the hospitals with the billions generated by his Kodak camera company. The film stock used in this experimental documentary was discovered in a drawer at the Eastman Dental Hospital – it had literally passed its sell-by-date. Buried treasures relating to each vignette rotate, dream-like: a ‘museum’ of ‘ear trumpets’, a sliced head, an art Deco stairwell, an ark-load of specimens ranging from a pygmy shrew to a giraffe. The nostalgic pastels of 16mm film bleed, through a repurposed microscope lens, into futuristic 3D-scan animation. It is as if the dental technicians were dreaming of the 3D scanning technology that will displace their analogue skills. “We’ll all still be together, won’t we?” we hear one of the therapists ask her colleagues. Hospital staff had worked together for 25 years or more, fallen in love with one another, volunteered for one another’s experiments, fed each other’s terrapins with fresh shrimp. The Texture of Air engages dozens of staff, patients and local musicians in documenting two sites replete with medical firsts – the discovery of oto-acoustic emissions, the first NHS cochlear implant programme, the rehab of celebrity vocal chords. But it’s the everyday senses of place that count. “It’s the texture of air”, says a nose patient who has lost his sense of smell, describing his uncanny experience of a perception severed from its former physical architecture. This is a fitting title for a film about closed hospitals that persist in the imagination. Services transferred to a smaller combined site on Huntley Street between 2019 and 2020.
The silence of the forest | Greece | 2019 | 13’ Director: Valentina Xhialli Writer: Valentina Xhialli Producer: Valentina Xhialli Cast: Andreas Konstantinou, Sophia Hill Synopsis: A man alone in the forest, a dream within a dream, while reality is mixed with fantasy.
Go! | Italy | 2019 | 07’ Director: Vittorio Campanella, Riccardo Maione Writer: Daniele Condemi, Luca Pescaglini, Vittorio Campanella Producer: Lucia Carolina de Rienzo Cast: Emanuele Piras Synopsis: The dancing migration through a day, periphery and body.
quarantine | Russian Federation | 2020 | 20’ Director: Nikita Chisnikov Writers: Irina Burdenkova, Jana Kononova, Victoria Sotnikova Producer: Nikita Chisnikov Cast: Asya Kalinina, Maxim Peshkov Synopsis: The first short fiction film for smartphones (screenlife iPhone 11) about love, virus, quarantine, and cats. Asya’s wedding is in danger – because of the virus pandemic, the borders are closed, the groom got stuck in Germany, the dress is lost, and her ex knows her phone’s password! But is the hope lost?
Panem et Circenses | Turkey | 2019 | 05’ Director: Sofi Writer: Sofi Producer: Gizem Albohayre Cast: Deniz Tekin, Deniz Punkculture, Dogukan Kaynak, Gizem Albohayre, Kubra Balcan, Giaandrogyny Synopsis: Named after ancient Roman poet Juvenal’s famous phrase “Breads and Circuses”, Panem Et Circenses focuses on the collective suffering of being limited by conceptual boundaries, which suppress a being’s uniqueness, creativity, and sought self fulfillment. Inside a metaphorical universe, which is inspired by an aquarium, original characters depict their individual journeys in life, accompanied with a goldfish’s tale of seeking a way out his habitat that is togged up with distractive ornaments. As each character tries to realize themselves in fashion, choreography, emotions and identity, the goldfish simultaneously continues his journey as an element that reflects their collective dreams, hardships, joys and disappointments. Having created and developed by a team of volunteers, Panem Et Circenses aims to express the will to embrace and lead change and transformation under challenging circumstances, while leveraging the power of being unique and acting collective to overcome social, economical and political challenges.
TACET | France | 2017 | 15’ Director: Feriele Beggour Writer: Chris Garcia Producer: Septième Cast: Chris Garcia, Alexis Desseaux, Athénaïs Régnier Synopsis: At the time, Dylan was considered a young piano prodigy. But after his father’s death, Dylan finally stopped any activity for no reason. But two years later, an event will revive this passion, where love and past grudges will mingle…
And also, for youth | Canada | 2020 | 03’ Director: Eamon Hillis Writer: Eamon Hillis Cast: Liam Hillis, Breanna Reid Synopsis: A young couple experience the ecstasies of youth.
Grounded: Cecil | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: Matthew Johns Writer: Matthew Johns Cast: Emily Mitchell, Matthew Johns, Brandon Schroeder Synopsis: A young artist tainted by a ruthless past struggles with feelings he’s begun to have for his two best friends, thrusting those feelings into his work.
Mini Short – Official Selection – April 2020
Modern Times…Now | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Courtney B Ropp Writer: Courtney B Ropp Cast: Courtney B Ropp, Cody Hamilton Synopsis: These are the new times we live in…socially.
Murphy’s Law n.2 | Italy | 2020 | 02’ Director: Valerio Galli Writer: Valerio Galll Producer: Valerio Galli Cast: Valerio Galli Synopsis: A guy, locked at home for the Covid-19 emergency, reflects on the moment the world is living
Alex | Australia | 2020 | 03’ Director: Jean Pierre Addinall Writer: Jean Pierre Addinall Producer: Jaden Bowen Synopsis: Lost and stuck in a rut at the age of 25. Alex decides to take a leap of faith, sell his belongings and leave Sydney with nothing but his motorcycle and the clothes on his back. Arriving in Brisbane Alex re-discovers his love for arial arts and joins Red Dragon. He quickly works his way up to becoming an instructor with a dream of winning a world championship. In order to continue his training, he must find a balance between his goals and his reality. His reward? He finds himself in the most beautiful way possible.
Aire | Spain | 2020 | 02’ Director: Marc Lesperut Writer: Marc Lesperut Cast: Carla Mercader Synopsis: An emotional phone call of a nurse to her mother sets the tone of this short moving piece dedicated to all health workers fighting against corona virus all over the world.
Fashion Short – Official Selection – April 2020
Fate | Spain | 2019 | 03’ Director: Jahel Virallonga Writer: Jahel Virallonga Producers: Jahel Virallonga, Sergio Sicilia Cast: Maurybell Rivas, Sergio Sicilia Synopsis: FATE is a Fashion Film with a gender viewpoint that shows a strong woman throwing the cards and modifying her circumstances to finally face the consequences. The film is a metaphor of women’s history, who for centuries have had to abide by the destiny society had assigned to them and are now able to create their own.
My love is epiphyllum | Russian Federation | 2019 | 04’ Director: Maxett Pribylov Writer: Maxett Pribylov Producer: Alexander Ponomarev Cast: Sofia Filileeva, Ivan Vorobev Synopsis: My video has the spirit of the first pure love. The video “my love is epiphyllum” Lat. (your love is flower) tells about the summer dreams of lovers, when mutual care is metaphorically represented as the care of a person for a houseplant. I chose the form of a science fiction film for my video. The voiceover used in the video is a plant care instruction from a gardening book. The sound is made by the voice of Siri. Perhaps this work will be useful to the viewer in such difficult time in the world.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – April 2020
I’m coming! | Sweden | 2020 | 06’ Director: Maria Forslin Writers: Maria Forslin, Henric Wallmark Producers: Maria Forslin, Kjell Åhlund Cast: Isabella Forslin, Ludvig Karmalm, Ella Dahlberg Synopsis: A group of teenagers party outside. Anja, a seemingly quiet and shy girl, gets an opportunity (via the game hide-and-seek) to be alone with Simon whose girlfriend Isabella counts. Alone with each other and bit drunk, they hook up. They reach their climax when Isabella shouts “I’m coming!”
Carpe Noctem | United Kingdom | 2020 | 19’ Director: David Bartkiewicz Writers: David Bartkiewicz, James Cornwall Producers: David Bartkiewicz, James Cornwall, Samuel Chen Cast: Ian Williamson, Roseanna Brear, Paul Synnot Synopsis: Carpe Noctem is a dark, noir, murder mystery thriller set in the claustrophobically small village of Peterchurch in West England. Officer Poppy Thorne, a hardworking 26 year old with a lot to prove and Detective Edward Stevenson, a hardened, insomniac 30 something, uncover a trail of bodies – women found murdered and raped throughout the village. Tensions run high after clues lead to dead ends and Edward’s mental state rapidly degenerates as he loses sleep and his nightly hallucinations begin to plague his waking life.
CARMA | United States | 2019 | 20’ Director: Sunny Na Producers: Tien Nguyen, Amanda Lau, Unique Cooper Cast: Robert Chestnut Synopsis: Edmond, a desperate husband, drives you through the most thrilling and intense night of his life.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – April 2020
Like You Said You’d Be | United States | 2020 | 13’ Director: Cole Bacani Writer: Cole Bacani Producers: Cole Bacani, Norrie Palmer Cast: Nicole McCullough, Damon McKinnis, John Lane Synopsis: After her latest project is canceled due to uncontrollable circumstances, Nicole turns to the music in her head as she searches for an escape from her disappointment.
Love/Sick | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: John Pope, Nokomis Writer: Leaman Logsdon Producer: John Pope Cast: Nokomis Leaman Logsdon, John Pope, Jorge Gutierrez Synopsis: A privileged, stay-at-home couple are at odds in their relationship.
Dog | Israel | 2020 | 07’ Director: Anat Eisenberg Writer: Anat Eisenberg Producers: Anat Eisenberg, Etty Ben On Cast: Omri Rave, Roni Einav, Esty Kosovitzki Synopsis: Yuda, handsome and self-confident, wants to bring back Yael, the love of his life. In the gray and depressing space of the library where she had set up the meeting, he is trying to convince her to give it a one last chance. Yuda uses all his familiar tactics, he is sure that he got it in the bag, but in front of him stands Yael, and she looks at him different. When he gets too carried away trying to get what he decided he wants, suppressed by the librarian’s stiff voice, he loses control, and for a moment becomes an animal.
Q di Q | Italy | 03’ Director: Gianmarco Donaggio Synopsis: The film was thought and completed in 48 hours, to compete in the 2020 AAFF 48-hour contest. The director responded to the 48-hour film contest’s premise “who could have guessed” with three elements: temporality, presence, and being. Although filmed in one day, the film juxtaposes a variety of different perspectives resulting in a not linear perception of time and a bent vision of space.
FREEDOM & FEAR | Germany | 2020 | 14’ Director: Johannes Ziegler Writer: Johannes Ziegler Producer: Johannes Ziegler Cast: Sita Ziegler-Robert, Amalia Ziegler Synopsis: The world in 2025. Strict restrictions and quarantine measures still apply. The global economy plunged into a deep crisis from which it has not yet recovered. The silent fear of the COVID-19 virus and state control are widespread. A mother and her daughter live in silent fear of a virus and the oppression, the invisible control that is supposed to protect our society. Everyday life has changed. He has become calm, characterized by simple tasks and the urge to survive. In these circumstances, the mother tries to complete a work whose completion becomes the symbol of our time. It is a serious decision that our society has to face: fear or freedom. – “This film was created during global quarantine efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Impronta | Italy | 05’ Director: Daniel Greenway Writer: Hannah Farrell Producer: Daniel Greenway Cast: Corneliu Dragomirescu Synopsis: A film poem looking to shine a light on over-consumption and pollution caused by the human race.
Do you see me? | Germany | 2019 | 08’ Director: Maren Link-Nennmann Writer:Maren Link-Nennmann Producer: Maren Link-Nennmann Cast:Juliane Selesnew, Ben Hüwelmeier, Alina Birgel, Fabrice Kiffel Synopsis: Lena, a young lady who grew up without her father, feels trapped in her relationship. When she starts dreaming of another man, she slowly realises, that it’s not about the men in her life at all. A dreamlike journey about a young woman’s growing self awareness.
School Bus Karaoke | Hong Kong | 2020 | 08’ Director: Tse Chun Ting Writers: Tse Chun Ting, Wong Hoi Producer: Ng Pak Yin Cast: Simon Chung, Marcus Chan Synopsis: Simon, who drives school bus for living and is passionate about music. He also sings in a bar at night to share his enthusiasm for music, best way to earn money and to fulfil hisinterest. He always wanted to perform and share with others about a song composed by himself, “Thanks for your presence”. However, it is a pity that he could not be able to sing his song while driving on bus or at the bar due to different incidents. When Simon feel frustrated, he then realises that the one who appreciate his music is around him already.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – April 2020
KNITTING CLUB FOR MEN OVER 40 | Russian Federation | 2020 | 20’ Director: Egor Gavrilin Writer: Egor Gavrilin Producer: Lucya Kravtsova Synopsis: There’s a new member in the mysterious knitting club for mature men. On his first day he sees that there’s someone who wants to seize power over the club. He decides to bring back justice. The bad guy has already mastered the skill of knitting but our hero has resolve and best intentions. But… are they that good after all?
CRACK A SMILE | France | 2020 | 13’ Director: LEVY CLAUDE Writer: LEVY CLAUDE Producer: JONATHAN BOLUS Cast: DIOMAY SARR, AUDREY QUOTURI, ZOE CORRAFACE, ANTHONY BROUARD, DAPHNE HILARION, DYLAN PEDRON Synopsis: On a sunny day, the lives of 9 young people intertwine in Paris, against a backdrop of pop culture, passion about photography and relationships between men and women.
L’ultimo whisky con il cappellaio matto | Italy | 2020 | 15’ Director: Nello Petrucci Writer: Nello Petrucci Producer: Satyr M.B. production Cast: Titti Nuzzolese, Ciro Cascina, Beniamino Brogi, Bret Roberts, Egidio Carbone Synopsis: What would happen if Alice found the Mad Hatter after many years? An unusual meeting where time has been out of the clock for quite a while…
The Astonishing Adventures of Alfred | United Kingdom | 2020 | 13’ Director: Joe Pearson Writer: Rory Cargill Producer: Rory Cargill Cast: Rory Cargill, Johnny Mindlin, J.P. Turner Synopsis: ALFRED, a 1950’s ten-year-old schoolboy who loves to go on wonderful adventures, has come into possession of a magical magnifying glass – through mysterious circumstances.
Doffice | Belgium | 2019 | 20’ Director: Leclercq David Writers: Othmane Moumen , David Leclercq Producers: Vincent Tavier Cast: Michel Carcan, Othmane Moumen Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
HotHed | United Kingdom | 2020 | 25’ Director: David Spring Writers: Stephen Pitt & David Spring Producer: Ajo Kacmar Cast: Nimisha Odedra, Victoria Broom, Amber Doig-Thorne Synopsis: A young Youtuber is hired by a struggling energy drink company, HotHed Inc., to become their mascot in exchange for fame and money. Their partnership becomes an incredible success story, with the Youtuber driving enormous brand awareness due to the popularity of her entertaining stunt videos, resulting in soaring profits for HotHed. But just when the stunts become more and more grueling and painful for their mascot, the HotHed execs decide to stage a spectacular – and rather dangerous – event which would propel them into the internet stratosphere.
Short Drama – Official Selection – April 2020
JULIA. DECEMBER 13 | Poland | 2019 | 10’ Director: Lukasz Madziar Writer: Lukasz Madziar Producer: Lukasz Madziar Cast: Maria Patykiewicz, Sebastian Cybulski, Andrzej Popiel Synopsis: The young man lost contact with his pregnant girlfriend. The policeman assisted by a psychologist visits him and explains that his girlfriend is a victim of postpartum psychosis and last night there was a row in the hospital. The man falls into despair. The girl, assisted by the police, recognizes her child’s corpse lying on the wharf. The policeman tries to visit the man again, but he is not in the apartment. We see him committing suicide in loneliness, near a large coal incinerator.
PRASKOVYA | Russian Federation | 2019 | 06’ Director: Alexander Solovyov Writer: Alexander Solovyov Producer: Ksenia Kovaleva Synopsis: Praskovya continues working in the Bank despite hunger in the freezing siege of Leningrad. Her husband went to war. The only thing he left is the ink pot. This gift is the onlyitem which makes Praskovya feel warm. In the most critical moment when no hopes or energy is left only the ink pot acts as a twist of destiny.
York At Night | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Spencer Gibson Writer: Spencer Gibson Cast: Tenzin Dhondup, Whisper Washington, Treeman Synopsis: A lonely man dreams of making a song dedication on his favorite love radio show.
The Voice of Waves | China | 2019 | 11’ Director: Mobai Zhang (PATO BRANCO) Writer: Mobai Zhang (PATO BRANCO) Producer: Shushan Liu Cast: Xingxing Zheng Synopsis: In a small town in northern china, a young woman was mysteriously missing. The police found unsent package in her home and found a solitary writer based on the address above. The writer seems to be unaware of it, but the things in the package have evoked his memories. Does the woman exist? What is the relationship with the work he is working on?
Janet | United States | 2019 | 12’ Director: Wendi Tang Writer: Wendi Tang Producers: Yutian Feng, Elliot Gong, Wendi Tang Cast: Catherine Taormina, Nokomis Leaman Logsdon, Mark A. Keeton Synopsis: Stuck in a broken marriage, a desperate middle-aged woman must confront her rebellious daughter and convince her to continue school.
BUNNY IN THE RAIN… | Russian Federation | 2020 | 21’ Director: Oksana Barkovskaya Writer: Oksana Barkovskaya Producer: Natalia Bernyakova Synopsis: A six year old boy diagnosed with autism suffers from a lack of parents love. The only person whom he loves and who understands him is his nanny. Once an unsettling story takes place on a playground – his nanny is arrested. The boy is left alone in a big world that is more than hostile towards him.
Student Short – Official Selection – April 2020
Faraway, so close | United States | 2019 | 05’ Director: Gustavo Milan Writer: Gustavo Milan Producers: Gustavo Milan , Eris Qian Cast: Evan Ulven, Clemmie Evans, Robert Gregory , Logan Sutherland, Marianne Goodwell Synopsis: A young man relies on the support of his greatest ally in order to live the excitements of a double life
FREEDOM OF CHOICE | Russian Federation | 2020 | 21’ Director: Alexey Medvedev Writer: Sergey Surzhikov Producers: Anna Rumyantseva, Pavel Yurinov Synopsis: A fatal accident – hostage-taking in a faraway country – brings together an important diplomat, his unfaithful wife and her lover. To be saved, they need to act together, but is it possible when hatred is stronger than the desire to live, a sense of duty is more important than reputation, and betrayal is higher than love?
Draft Day | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: Angel Caro Writer: Angel caro Producers: Angel Caro, Sjon Blackwell Cast: Benjamin Coleman, Ahmad O’Neal, Melissa Lloyd-Wade, Ryan Mcvey Synopsis: Rumors of a third world war make a way into the lives of a small family when the oldest sibling has his dreams of playing college ball shattered after receiving a draft notification.
STARFISH | United Kingdom | 2020 | 19’ Director: James Ho Writers: James Ho, Callum Williams Producers: James Ho, Tyler Okely Cast: Paris Stangl, Daniel Whitington, Dave Lee Synopsis: A burdened father faces a dilemma as he is forced to choose between his next aerospace assignment or reunion with his troubled son.
SCENES BY THE SEA | Russian Federation | 2019 | 20’ Director: Oksana Degtyareva Writer: Oksana Degtyareva Synopsis: Nina spends her time at her parents’ busy with the preparation for her younger sister’s wedding. Unexpectedly for her, her husband Nikita comes there too. Nina and Nikita have been going through a family relationships crisis. In order not to spoil the event, they try to pretend that everything is OK between them. How will their reluctant mutual vocation end? Will they be able to batter the wall between them down or will this wall get even higher?
Navigating Echoes | United States | 2020 | 04’ Directors: Daniel Monzel, Bridget Olson Synopsis: “Navigating Echoes” provides a glimpse into the journey of a strange creature as it travels through a mathematical world of fractals. These 3D fractals — called Mandelbulbs — come together to form a never ending dimension that repeats infinitely at a smaller and smaller scale. The cyclical repetition draws parallels to our own spiritual growth, comparing how the warm concept of reincarnation might be similar to the cold math formulas that derive the fibonacci spiral.
Header | Germany | 2020 | 13’ Director: Mark Kuhlmann Writer: Mark Kuhlmann Producer: Mark Kuhlmann Cast: Doron Heegner, Anton Lindner, Yasmin Ott Synopsis: When Lars (13) gets further and further behind in the initially still funny duel with his brother Kai (11) and thus also threatens to lose the love of his mother, he is faced with a decision: Will he fight against his unfairly playing brother or will he give up?
Stop Talking to Me | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Eric Fritz Writer: Eric Fritz Producer: Eric Fritz Cast: Eric Fritz Synopsis: Stop Talking to Me features a dialogue between yourself, the viewer, and Tony. You’ll find that he’s more than happy to chat (just give him a moment to warm up to you). The film explores the conflict between a desire to be left alone and the human need for social interaction. Viewers will follow Tony as they hang out with each other over the course of the day.
Blind Corners | Australia | 2019 | 13’ Director: Catherine Nickson Writer: Catherine Nickson Producer: Catherine Nickson Cast: Roy Barker, Verity Higgins, Eleanor Webster, Robert Awad, Nicholas Stribakos, David King, Julia Day Synopsis: Blind Corners is a suspense drama involving a retired Melbourne professor convinced a subversive organisation is orchestrating the current world chaos. Passing his findings on to a security agency friend, the professor also counters the group to a growing number of followers online. Following a recent fatal accident, strange occurrences intensifies the professors paranoia as he becomes increasingly concerned his past may be catching up to him.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – April 2020
CR: Complete Reality | Canada | 2019 | 16’ Director: Stanton Chong Writers: Stanton Chong, Berlin Lu Producers: Berlin Lu, Stanton Chong, Hugo Raymundo Cast: Berlin Lu, Nalani Wakita, Mitra Suri, Kaylah Zander, Brenna Llewellyn, Ken Do, Tina-Marie Springham, Rebecca Kwan, Donna Soares, Nicholas Wong, Priya Madhwan, Darren Staten, Chris Champagne, Andrew Nadanyi, Shakti Shunmugam, Sade Deroche, Sunny Zhou Synopsis: Inspired by his partner’s selfless care, a computer genius born with a rare debilitating skin condition unlocks the disconnect between his mind and body, freeing him from disability; but his determination to cure the world from physical impairments burdens his relationship and his own mind.
The Bargain | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: Shange Zhang Writer: Shange Zhang Producer: Yuru Zhang Cast: Bo Wen, Xiangbo Wang Synopsis: A struggling young man parts with his most valuable commodity in a mysterious pawnshop, but gets far more than he bargained for.
Ungbi and non-human friends | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 18’ Synopsis: Ungbi, in need of a playmate, and an unidentified creature covered in black fur. The relationship between these two, who were ‘human’ and ‘non-human animal’, gradually reverses.
CONSUME | Argentina | 2020 | 14’ Director: Bruno Gradaschi Writer: Bruno Gradaschi Cast: Andres Daian, Javier Roson, Flora Ferrari, Christian Grilli Synopsis: A world where everyone lives in the work stations and eats liquid food coming from dispensers. Workers that are only numbers fulfill incomprehensible and alienating tasks to earn points and reach a target to move up the chain and access a better life. We know him as 079 and he keeps falling short leaving that promotion too far to reach. So he decides to steal the remaining points from his next door neighbor.
Inner-critic | United States | 2020 | 05’ Director: Tara Tusher Writer: Tara Tusher Producer: Tara Tusher Cast: Tara Tusher Synopsis: A heart broken woman battles her inner critic as she works on a potion to bring back her dead lover.
G A B R I E L | Spain | 2020 | 20’ Director: Pierfrancesco Artini Writers: Pierfrancesco Artini, Claudio Masenza Producers: Claudio Masenza, Luis Morenes Cast: Isabel Ordaz, Antonio Ibañez Synopsis: Agatha is struck by her husband’s death. She feels old and lonely, yet she starts to experience unexpected sexual desires that would lead her to buy the ultimate version of a male sex robot, Gabriel. Will she find happiness?
Stop Motion/Time Lapse – Official Selection – April 2020
Giant Baby Loves Food | Dominican Republic | 2019 | 01’ Director: Alfonssette Medina Writer: Alfonssette Medina Producers: Alfonssette Medina, Sara Ab Cast: Giant Baby Synopsis: Giant Baby Loves Food explores our curious desire to overcome our limitations. Even so, eating them until there’s none of it left! Our character experiences self-doubt, purpose, and then rejoice. After all, we are about what we feed ourselves. Feed yourself fear, and grey days will come your way. Feed yourself hope, and you will conquer all.
Meaningless | Australia | 2017 | 05’ Director: Tyson Di Rosa Writer: Tyson Di Rosa Producers: Medo Rashed, Tyson Di Rosa Synopsis: A quiet man struggles to get a boulder to the top of a hill however making it to the top might not be his only task.
Short Horror – Official Selection – April 2020
Pose | China | 2019 | 19’ Director: MA YUE Writer: MA YUE Producers: MA YUE, Chan Hau Chun, Chui Chi Yin Cast: Karen Swinton Young, Monster Leaf Synopsis: A young model was running away, a man in black was chasing her, and the girl’s photographer boyfriend was also looking for her. Meanwhile, a mysterious camera kept taking pictures of the girl’s pose.
The Spellbook | United States | 2020 | 10’ Director: Julian C. Santos Writer: Kevin J. Nittolo Cast: Lainey Woo, Samantha Brooks Synopsis: After the death of someone in their hometown, two estranged childhood friends reunite for a sleepover. Together, they must confront a literal demon and their own unresolved issues.
Make A Wish | United States | 2019 | 09’ Director: Dinh Thai Writers: Ivan Tsang, Dinh Thai Producers: Diane Foster, Edward Hong, Josephine Chang Cast: Edward Hong, Josephine Chang, Roman Moretti Synopsis: A dark comedy about a man who discovers that that his fiancé has kidnapped his high school bully for his 30th birthday with the hope that he’ll take his revenge.
The Music Box | United States | 2020 | 25’ Director: Ryan Riddle Writer: Ryan Riddle Producer: Bryant Marcontel Cast: Yuwi Kim, True Chan, Ginny O’ Keefe, Jasmine Orpilla Synopsis: A girl and her father move to America after experiencing tragedy and are eventually haunted by the loved one they both lost.
Sleep Tight | United States | 2020 | 12’ Director: Michael Seabolt Writer: Michael Seabolt Producer: Michael Seabolt Cast: Bec Doyle, Wes McGee, Mason Wells Synopsis: Preston’s adoptive parents Daniel and Kate think that he is just going through a phase, but Kate fears it may be more because of Preston’s haunted past. Are the monsters in Preston’s closet his past coming back to haunt him? Or is it just another kid with an over active imagination? One thing is for sure, its going to be a night everyone will remember…
Susie | United States | 2020 | 16’ Director: Jordan Doig Writer: Jordan Doig Producers: Stephanie Gould, Ian McGuire Cast: Cat Olson, Andrea Murillo Synopsis: Susie and Andy’s relationship has become toxic. In order to deal with Andy’s controlling and emotionally damaging actions, Susie begins to manifest a real and physical horror.
Dreamer’s Journey | Canada | 2019 | 19’ Director: Mitchell Branget Writer: Mitchell Branget Producers: Sebastien Gaspar-Woods, Mitchell Branget Cast: Kitu Turcas, Eric Branget, Samantha Lillian, Kathy Roberts, Liam Couvion Synopsis: A man is forced to face his deepest fears when he’s faced with an episode of sleep paralysis.
Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
BEST DIRECTOR
Doffice | Belgium | 2019 | 20’
Director: Leclercq David
Writers: Othmane Moumen , David Leclercq
Producers: Vincent Tavier
Cast: Michel Carcan, Othmane Moumen
Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
BEST SCREENPLAY
G A B R I E L | Spain | 2020 | 20’
Director: Pierfrancesco Artini
Writers: Pierfrancesco Artini, Claudio Masenza
Producers: Claudio Masenza, Luis Morenes
Cast: Isabel Ordaz, Antonio Ibañez
Synopsis: Agatha is struck by her husband’s death. She feels old and lonely, yet she starts to experience unexpected sexual desires that would lead her to buy the ultimate version of a male sex robot, Gabriel. Will she find happiness?
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
Ungbi and non-human friends | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 18’
Director: Da-min KIM
Producers: Junyong PARK Cast: Siha KIM, Yunam KIM, Hyeongil Yoon, Jinmo KIM
Synopsis: Ungbi, in need of a playmate, and an unidentified creature covered in black fur. The relationship between these two, who were ‘human’ and ‘non-human animal’, gradually reverses.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Doffice | Belgium | 2019 | 20’
Actor: Othmane Moumen
Director: Leclercq David
Writers: Othmane Moumen , David Leclercq
Producers: Vincent Tavier
Cast: Michel Carcan, Othmane Moumen
Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
G A B R I E L | Spain | 2020 | 20’
Cinematographer: Lucas Tucknott
Director: Pierfrancesco Artini
Writers: Pierfrancesco Artini, Claudio Masenza
Producers: Claudio Masenza, Luis Morenes
Cast: Isabel Ordaz, Antonio Ibañez
Synopsis: Agatha is struck by her husband’s death. She feels old and lonely, yet she starts to experience unexpected sexual desires that would lead her to buy the ultimate version of a male sex robot, Gabriel. Will she find happiness?
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Doffice | Belgium | 2019 | 20’
Set designer: Tanguy Thirion
Director: Leclercq David
Writers: Othmane Moumen , David Leclercq
Producers: Vincent Tavier
Cast: Michel Carcan, Othmane Moumen
Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
BEST EDITING
Susie | United States | 2020 | 16’
Director: Jordan Doig
Writer: Jordan Doig
Producers: Stephanie Gould, Ian McGuire
Cast: Cat Olson, Andrea Murillo
Synopsis: Susie and Andy’s relationship has become toxic. In order to deal with Andy’s controlling and emotionally damaging actions, Susie begins to manifest a real and physical horror.
BEST NARRATIVE
G A B R I E L | Spain | 2020 | 20’
Cinematographer: Lucas Tucknott
Director: Pierfrancesco Artini
Writers: Pierfrancesco Artini, Claudio Masenza
Producers: Claudio Masenza, Luis Morenes
Cast: Isabel Ordaz, Antonio Ibañez
Synopsis: Agatha is struck by her husband’s death. She feels old and lonely, yet she starts to experience unexpected sexual desires that would lead her to buy the ultimate version of a male sex robot, Gabriel. Will she find happiness?
BEST COMEDY
Doffice | Belgium | 2019 | 20’
Director: Leclercq David
Writers: Othmane Moumen , David Leclercq
Producers: Vincent Tavier
Cast: Michel Carcan, Othmane Moumen
Synopsis: An old guy works into the same office, everyday. But one day, a young colleague arrives and puts his world upside down.
BEST DRAMA
PRASKOVYA | Russian Federation | 2019 | 06’
Director: Alexander Solovyov
Writer: Alexander Solovyov
Producer: Ksenia Kovaleva
Synopsis: Praskovya continues working in the Bank despite hunger in the freezing siege of Leningrad. Her husband went to war. The only thing he left is the ink pot. This gift is the onlyitem which makes Praskovya feel warm. In the most critical moment when no hopes or energy is left only the ink pot acts as a twist of destiny.
BEST HORROR
The Music Box | United States | 2020 | 25’
Director: Ryan Riddle
Writer: Ryan Riddle
Producer: Bryant Marcontel
Cast: Yuwi Kim, True Chan, Ginny O’ Keefe, Jasmine Orpilla
Synopsis: A girl and her father move to America after experiencing tragedy and are eventually haunted by the loved one they both lost.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
G A B R I E L | Spain | 2020 | 20’
Director: Pierfrancesco Artini
Writers: Pierfrancesco Artini, Claudio Masenza
Producers: Claudio Masenza, Luis Morenes
Cast: Isabel Ordaz, Antonio Ibañez
Synopsis: Agatha is struck by her husband’s death. She feels old and lonely, yet she starts to experience unexpected sexual desires that would lead her to buy the ultimate version of a male sex robot, Gabriel. Will she find happiness?
BEST STUDENT
SCENES BY THE SEA | Russian Federation | 2019 | 20’
Director: Oksana Degtyareva
Writer: Oksana Degtyareva
Synopsis: Nina spends her time at her parents’ busy with the preparation for her younger sister’s wedding. Unexpectedly for her, her husband Nikita comes there too. Nina and Nikita have been going through a family relationships crisis. In order not to spoil the event, they try to pretend that everything is OK between them. How will their reluctant mutual vocation end? Will they be able to batter the wall between them down or will this wall get even higher?
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Header | Germany | 2020 | 13’
Director: Mark Kuhlmann
Writer: Mark Kuhlmann
Producer: Mark Kuhlmann
Cast: Doron Heegner, Anton Lindner, Yasmin Ott
Synopsis: When Lars (13) gets further and further behind in the initially still funny duel with his brother Kai (11) and thus also threatens to lose the love of his mother, he is faced with a decision: Will he fight against his unfairly playing brother or will he give up?
BEST ANIMATION
Melted | United States | 2020 | 02’
Director: Nikki Chapman
Writer: Nikki Chapman
Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design
Cast: Shelby Lewis
Synopsis: A macabre girl laments about the inevitability of death after being given a melting cartoon character popsicle.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
A Room in Moscow | Russian Federation | 2019 | 32’
Director: Alexander Zubkov
Writer: Marina Sapunova
Producers: Ekaterina Dyba, Alexei Novikov
Synopsis: Is it so easy to give up the idea of owning something in favour of renting? Now the urban people are learning the benefits of sharing. The proximity of housing to work, the gym, the city centre comes to the fore nowadays. And the house is just a set of boxes that you can always take with you in a small truck.
Synopsis: The dancing migration through a day, periphery and body.
BEST MINI SHORT
Murphy’s Law n.2 | Italy | 2020 | 02’
Director: Valerio Galli
Writer: Valerio Galll
Producer: Valerio Galli
Cast: Valerio Galli
Synopsis: A guy, locked at home for the Covid-19 emergency, reflects on the moment the world is living
BEST LOW/NO BUDGET
FREEDOM & FEAR | Germany | 2020 | 14’
Director: Johannes Ziegler
Writer: Johannes Ziegler
Producer: Johannes Ziegler
Cast: Sita Ziegler-Robert, Amalia Ziegler
Synopsis: The world in 2025. Strict restrictions and quarantine measures still apply. The global economy plunged into a deep crisis from which it has not yet recovered. The silent fear of the COVID-19 virus and state control are widespread. A mother and her daughter live in silent fear of a virus and the oppression, the invisible control that is supposed to protect our society. Everyday life has changed. He has become calm, characterized by simple tasks and the urge to survive. In these circumstances, the mother tries to complete a work whose completion becomes the symbol of our time. It is a serious decision that our society has to face: fear or freedom. – “This film was created during global quarantine efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Synopsis: [English] Omar is about to become a drug dealer, there is no other option.
[Español] Omar esta a punto de convertirse en un traficante, no hay otra opción.
BEST FASHION SHORT
My love is epiphyllum | Russian Federation | 2019 | 04’
Director: Maxett Pribylov
Writer: Maxett Pribylov
Producer: Alexander Ponomarev
Cast: Sofia Filileeva, Ivan Vorobev
Synopsis: My video has the spirit of the first pure love. The video “my love is epiphyllum” Lat. (your love is flower) tells about the summer dreams of lovers, when mutual care is metaphorically represented as the care of a person for a houseplant.
I chose the form of a science fiction film for my video. The voiceover used in the video is a plant care instruction from a gardening book. The sound is made by the voice of Siri.
Perhaps this work will be useful to the viewer in such difficult time in the world.
BEST COMMERCIAL/AD/TVC
Feel It | United States | 2018 | 01’
Director: Jono Seneff
BEST STOP-MOTION/TIME-LAPSE
Meaningless | Australia | 2017 | 05’
Director: Tyson Di Rosa
Writer: Tyson Di Rosa
Producers: Medo Rashed, Tyson Di Rosa
Synopsis: A quiet man struggles to get a boulder to the top of a hill however making it to the top might not be his only task.
Happy Birthday, Grace | Republic of Korea | 2019 | 06’ Directors: Subin Kim, Jihye Lee Writer: Subin Kim Producers: Subin Kim, Jihye Lee Cast: Seul Lee, Juyeung Lee, Subin Kim, Jihye Lee Synopsis: Grace, the girl who wants her birthday to be celebrated by everyone brings up her courage to attend a party held by Jonathan, the school’s celebrity.
Stick To Manual | United States | 2020 | 08’ Directors: Christian Antonini, Tanice Arnold Writers: Martin Leon Y Leon, Karen Salzgeber Producer: UCF SVAD Synopsis: When a curious robot finds a seemingly worthless book, he discovers that the knowledge within is truly priceless.
White Paradise | Belgium | 2020 | 11’ Director: Xavier istasse Writer: Xavier istasse Producer: Xavier istasse Synopsis: A young boy tell his story – before his dad kill him
Save The Digis | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Zi Wang Writer: Zi Wang Producer: Zi Wang Cast: Zi Wang Synopsis: It’s a satirical digital pets rescue commercial.
Pork Chop | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Katherine Guggenberger Writer: Katherine Guggenberger Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Synopsis: A severed pig’s head becomes conscious, finding himself in a deli shop with a terrifying butcher. In order to escape his predicament, the pig’s head assembles a new body, made out of the parts of other animals he finds in the shop’s meat freezer. After overcoming the butcher with his newfound power, the pig slices off the butcher’s head, takes his human body, and escapes the butcher shop as a pig-human hybrid.
Felt Love | United States | 2020 | 07’ Synopsis: A young boy learns to understand the depth of his mother’s love despite the distance her dedication may create.
Dancer By The Sea | United States | 2019 | 10’ Director: Barbara Mones Producer: Barbara Mones Synopsis: An lonely widowed older woman who lives by the sea finds and adopts an abandoned baby otter on her property. The relationship that develops transforms her life.
Long Way Down | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Brandon Lopez Writer: Brandon Lopez Producer: Brandon Lopez Synopsis: A round, chunky cat is lazily playing with a squeaky mouse toy on top of a steep staircase. After accidentally nudging the toy, the feline heads down into an inevitable predicament.
Bacterium Delirium | United States | 2020 | 03’ Directors: Fransis Chicote , Nicole Tan Writers: Fransis Chicote , Nicole Tan Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Cast: Nicole Tan , Fransis Chicote, Kiwon Lee Synopsis: A comedic tale of two high school lab partners who argue and de-evolve all the way down to bacteria; but will they be able to put their differences aside before their sub-atomic bodies disappear into nothing-ness?
Quarantine | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: Margarita Mapa Writer: Margarita Mapa Producer: Margarita Mapa Synopsis: The repetition and anxiety of quarantine life (March-May)
Children Short – Official Selection – May 2020
The little thief | United States | 2019 | 04’ Director: Nicole Vanden Broeck Writer: András Roder Producer: Jervis Li Cast: Kue Lawrence Synopsis: After stealing a bean from a local market, a young boy experiences guilt for the first time.
Doomsday Princess | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Alyssa Ragni Writer: Alyssa Ragni Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Synopsis: As the only human survivor of a radioactive apocalypse, a cheerful young woman sings her way through life, planning a tea party where she hopes she can finally find friendship.
Long Way Down | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Brandon Lopez Writer: Brandon Lopez Producer: Brandon Lopez Synopsis: A round, chunky cat is lazily playing with a squeaky mouse toy on top of a steep staircase. After accidentally nudging the toy, the feline heads down into an inevitable predicament.
Joe | United States | 2020 | 06’ Directors: Luke Sarabacha, Benjamin Sarabacha Writer: Luke Sarabacha Producers: Luke Sarabacha, Benjamin Sarabacha Cast: Dane Larson Synopsis: The story of a children’s writer who’s stuck for an ending.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – May 2020
EDIT AS IF I DISAPPEARED | Russian Federation | 2019 | 16’ Director: Oksana Timchenko Writer: Oksana Timchenko Producer: Oksana Timchenko Synopsis: Sometimes life can only be accepted through death denial. A film about the therapeutic nature of creativity, exploring the extent to which film-making can be a psychotherapeutic practice. Young people get to know each other on a film course, make a documentary about suicide together in search of an answer to the question why life is worth living, and fall in love with each other. Six months later, the guy commits suicide, and the girl tries to make him the protagonist of the film, editing from the periphery of the footage: the moments and phrases captured by the camera – by accident or as a joke.
Fire + Sand | United Kingdom | 02’ Director: Jolyon White Synopsis: A short glimpse into the art of glassblowing.
WHEN MOM IS GONE | Turkey | 2020 | 29’ Director: Zeynep Gulru Kececiler Producer: Zeynep Gulru Kececiler Synopsis: “When Mom is Gone” is the story of a father and his six children trying to hold on to life. Mohammed is left alone with his six children, the oldest of whom is 11 and the youngest is 2, in the mountain village of Sumara, in the city of Bamyan in Afghanistan. 9-year old Masume has quit school and is trying to be a mother to her siblings. 11-year old Jumahan, the eldest son, is working far away from his family. What has happened to leave Mohammed and his children in this condition? Why is Masume taking care of her siblings? Why is Jumahan working as a shepherd at a distant village away from his siblings? Yes, a father and his six little children in Afghanistan have to struggle hard. Filmed in 35 days, the documentary demonstrates the micro-scale reflections of the devastation caused by the war in Afghanistan that has been going on for a decade.
The Last Stand | Spain | 2020 | 20’ Director: Martín D. Guevara Writers: Martín D. Guevara , Juan I. Malcolm Producers: Martín D. Guevara, Juan I. Malcolm Cast: Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo Synopsis: Marinaleda is no ordinary town. Neither is its mayor, Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo, who managed to stay in power for 40 years, sustained by a social model that is unique in the world. The director and his camera follow the mayor of Marinaleda for three years, generating a total immersion and approach to one of the most spectacular stories of struggle and disappointment of recent decades. A fabulous discovery that will make us think and reflect on the current system.
Experimental Short – Official Selection – May 2020
Iva Bedlam/ Shinner Dogma | Belgium | 2020 | 10’ Director: Luyckx Jonas Synopsis: During the first week of the great confinement, behind our walls between father and son, we talked about us, family history and these constructions which rise too high not to collapse.
Seedling | India | 2020 | 04’ Director: Nisrin Aziz Producer: Adil Aziz Cast: Kannakee Bhuyan Synopsis: Seedling is an experimental film created and spearheaded by Nisrin Aziz along with collaborators from all over the world. This piece is a non-profit film endeavour that seeks to inspire introspection and a spiritual connection to the natural world, especially for those who have little or no access to greenery and nature in their Covid-19 lockdown scenarios world over.
A Vague Flicker | Germany | 2019 | 30’ Director: Linda Weidmann Writer: Linda Weidmann Producer: Linda Weidmann Synopsis: How close can I get to reveal the infinity of the black pixel? The flickering of vague images that lie in a sudden void? “A Vague Flicker” is a cinematic meditation on disappearance, on the pictorial nothingness from which everything emerges – into which everything returns. About human connections and the search for the similarity between phenomena that are about to vanish. In different chapters the cinematic experiments circle around the Japanese feeling ‘mono no aware’, the sensitivity for the impermanence of existence and yet they come together as a unity in the infinite black of the night sky or the brilliant white of the snow tracks.
Immaturity | United Kingdom | 2020 | 05’ Director: SHINY Producer: Luana Alb Cast: Adam Ayadi Synopsis: After taking his first breath on earth, a man experiences the human plight of maturity. Doomed to live in a constant state of rebirth, he endures infancy, childhood, and adolescence in fast succession, as he fulfils the most human of quests for knowledge. But does man’s pursuit of wisdom kill the inner child?
Mini Short – Official Selection – May 2020
A to Z | United Kingdom | 2020 | 03’ Director: Sara Buccellato Writer: Sara Buccellato Synopsis: “If you stop to think about it, you’ll have to admit that all the stories in the world consist essentially of twenty-six letters.” Micheal Ende, The Neverending Story. A to Z is an animated alphabet that contains all the stories ever told and it’s a reflection about the common threads of narration.
Busy Tuesday | Canada | 2019 | 03’ Director: Roger Gariépy Writer: Roger Gariépy Producer: Gabrielle Tougas-Fréchette Cast: Serge Bouchard Synopsis: In the form of a haiku, Gros mardi (Busy tuesday) is a little poem that celebrates the evanescence of things and… outdoor cardio.
HUGS | United Kingdom | 2020 | 03’ Director: Harry Plowden Synopsis: A little animation about a world without human touch, made during lockdown.
Eternal Damnation | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: ENRIQUE CABALLERO Cast: Birch Davis Synopsis: One-Minute short of a man trying to escape a vicious cycle.
AQUARIUM | Turkey | 01’ Director: Ekin Sensev Writer: Ekin Sensev Cast: Ayşe Nil Sensev, Kaya Sensev Synopsis: In a dystopia, which all humanity is isolated in their homes, the ship horn heard by a middle-aged couple takes them to different places.
Sleepwalking | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02’ Director: Christopher Haddock Synopsis: Sleepwalking is a short reflection on adjusting to time spent in isolation. As the world abruptly stopped, lives halted and many of us were left wondering how we pass the hours.
They faced at the bakery… | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Igor Gordin, Svetlana Timofeeva-Letunovskaya He and she were married for fifteen years and after a divorce didn’t meet for five years hoping to forget each other. But one day they face at the bakery and all bustle of the city becomes secondary to their fond memories of the past.
Exit | United Kingdom | 2020 | 03’ Director: Elodie Chiper Writers: Jean-Paul Sartre, Elodie Chiper Producer: Elodie Chiper Cast: Elodie Chiper Synopsis: Based on Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist play “No Exit”. The short video takes the concept of different types of gaze – the performer’s gaze, the camera’s eye and the spectator – exploring the relationship that is formed between them.
Mobile Short – Official Selection – May 2020
REPRISE | Turkey | 2020 | 02’ Director: Özümcan Akın Writer: Özümcan Akın Producers: Sultan Akın, Mücahit Akın Cast: Ömürcan Akın Synopsis: A young man quarantined at home alone during the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a prisoner of his own mind.
Kaminda | Netherlands | 2020 | 03’ Director: David van Delden Writer: Juan-Carlos Goilo Cast: Zane de Wind, Lucca Elisabeth Synopsis: A visual poem of a 3-year-old boy’s journey of self-discovery. Kaminda revisits David’s childhood adventures narrated by a young voice in spoken words written by Juan-Carlos Goilo. From the dry northern plains to the atmospheric damp caves, Kaminda takes you through the rustic landscapes of Curaçao with stunningly captured scenes. Hear the primitive sounds of Curaçao’s “Muzik di Zumbi” accompanied by scenes shot under water, on land and in the air. The unpredictability of nature and a 3-year-old boy presented some challenges when shooting certain scenes. But there where also these moments where all I had to do was press record and watch something amazing unfold in front of me. This resulted in a film that resembled the purity of the story. In 2017 I created my first film on an iPhone 6. Since then I’ve been experimenting with mobile film. When shooting on mobile the rules are completely different. This drives me to think outside the box and think of creative ways to capture that epic scene.
Rat. | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02’ Director: Luke Bather Writer: Luke Bather Producer: Luke Bather Cast: Luke Bather Synopsis: Rat is a very short film about trying to find inner peace at a time of great upset by having a funeral for a dead rat you found on the side of the road.
Fly, Martin | Switzerland | 2020 | 05’ Director: Boyera Louis Writer: Boyera Louis Producer: Boyera Louis Cast: Emma Luna Boyera Synopsis: A poetic vision of a young women in love with her gone boy friend.
Music Video – Official Selection – May 2020
Bastille, Alessia Cara – Another Place | United Kingdom | 2019 | 04’ Directors: Anna Radchenko, Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux Producers: Rob Jelley, Nicole Powell Cast: Dan Smith, Alessia Cara Synopsis: Another Place is a surrealist music video directed by Anna Radchenko & Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux for English alternative rock band Bastille, featuring Canadian singer, songwriter Alessia Cara. The video sees Bastille frontman Dan Smith as he struggles to keep his home from falling apart. All the while, a giant version of Alessia Cara looks through and taps on the windows sending shockwaves throughout the building. Another Place stands as an evocative representation of a person’s distress caused by a breakup, seeking to keep one’s inner sanctuary intact by shutting off painful memories trying to make their way in.
Forlorn Hope | France | 2020 | 06’ Director: Moreau Pauline Writers: Moreau Pauline, Poussard Théo Producers: Moreau Pauline, Virgery Geoffroy Cast: Vion Padrig, Chauvet Benjamin, N’Ganga Olivia Synopsis: “Forlorn Hope” sets to music the sad account of a helpless witness to the exponential disasters of his planet. A lament which, through its multiple dimensions: violence, insalubrity, cleavage, utters a desperate cry. If the world is gradually sinking towards its destruction, are we inactive witnesses to an impending climate disaster?
DREZDEN “DAVIDA OLEN” | Belarus | 2020 | 05’ Director: Vladimir Nefedov Producer: Vladimir Nefedov
KAROLINA PIECHOTA | State of mind | Poland | 2020 | 04’ Director: Marcin Starzecki Writer: Marcin Starzecki Producers: Marcin Starzecki, Karolina Piechota Cast: Karolina Piechota, Juliusz Starzecki Synopsis: Music video inspired by a Nobel Lecture of Olga Tokarczuk, Nobel Laureate in Literature 2018. “Missing a person means they’re there.” – she wrote. This film is an attempt to interpret the words of Tokarczuk and the bigger story behind this quotation about childhood memories, relations with mother and the need of trying to be a tender narrator.
End Effect – BLACKPITCH | Germany | 2020 | 06’ Director: Karolina Wyrwal Producer: Karolina Wyrwal Synopsis: The idea for the video was to create our own artistic document of personal plastic usage. Not a critique as such. More an acknowledgement of how damn useful plastic can be, how beautiful along with how permanent and problematic. We collected all our personal plastic for a 2 month period. We filled a room. It was a massive and sobering amount. We used most of it in the video.
Ill-legitimate’s DOO-WOP | Canada | 2020 | 05’ Director: Filippo Soevv Writers: Antonio Mammarella, Marco Pistrin Producers: Antonio Mammarella, Filippo Soevv Synopsis: An homage to the most iconic mobster movies of all the time directed by the Italian film director Filippo Soevv. The FAMILY of the most notorious crime syndicate meet in an undisclosed location to discuss some serious business. After a lengthy encounter and some very tense moments, the Capo Regimes and The Don head to the East Side of town, later to “Take care of some business” whereby a friggin ‘body (of a rat) disappears in some large river system and THE PACKAGE was successfully transferred to said party. What was in that package?
Narrative Short – Official Selection – May 2020
Manasanamaha | India | 2020 | 00:17’ Director: Deepak Writer: Deepak Producers: Shilpa Gajjala, Harikanth Gunamagari Cast: Viraj Ashwin, Drishika Chander, Valli Raghavender, Prithvi Sharma Synopsis: A young man muses on the nature of love, recounting three relationships from his past. The girls in his life resemble three different seasons, namely Chaitra (Spring), Varsha (Monsoon) & Seeta (Winter).
The Body | Australia | 2020 | 12’ Director: Adam Weber Writer: Adam Weber Producer: Adam Weber Cast: Anton Schrama, Marc Clement, Tim Hawkins Synopsis: A hit man and his potential protege are tasked with burying a body in the countryside but the seemingly simple job takes an unexpected turn.
Nox | France | 2018 | 13’ Director: Keyvan Sheikhalishahi Writer: Keyvan Sheikhalishahi Producers: Keyvan Sheikhalishahi, Nahid Sheikhalishahi Cast: Matt Passmore, Brigitte Millar, Agnès Godey Synopsis: Peter and Claire are two professional burglars on the east coast. On senatorial election night, their mission is to break into a Senator’s villa.
Hermit | United States | 2020 | 15’ Director: Aimiende Negbenebor Sela Writer: Aimiende Negbenebor Sela Producers: Aimiende Negbenebor Sela, Ricky Rosario Cast: Lukas Hassel, Lizinke Kruger Synopsis: A grieving husband comes to terms with the loss of his wife the only way he knows how, on a night that would have marked their eighteenth year wedding anniversary.
Antagonist | Russian Federation | 2020 | 21’ Directors: Ivan Afanasyev, Anastasiya Ledkova Writer: Ivan Afanasyev Producers: Mikhail Afanasyev, Ivan Afanasyev Cast: Yuri Deinekin, Daria Maximova, Rosa Khayrullina, Kirill Goncharov Synopsis: Mark works in a movie theater, and he spends his free time trying to become a writer. He is at odds with himself and others: even with his beloved girlfrienh Masha he managed to quarrel. Once, his former soldier’ve come to Mark’s work, and Mark’s long past he clearly doesn’t want to remember have come with him.
Eldorado | Brazil | 2019 | 13’ Director: Cristiano Brant Trindade Writer: Peele and Yentl Heitor Producer: Dhalia and Egisto Betti Cast: Cristiano brant trindade Synopsis: Refugees in a place outside of urban frequency, a couple lives in search of more property about the time.
Mania | United States | 2020 | 11’ Director: Ron Downes Jr. Writer: Ron Downes Jr. Cast: Osaze Akerejah, Akash Jilla, Tori Varlow Synopsis: When Darius starts seeking help from a new Doctor in hopes of treating his anxiety, he slowly begins to realize things aren’t all as they appear…
Keratin | United Kingdom | 2020 | 08’ Directors: Andrew Butler, James Wilson Writers: Andrew Butler, James Wilson Producer: Laurie Mahon Cast: Jason Thorpe, Robert Nairne Synopsis: ‘Keratin’ follows an isolated man’s ritualistic pursuit of creation in the heart of a dark, dense forest.
Vacancy | United Kingdom | 2020 | 05’ Director: Roy Visualz Writer: Shakira Meghie Cast: Jonathan Charles Gabriel Synopsis: Vacancy “ When an unforeseen Pandemic forces a young man into unemployment and homelessness. He sets out on a search for food, money and answers. Armed with both hope and determination he is quickly hit with a dose of reality, life is no longer offering opportunities. He must face the truth of the uncertainty and panic the virus has left behind The only question is ‘What’s Next’
Raspberry | The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | 2018 | 13’ Director: Anastasija Lazarova Pilling Writer: Аnastasija Lazarova Pilling Producer: Nikola Madic Cast: Ivana Pavlakovikj, Sara Klimoska, Amernis Nokshiqi, Stefan Spasov , Bojan Kirkovski Synopsis: Andrea is home alone and her best friend Dona comes for a sleepover, determined to go to the party where her crush Viktor will be at. In the club, they see Viktor with another girl and Andrea’s brother. When Dona pushes Andrea to find out from her brother who the girl is, the persuasion puts their friendship to the test.
Abandoned | Denmark | 2020 | 13’ Director: Martin Vrede Nielsen Writer: Martin Vrede Nielsen Producers: Martin Vrede Nielsen, Michael Vrede Nielsen Cast: Martin Geertz, Laila Lund Nielsen, Alva Luna Aaagaard Ege Synopsis: A bone-weary man is on his way through the forest with his baggage and a mission, but his mind and conscience play tricks on him and make the journey strenuous.
lake on the mountain | Taiwan | 2020 | 21’ Directors: Yu-chen, Kuo Writers: Yu-chen, Kuo Producers: Yu-chen, Kuo Cast: Jan, Chun Wen, Zhu,Zi-Hao , Gao,Teng-Fei Synopsis: It is a story about the father-son relationships the director experienced in his childhood. Relationships between family are like the mist; one can see it but cannot touch it. Also, it is like a ship that carries memories sailing in the river of life and death.
Swarm | Germany | 2020 | 12’ Director: Stefan Koutzev Writer: Stefan Koutzev Producer: Stefan Koutzev Cast: Janek Heese Synopsis: Thirteen year old Janek is seduced by the new hype of a trading card game at his school. Wishing for approval, but not being able to afford new cards, he finds a way to harvest attention.
Playback Is A Bitch | United States | 2020 | 20’ Director: Scot Sax Writers: Benjamin Stranger & Scot Sax Producer: Leslie Mills Cast: Cody Brooks, Bee Taylor Synopsis: What does it take to find sanity in a world gone mad? A fat recording contract with a major label? The love of a good woman? Or maybe just a little wind, enough to get your kite off the ground.
Poser | United States | 2020 | 25’ Director: Nikola Stojkovic Writer: Nikola Stojkovic Producer: Matthew A Campbell Cast: Ryan Satterfeal, Melissa Nelson, Tyler Burke, Angel Pedraza Synopsis: Is anyone you know not a poser? To caustic tutor Roman, everyone’s a poser giving lip service to causes without doing anything to advance them. But when forced to examine himself, will he pass his own set of rigorous standards, or will he be just another poser, too?
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – May 2020
Parrot | United Kingdom | 2020 | 09’ Director: Alexander Wilks Writer: Alexander Wilks Producer: Alexander Wilks Cast: Jørgen Rudshaug, Emily Taylor Synopsis: An isolated young woman phones an ex-partner seeking advice and closure.
Derek and his Brick | Jersey | 2020 | 05’ Director: Lee White Writer: Lee White Producer: Lee White Cast: Claire Foy, Lee White, Alethea Steven Synopsis: A twisted fairy tale with a hint of Edgar Allan Poe and a dash of Edward Gorey featuring the vocal talents of Claire Foy as the narrator. Made during the lockdown of 2020. From the corners of a small room, comes the story of Derek and his Brick. Derek is Isolated and torn between the love of his pigeon and a beautiful damsel. What is a hermit bachelor to do?
Shill | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Werner J. Traut Writer: Werner J. Traut Producer: Werner J. Traut & Eric Morton Cast: Michael Doonan, Alex Offenkrantz, Zane Haney, James Jelkin Synpsis: A local street con-artist recruits a new accomplice into his scheme.
The Odd One Out | United Kingdom | 2020 | 14’ Director: Laura Roklicer Writer: Laura Roklicer Producer: Laura Roklicer Cast: Joe Worthy Synopsis: Terry is the only one who can see colours in a society of black and white perception. Is he mad or is the society? And how can he ever explain what he is seeing to his beloved Pat? Follow the psychological journey of an odd one out trying to understand his own, as well as the society’s mind.
Showdown | Australia | 2020 | 04’ Director: Sabrina Dervis Writer: Tonia Stangherlin Producer: Megan Williams Cast: Nick Allen-Ducat, Jackson James Kubian Synopsis: Showdown is a short film about a champion afraid to lose his title. This film was the combined efforts of 30+ filmmakers in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa area, with the focus on capacity building to grow our screen industry locally and shot with zero budget.
Anamorphosis | Germany | 2020 | 09’ Director: Tamara Denic Writer: Tamara Denic Producer: Tamara Denic Cast: Kolya Neukoelln, Jeff Hallman, Katharina Goebel Synopsis: Yana is in a happy relationship with the man of her dreams. Her love live is perfect – seemingly. The facade begins to, when Yana increasingly crumble discovers strange marks on her body in the mirror.
Flycatcher | Colombia | 2020 | 08’ Director: Guillermo Trujillo accini Writer: Guillermo Trujillo accini Producer: Guillermo Trujillo accini Cast: Gabriella Trujillo, Emma Trujillo, Luis Fernando Jaramillo, Juliana Rios Synopsis: Three dead birds fall unexpectedly into the garden of Bia’s house while she playing with her sister. Bird-loving Bia, looks for the possible causes of these mysterious deaths. Reasons that could be the harbinger of the arrival at her home could be caused by a deadly virus that has the whole world in lock down and could change their lives forever. This Shortfilm was #filmeathome during the covid 19 pandemic in 2020.
Adventure Brothers | United Kingdom | 2020 | 10’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, James Longley, Susan Longley Synopsis: Paul and James are brothers. They do not get on well with each other. Forced to isolate together during the lockdown of 2020, they struggle to coexist in each other’s company. However, when they discover a sketchbook with unusual powers everything begins to change as a whole world of possibilities presents itself to the pair. Will this discovery bring them closer together? Or will it drive them further apart?
Toothbrush of Death | Germany | 2020 | 08’ Director: Tilman Immisch Writer: Tilman Immisch Cast: Tilman Immisch, Idan Weiss, Phillip Draeger, Arian Albrecht, Johannes Hassenstein Synopsis: Two boys and a promising deal: 2000€ each — for a toothbrush? Sounds too silly to be true.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – May 2020
Across The Room | United States | 2020 | 10’ Director: Mellinda Hensley Writer: Matt Clifford Producer: Mellinda Hensley Cast: Karisa Tate, Zach Tinker, Cait Fairbanks, Tyler Johnson, Christian LeBlanc Synopsis: When Ben and Alexandria’s first dates go downhill, the two unexpectedly create one of their own.
Walter Kurz | Germany | 2020 | 07’ Director: Melanie Benna Writer: Melanie Benna Producer: Stunning Stunts Cast: Marco Albrecht Synopsis: Walter Kurz, engineer for airbag folding systems, is on his way home and has to go to the toilet very urgently. His germ phobia only allows him to be at home, so he runs as he can, but realizes at the door that he forgot his key. He tries to break into his own house, the struggle between germination and pressure begins.
Barrel Full of Magic: The Beethoven Story | United States | 2020 | 14’ Director: Alyssa Kurtzman Writer: A Salao Evan Producers: Cutler Wattles, A. Salao, Kendrick Alan Reinsch, Alyssa Kurtzman Cast: Kendrick Alan Reinsch Synopsis: A documentary on the rise and fall of Blake Caldwell, who purchased and subsequently destroyed the Beethoven franchise in the 1990’s.
The Negotiation | Russian Federation | 2019 | 09’ Director: Anton Shushpan Writer: Anton Shushpan Producer: Nathan Mawhinney Cast: Seth Ervin, Cam Yates, Gerhard van Schalkwyk, Margo, Nathan Mawhinney Synopsis: A team of Videographers head to meet their potential client, only to find out, like so many before, they don’t understand what it takes.
Jump rope | Norway | 2017 | 14’ Director: Alexander Svanåsbakken Writer: Alexander Svanåsbakken Producer: Kim Fjeldberg Cast: Roger Opdal Paulsen, Mina Marie Dahle, Rose Aker, Henrik Bjelland Synopsis: A man, desperate for love, lies about being a jumping rope master to a woman he falls in love with in hope that she will also fall in love with him.
Not Your Average Bear | Canada | 2020 | 15’ Director: Cliff Skelton Writer: Simon Longmore Producers: Adam Lolacher, Simon Longmore Cast: Simon Longmore, Mauri Momose, Andrew Ucrianet, JC wendt, Christy Webb Gibson, Lisa Faist, Dominik Longmore, April Telek, Reese Alexander, Kevin O Grady, Adil Zaidi Synopsis: A daring robbery pulled off by the most unlikely of culprits. What an average man will do when pushed to his limits.
Bacterium Delirium | United States | 2020 | 03’ Directors: Fransis Chicote , Nicole Tan Writers: Fransis Chicote , Nicole Tan Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Cast: Nicole Tan , Fransis Chicote, Kiwon Lee Synopsis: A comedic tale of two high school lab partners who argue and de-evolve all the way down to bacteria; but will they be able to put their differences aside before their sub-atomic bodies disappear into nothing-ness?
Adventure Brothers | United Kingdom | 2020-05-19 | 10’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, James Longley, Susan Longley Synopsis: Paul and James are brothers. They do not get on well with each other. Forced to isolate together during the lockdown of 2020, they struggle to coexist in each other’s company. However, when they discover a sketchbook with unusual powers everything begins to change as a whole world of possibilities presents itself to the pair. Will this discovery bring them closer together? Or will it drive them further apart?
Feed the Cat or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Donald Trump | Russian Federation |2019 | 20’ Director: Leonid Gardash Writer: Marina Sochinskaya Producer: Anna Sokolova Cast: Konstantin Makhovikov , Albina Sirchenko , Anna Ukolova , Leonid Gardash Sr. Synopsis: The protagonist decides to get involved in the adventure to impress the girl. It launches a series of events that reveal the most terrible secrets of all participants of the action. Who will feed the cat? Is Ruslan Migunov really the illegitimate son of the famous penguin trainer Oktyabrina Zinger? And how is Donald Trump involved in this story?
Short Drama – Official Selection – May 2020
Togetherland | United States | 2019 | 14’ Director: Máté Boegi Writer: Máté Boegi & Árpád Hermán Producer: Melanie Grams & Kristof Boegi Director of Photography: Ziryab Ben Brahem Cast: Robert Brettenaugh, Alexandria Churchwell and Elohim Nycalove Synopsis: A father’s half-baked plan to reunite his family.
I’ll | Isle of Man | 2020 | 18’ Director: Alex Maxwell Writer: Alex Maxwell Producers: Alex Maxwell, Max Phillips, Nathan Little Cast: Jared More Synopsis: A young man, Finn, living in isolation on an island with only his dog for company longs for something more. How far will a person go to escape their own personal prison?
DEPENDENCE | Ukraine | 2019 | 15’ Director: Valeriia Khodos Writer: Valeriia Khodos Producers: Olesia Korzhenevska, Oleksandr Zinievich, Oleksandr Zinievich, Viktoia Chernobuk, Dmytro Moroz, Illia Pinchuk, Olesia Stefanyuk Cast: Daria Sokoliuk, Maria Shekhovtsova, Maksym Presich, Nataliya Zavinska, Vikoria Shulga, Anastasiya Nazarenko, Kateryna Babayeva, Rustem Emirsaliyev, Maskym Kasianov Synopsis: Silent people live in a cold place together. something prevents them from being happy. They would have lived this way for years. But one day the phone rang…
With the Tide | United States | 2020 | 13’ Director: Mitchel Viernes Writers: Mitchel Viernes, Angie Anderson Producers: Mitchel Viernes, Angie Anderson, Taiana Tully Cast: Taiana Tully, Gabe Griebenshaw, Angie Anderson Synopsis: A young woman spends one final day with the man she loves, and reminisces on the events that brought their lives together.
Champion | Mexico | 2020 | 18’ Director: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz Writers: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz, Miguel Valdez-Lopez Producer: Ana Medellin Cast: Miguel Sierra Martínez, Fernanda Arredondo, José Roberto Cáceres, Alejandra Pier Galindo, Federico Gramlinch Pérez, Eugenio Elizondo Chapa, Sergio Quiñones Synopsis: As a young runner prepares for the big race, the strain from his parents’ push for excellence puts his love of the sport to test.
Echo and Armor | France | 2020 | 15’ Director: Chloe Pinson Writer: Chloé Pinson Producers: Anaïs Martin, Morgane Le Moing, Camille Pinson, Pham Phu Vinh, Amélie Pinson, Chloé Pinson, Marc Pinson, Florence Pinson-Ynden, Lauriane Vannier, Pierre Pinson, Odile Pinson, Noëlle Breton, Clément Bonnault, Françoise Pasternack, Cécile Bedel, Viviane Calautti Ivanova Cast: Léo Chalié, Amandine Bataille Synopsis: Jade is a young independent Chinese woman who doesn’t cultivate strong ties with her family. She is studying in Paris when her grand-mother dies and she receives a strange box, full of memories from a long forgotten life that will question her beliefs about her family. This film is about family ties and identity, but first and foremost it is about women. The choices, the strength and wounds of three generation, through the trials of time.
Sunshine Periphery | Germany | 2020 | 24’ Director: Eric J. Liddle Writer: Eric J. Liddle Producers: Valentina Huber , EE Miller Cast: Gabriel Tauber, Lary Muller , Matt Greenaway Synopsis: Jonny wakes in the heat of the desert. The world that surrounds him is strange and utterly unpredictable. Upon encountering this absurdest reality, Jonny meets somewhat familiar strangers, who guide him on an involuntary quest to find meaning, truth and answers to some of life’s most elusive questions. During this journey of self discovery, Jonny is exposed to his weaknesses and reminded of his passions in a chaotic excursion of a world that vaguely resembles California. Beyond the vast deserts, never ending roads and idyllic beaches Jonny must try and evaluate his situation and come to terms with why exactly he is going through this experience.
Summit of Solitude | Austria | 2020 | 33’ Director: Andreas Bacher Writer: Andreas Bacher Producer: Juliana Kraushofer Cast: Hannes Schmid, Wolfgang Hundegger, Gregor Kronthaler, Alfred Kröll Synopsis: Peter Schweiger lives in Tyrol in 1958 and works as a farmhand on his grandparents’ farm. Like many others at the time Peter smuggles goods across the border into South Tyrol. On one of these tours he is shot by his father who works as a customs officer.
Poser | United States | 2020 | 25’ Director: Nikola Stojkovic Writer: Nikola Stojkovic Producer: Matthew A Campbell Cast: Ryan Satterfeal, Melissa Nelson, Tyler Burke, Angel Pedraza Synopsis: Is anyone you know not a poser? To caustic tutor Roman, everyone’s a poser giving lip service to causes without doing anything to advance them. But when forced to examine himself, will he pass his own set of rigorous standards, or will he be just another poser, too?
Student Short – Official Selection – May 2020
Røtter | United States | 04’ | Director: Raven Jackson Synopsis: Speaking through gesture, a dancer falls back into the land she grew from.
Watermelon | Romania | 2019 | 20’ Director: Vasile Marandici Writer: Vasile Marandici Producer: Vasile Marandici Cast: Adi Dima , Sergiu Voloc Synopsis: Mihai, a young man from Bucharest, goes to the Republic of Moldova to meet Doina, a girl he met on the internet. At the central railway station in Chisinau, he is met by Stefan, Doina’s brother. Mihai and Ștefan go to Doina but on the way they visit some Ștefan’s friends. Mihai drinks, falls asleep and dreams of Doina.
LOVE | Colombia | 2017 | 10’ Director: Valeria Martínez Writer: Valeria Martínez Producer: Anibal Castaño Cast: Catalina Gonzalez, Carlos Posada Synopsis: Carla and Marco, naive and dreamy, explore the intense passions and feelings that are produced by being in love, experience new sensations, where nothing is finished or yearned, where all desires are suppressed because they seem infinitely complete; With no more goals than to love, they welcome each other, living idyllic moments, going through everyday places and turning every situation into a space conducive to a loving encounter. The constant desire to love and the deep boredom that is generated from this, will lead them to face their own longings to finally fade the seemingly unshakable bond that united them.
Carnival | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Lia Wang Writer: Lia Wang Producers: Yue Liu, Jiahao Zhang Cast: Stacy Chu Synopsis: A young, visually impaired woman — accompanied only by her guide dog — sits in a café, reading a novel as she waits for the next bus. Suddenly, a pay phone begins to ring loudly outside. Led by her trusty friend, the young woman then experiences something that can only be described as magical.
In My Mind | United States | 2020 | 13’ Director: Daniel Carrai Writers: Daniel Carrai, Nathan Wyatt Producers: Marybeth DIngles, Jacob Harding Cast: Lani Randol, Nathan Wyatt Synopsis: Emma experiences her relationship in retrospect from a moment of betrayal, questioning how she perceives her position in the world.
Underneath those years | Germany | 2020 | 20’ Director: Alexander Müller Writer: Alexander Müller Producer: Alexander Müller Cast: Florian Günther, Sebastian Kremkow, Rilana Nitsch, Astrid Pollak, Jakob Hippert Synopsis: After the death of his mother it’s Markus’ duty not only to to clean out her messed up house but also rebuild the relationship with his own son.
Quarantine | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: Margarita Mapa Writer: Margarita Mapa Producer: Margarita Mapa Synopsis: The repetition and anxiety of quarantine life (March-May)
Toothbrush of Death | Germany | 2020 | 08’ Director: Tilman Immisch Writer: Tilman Immisch Cast: Tilman Immisch, Idan Weiss, Phillip Draeger, Arian Albrecht, Johannes Hassenstein Synopsis: Two boys and a promising deal: 2000€ each — for a toothbrush? Sounds too silly to be true.
Family Story | Indonesia | 2020 | 20’ Director: Rendro Aryo Writer: Rendro Aryo, Satria Syuhada Producer: Rio Nandono Baskoro Cast: Lily Suardi , Hestu Wreda , Damar Rizal Marzuki , Nasywa Syahira Faylasufa Synopsis: A family faces a new reality about work, home and togetherness. A question for all of us. What does home mean for family? Can family be a home?
Dancer By The Sea | United States | 2019 | 10’ Director: Barbara Mones Producer: Barbara Mones Synopsis: An lonely widowed older woman who lives by the sea finds and adopts an abandoned baby otter on her property. The relationship that develops transforms her life.
Feed the Cat or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Donald Trump | Russian Federation |2019 | 20’ Director: Leonid Gardash Writer: Marina Sochinskaya Producer: Anna Sokolova Cast: Konstantin Makhovikov , Albina Sirchenko , Anna Ukolova, Leonid Gardash Sr. Synopsis: The protagonist decides to get involved in the adventure to impress the girl. It launches a series of events that reveal the most terrible secrets of all participants of the action. Who will feed the cat? Is Ruslan Migunov really the illegitimate son of the famous penguin trainer Oktyabrina Zinger? And how is Donald Trump involved in this story?
Summit of Solitude | Austria | 2020 | 33’ Director: Andreas Bacher Writer: Andreas Bacher Producer: Juliana Kraushofer Cast: Hannes Schmid, Wolfgang Hundegger, Gregor Kronthaler, Alfred Kröll Synopsis: Peter Schweiger lives in Tyrol in 1958 and works as a farmhand on his grandparents’ farm. Like many others at the time Peter smuggles goods across the border into South Tyrol. On one of these tours he is shot by his father who works as a customs officer.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – May 2020
uTransfer | United States | 2019 | 10’ Director: Giorgio Miraflor Writer: Giorgio Miraflor Cast: Giorgio Miraflor, Salmo Miraflor, Bella Mangiafico, AJ Hernandez Synopsis: uTransfer is a new device that allows for certain U.S. Citizens to transfer their consciousness into a utopia called the New World.
The First Jellyfish | France | 2020 | 20’ Director: Sébastien Pesle Writer: Sébastien Pesle Producer: Alexis Garin Cast: Pascal Voglimacci, Oumar Diolo, Benjamin Passedouet, Aurélien Péroumal Synopsis: In a world under the dominion of pharmaceutical lobby, a man tries to get him off a dangerous mutagenic drug by concluding a deal with a mysterious guru…
The Caretaker | United States | 2020 | 27’ Director: Aman Adlakha Writer: Aman Adlakha Producer: Aman Adlakha Cast: Christopher Parks, Carson Grant, Ivy Paige, Rob Fabiani, Bill J. Stevens Synopsis: A struggling caretaker & disillusioned father finds himself entangled in a twisted series of events that lead him and his daughter into the realms of a dark fairytale.
Afasia | Italy | 2020 | 13’ Director: Fabrizio Cassandro Writers: Francesco Ferraris, Fabrizio Cassandro Producer: Rosario Isabel Rauber Mendoza Cast: Francesco Savarino, Letizia Rivera Synopsis: Afasia is the story of the growth of the love story between Max, a street musician, and Agathe, in a dystopian future in which words have become a consumer good and each has a counter that marks how many are left: Agathe has many and Max few. Through past and present the signs of this obstacle between them increase and the protagonist decides to ask the young girlfriend to marry him, but – having realized the impossibility of giving her what she deserves – she changes her mind and says goodbye. She is unwilling to accept it without fighting.
The fever | Spain | 2019 | 19’ Director: José María Flores Writer: Miranda Producer: Jose María Flores Cast: Luisa Bellido,Alberto Sarmiento,Isabel Castro Synopsis: In the doctor´s waiting room, all patients are quietly keeping their secrets.There, surrounded by whispers, a magical love story is born between HE: A patient tired of being quiet, and SHE: The nurse on the sign reminding: “Quiet please”.
Short Horror – Official Selection – May 2020
A Wild World | Spain | 2019 | 20’ Directors: Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi,David Santamaría González Writers: David Santamaría González,Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi Producer: David Santamaría Cast: González,Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi Synopsis: The Saint, a gangster from Madrid’s underworld, is obsessed with the pursuit of loyalty. His favorite hitman Dante, his trusty cook Benigna, and his unconditional Evaristo, a lackluster torturer, according to his closest environment. Kira, an enigmatic woman with a desire for revenge, unleashes in him the hatreds of a past he believed buried.
A Stroke of Luck | Argentina | 2019 | 13’ Director: Antonia Baudouin Writer: Antonia Baudouin Producer: Facundo Vanolli y Facundo Olmedo Synopsis: Martin is a young traveler that wins a bet in a pool game. His prize is a night in a hotel, so he won’t need to sleep in his shitty car this time. Little does he know his luck’s about to change when he meets a mysterious woman in the ancient hotel.
Be Careful What You Say | Turkey | 2020 | 15’ Director: Buğra Mert Alkayalar Writer: Buğra Mert Alkayalar Producers: İrem İskenderoğlu, Buğra Mert Alkayalar Cast: Atakan Yalçı, Işıl Yılmaz, Serhat Onbul, Barış Günaydın Synopsis: Sometimes, human life can change with a tiny word. A dubbing artist does not pay attention to what he says in the studio at midnight, and the ancient one wakes up. He will find himself in great horror.
Synopsis: ‘Keratin’ follows an isolated man’s ritualistic pursuit of creation in the heart of a dark, dense forest.
BEST DIRECTOR
Playback Is A Bitch | United States | 2020 | 20’
Director: Scot Sax
Writers: Benjamin Stranger & Scot Sax
Producer: Leslie Mills
Cast: Cody Brooks, Bee Taylor
Synopsis: What does it take to find sanity in a world gone mad? A fat recording contract with a major label? The love of a good woman? Or maybe just a little wind, enough to get your kite off the ground.
BEST SCREENPLAY
Keratin | United Kingdom | 2020 | 08’
Writers: Andrew Butler, James Wilson
Directors: Andrew Butler, James Wilson
Producer: Laurie Mahon
Cast: Jason Thorpe, Robert Nairne
Synopsis: ‘Keratin’ follows an isolated man’s ritualistic pursuit of creation in the heart of a dark, dense forest.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
Raspberry | The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | 2018 | 13’
Actress: Ivana Pavlakovikj and Sara Klimoska
Director: Anastasija Lazarova Pilling
Writer: Аnastasija Lazarova Pilling
Producer: Nikola Madic
Cast: Ivana Pavlakovikj, Sara Klimoska, Amernis Nokshiqi, Stefan Spasov , Bojan Kirkovski
Synopsis: Andrea is home alone and her best friend Dona comes for a sleepover, determined to go to the party where her crush Viktor will be at. In the club, they see Viktor with another girl and Andrea’s brother. When Dona pushes Andrea to find out from her brother who the girl is, the persuasion puts their friendship to the test.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Swarm | Germany | 2020 | 12’
Actor: Janek Heese
Director: Stefan Koutzev
Writer: Stefan Koutzev
Producer: Stefan Koutzev
Cast: Janek Heese
Synopsis: Thirteen year old Janek is seduced by the new hype of a trading card game at his school. Wishing for approval, but not being able to afford new cards, he finds a way to harvest attention.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Eldorado | Brazil | 2019 | 13’
Cinematographer: Fernando Bertoluci
Director: Cristiano Brant Trindade
Writer: Peele and Yentl Heitor
Producer: Dhalia and Egisto Betti
Cast: Cristiano brant trindade
Synopsis: Refugees in a place outside of urban frequency, a couple lives in search of more property about the time.
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Sunshine Periphery | Germany | 2020 | 24’
Set designer: Mac Kretschmer
Director: Eric J. Liddle
Writer: Eric J. Liddle
Producers: Valentina Huber , EE Miller
Cast: Gabriel Tauber, Lary Muller , Matt Greenaway
Synopsis: Jonny wakes in the heat of the desert. The world that surrounds him is strange and utterly unpredictable. Upon encountering this absurdest reality, Jonny meets somewhat familiar strangers, who guide him on an involuntary quest to find meaning, truth and answers to some of life’s most elusive questions. During this journey of self discovery, Jonny is exposed to his weaknesses and reminded of his passions in a chaotic excursion of a world that vaguely resembles California. Beyond the vast deserts, never ending roads and idyllic beaches Jonny must try and evaluate his situation and come to terms with why exactly he is going through this experience.
BEST EDITING
Playback Is A Bitch | United States | 2020 | 20’
Editor: Josh Shreve
Director: Scot Sax
Writers: Benjamin Stranger & Scot Sax
Producer: Leslie Mills
Cast: Cody Brooks, Bee Taylor
Synopsis: What does it take to find sanity in a world gone mad? A fat recording contract with a major label? The love of a good woman? Or maybe just a little wind, enough to get your kite off the ground.
BEST NARRATIVE
Sunshine Periphery | Germany | 2020 | 24’
Director: Eric J. Liddle
Writer: Eric J. Liddle
Producers: Valentina Huber , EE Miller
Cast: Gabriel Tauber, Lary Muller , Matt Greenaway
Synopsis: Jonny wakes in the heat of the desert. The world that surrounds him is strange and utterly unpredictable. Upon encountering this absurdest reality, Jonny meets somewhat familiar strangers, who guide him on an involuntary quest to find meaning, truth and answers to some of life’s most elusive questions. During this journey of self discovery, Jonny is exposed to his weaknesses and reminded of his passions in a chaotic excursion of a world that vaguely resembles California. Beyond the vast deserts, never ending roads and idyllic beaches Jonny must try and evaluate his situation and come to terms with why exactly he is going through this experience.
BEST COMEDY
Not Your Average Bear | Canada | 2020 | 15’
Director: Cliff Skelton
Writer: Simon Longmore
Producers: Adam Lolacher, Simon Longmore
Cast: Simon Longmore, Mauri Momose, Andrew Ucrianet, JC wendt, Christy Webb Gibson, Lisa Faist, Dominik Longmore, April Telek, Reese Alexander, Kevin O Grady, Adil Zaidi
Synopsis: A daring robbery pulled off by the most unlikely of culprits. What an average man will do when pushed to his limits.
BEST DRAMA
Togetherland | United States | 2019 | 14’
Director: Máté Boegi
Writer: Máté Boegi & Árpád Hermán
Producer: Melanie Grams & Kristof Boegi
Director of Photography: Ziryab Ben Brahem
Cast: Robert Brettenaugh, Alexandria Churchwell and Elohim Nycalove
Synopsis: A father’s half-baked plan to reunite his family.
BEST HORROR
A Wild World | Spain | 2019 | 20’
Directors: Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi,David Santamaría González
Writers: David Santamaría González,Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi
Producer: David Santamaría
Cast: González,Rodrigo E. Marini Valsechi Synopsis: The Saint, a gangster from Madrid’s underworld, is obsessed with the pursuit of loyalty. His favorite hitman Dante, his trusty cook Benigna, and his unconditional Evaristo, a lackluster torturer, according to his closest environment. Kira, an enigmatic woman with a desire for revenge, unleashes in him the hatreds of a past he believed buried.
Synopsis: In the doctor´s waiting room, all patients are quietly keeping their secrets.There, surrounded by whispers, a magical love story is born between HE: A patient tired of being quiet, and SHE: The nurse on the sign reminding: “Quiet please”.
BEST STUDENT
Summit of Solitude | Austria | 2020 | 33’
Director: Andreas Bacher
Writer: Andreas Bacher
Producer: Juliana Kraushofer
Cast: Hannes Schmid, Wolfgang Hundegger, Gregor Kronthaler, Alfred Kröll
Synopsis: Peter Schweiger lives in Tyrol in 1958 and works as a farmhand on his grandparents’ farm. Like many others at the time Peter smuggles goods across the border into South Tyrol. On one of these tours he is shot by his father who works as a customs officer.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
In My Mind | United States | 2020 | 13’
Director: Daniel Carrai
Writers: Daniel Carrai, Nathan Wyatt
Producers: Marybeth DIngles, Jacob Harding
Cast: Lani Randol, Nathan Wyatt
Synopsis: Emma experiences her relationship in retrospect from a moment of betrayal, questioning how she perceives her position in the world.
BEST CHILDREN SHORT
The little thief | United States | 2019 | 04’
Director: Nicole Vanden Broeck
Writer: András Roder
Producer: Jervis Li
Cast: Kue Lawrence
Synopsis: After stealing a bean from a local market, a young boy experiences guilt for the first time.
BEST ANIMATION
Stick To Manual | United States | 2020 | 08’
Directors: Christian Antonini, Tanice Arnold
Writers: Martin Leon Y Leon, Karen Salzgeber
Producer: UCF SVAD
Synopsis: When a curious robot finds a seemingly worthless book, he discovers that the knowledge within is truly priceless.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
EDIT AS IF I DISAPPEARED | Russian Federation | 2019 | 16’
Director: Oksana Timchenko
Writer: Oksana Timchenko
Producer: Oksana Timchenko
Synopsis: Sometimes life can only be accepted through death denial. A film about the therapeutic nature of creativity, exploring the extent to which film-making can be a psychotherapeutic practice. Young people get to know each other on a film course, make a documentary about suicide together in search of an answer to the question why life is worth living, and fall in love with each other. Six months later, the guy commits suicide, and the girl tries to make him the protagonist of the film, editing from the periphery of the footage: the moments and phrases captured by the camera – by accident or as a joke.
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
Seedling | India | 2020 | 04’
Director: Nisrin Aziz
Producer: Adil Aziz
Cast: Kannakee Bhuyan
Synopsis: Seedling is an experimental film created and spearheaded by Nisrin Aziz along with collaborators from all over the world. This piece is a non-profit film endeavour that seeks to inspire introspection and a spiritual connection to the natural world, especially for those who have little or no access to greenery and nature in their Covid-19 lockdown scenarios world over.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
DREZDEN “DAVIDA OLEN” | Belarus | 2020 | 05’
Director: Vladimir Nefedov
Producer: Vladimir Nefedov
BEST MINI SHORT
Busy Tuesday | Canada | 2019 | 03’
Director: Roger Gariépy
Writer: Roger Gariépy
Producer: Gabrielle Tougas-Fréchette
Cast: Serge Bouchard
Synopsis: In the form of a haiku, Gros mardi (Busy tuesday) is a little poem that celebrates the evanescence of things and… outdoor cardio.
BEST MOBILE PHONE
Kaminda | Netherlands | 2020 | 03’
Director: David van Delden
Writer: Juan-Carlos Goilo
Cast: Zane de Wind, Lucca Elisabeth
Synopsis: A visual poem of a 3-year-old boy’s journey of self-discovery. Kaminda revisits David’s childhood adventures narrated by a young voice in spoken words written by Juan-Carlos Goilo. From the dry northern plains to the atmospheric damp caves, Kaminda takes you through the rustic landscapes of Curaçao with stunningly captured scenes. Hear the primitive sounds of Curaçao’s “Muzik di Zumbi” accompanied by scenes shot under water, on land and in the air. The unpredictability of nature and a 3-year-old boy presented some challenges when shooting certain scenes. But there where also these moments where all I had to do was press record and watch something amazing unfold in front of me. This resulted in a film that resembled the purity of the story. In 2017 I created my first film on an iPhone 6. Since then I’ve been experimenting with mobile film. When shooting on mobile the rules are completely different. This drives me to think outside the box and think of creative ways to capture that epic scene.
BEST LOW/NO BUDGET
Adventure Brothers | United Kingdom | 2020 | 10’
Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley
Writer: Paul Longley
Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley
Cast: Paul Longley, James Longley, Susan Longley
Synopsis: Paul and James are brothers. They do not get on well with each other. Forced to isolate together during the lockdown of 2020, they struggle to coexist in each other’s company. However, when they discover a sketchbook with unusual powers everything begins to change as a whole world of possibilities presents itself to the pair. Will this discovery bring them closer together? Or will it drive them further apart?
Mime Your Manners | United States | 2020 | 04’ Directors: Kate Namowicz, Skyler Porras Writers: Kate Namowicz, Skyler Porras Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design Synopsis: An arrogant man berates a mime. As a consequence, he is transformed into a mime until he learns to treat others how he would like to be treated.
Too Late | Canada | 2020 | 06’ Director: Roy Stein Writer: Roy Stein Producer: J.W. Cole Synopsis: Deep into the small hours of the night, drenched in black coffee and paperwork, a lonely office worker’s sanity starts to slip away.
TOMAS. A TALE OF REDEMPTION Nº01 YEAR 2095 | Colombia | 2020 | 10’ Directors: Sandra Obando Morales, Tatiana Pinzon Salavarrieta Writers: Diana Vanegas Márquez, Sara Vanegas Márquez, Sandra Obando Morales, Tatiana Pinzón Salavarrieta Producer: Malpraxis Studio Synopsis: In a post apocalyptic Bogotá, a man will do anything in order to get to Arcadia, the only place alive in the planet. No matter what it takes, he will take a series of decisions to save himself, until he is trapped by his own destiny.
Roamers | France | 2019 | 10’ Director: Simon Choupot Writer: Simon Choupot Synopsis: An autobiographical fresco retracing the different places where i traveled and lived. Compiled into a roaming story in mountains and villages.
Vegetables & Housing | Austria | 2020 | 05’ Director: Günter Puller Writer: Günter Puller Producer: Günter Puller Synopsis: Vegetables & Housing is a short animated film opera by Günter Puller, who also wrote the libretto, composed the music, played the instruments and sang all the voices. The fact that the text is exclusively sung lends the event a fragile sensually poetic dimension that stands against an increasingly deadlocked rhetoric of discourses and attitudes. Inequality is dealt with on different levels in the film. This begins with the gender reassignment of the male waiting museum visitors and ends with the transformation of people into class warriors by a female greengrocer who appears with a vendor’s tray and demands social change.
The Society of Dads | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Christina Imbro Cast: James Just, Collin Miller Synopisis: When a man is told his wife is pregnant, he is dropped into the hall of the society of dads via recliner chair, nervous about his ability to be a good dad, he is thrown into dad-themed obstacles and, with the help of the world greatest dads, gains the confidence to face his fate.
Babble Bubble | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Richan Li Producer: Pratt Institute Synopsis: Norah’s head detaches from her body and is replaced with…different heads! Babble Bubble is a three and half-minute 2D animation which tells the story of a girl whose head detaches from her body and is replaced with different heads. It aims to portray a personal but not confessional mindset of not being mindful of daily life and splitting one’s identities and behaviors throughout different social media platforms. It is a reflection on the dissociation from self and intimacy in relationships that arises in response to hyper-mediated modern life.
Goalie | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Maarten Lemmens Writer: Maarten Lemmens Producer: Ringling College of Art + Design Synopsis: A foosball table goalkeeper sees all the action happen on the other side of the field. In frustration he breaks away and tries to show his team and the other team that he is meant for more than just a goalkeeper. But he quickly realizes his position is an extremely vital part of the team.
DAD! | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Joel Erkkinen Writer: Joel Erkkinen Producer: Joel Erkkinen Synopsis: A short film about the selflessness of the children we raise. All of us parents are stuck at home with our delightful offspring. They will be good citizens… eventually. Stay safe! Room Layout by Mike Owens Room Background by Ching Thao
Ironfin | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Chris Beausire Producer: Chris Beausire Synopsis: An airship-piloting drone repairman faces an enraged mechanical whale in a high-stakes chase above the clouds.
Monkey Thief | United States | 2020 | 06’ Cast: Macie M Ates, Jacob R Ates Synopsis: Myles, a shy boy who musters the courage to face his bully, Dolores, and rescue his favorite toy from her. The ensuing battle ends prematurely as Myles makes a life-changing discovery.
Cycle | Canada | 2020 | 02’ Director: Dexter Stevens Writer: Dexter Stevens Synopsis: An explorer arrives at a mountaintop temple and is confronted by its guardian
Children Short – Official Selection – June 2020
Dream Store | Poland | 2020 | 26’ Director: Paweł Olearczyk Writer: Paweł Olearczyk Producer: Paweł Olearczyk Cast: Bruno Grzeszykowski, Anna Dzierża, Paweł Kumięga, Andrzej Róg, Marta Kontny Synopsis: Kacper visits the Dream Store for his 10th birthday.
Harriet and Ellie | United States | 2020 | 09’ Director: Wenhwa Tsao Writer: Wenhwa Tsao Producer: Wenhwa Tsao Cast: Jodi Gage, Rehya Ciesla Synopsis: Rheya wants to make sure that her mom, who is a Personal Chef, won’t use her pet goats for a new recipe.
The Little Hedgehog | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Wenju Chow Producer: Wenju Chow Synopsis: “The Little Hedgehog” is an animated short film. It’s a story about a hedgehog who doesn’t have spikes but tries to fit into other normal hedgehogs. This animation attempts to describe what it’s like to have a highly sensitive personality. I want people who have a sensitive personality to know that there are people in the world like you, and you are not alone.
Test Flight | Canada | 2020 | 04’ Director: Emma Momoko Frew Synopsis: A bunny witch attempts to get her vegetable themed broomstick to fly.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – June 2020
Jennifer Wen Ma: Cry Joy Park—Gardens of Dark and Light | United States | 2019 | 08’ Directors: Dave Stewart Brown, Sixuan Geng Producers: Tim McManus, Dave Stewart Brown Synopsis: This is a short documentary film produced in conjunction with the exhibition “Jennifer Wen Ma: Cry Joy Park—Gardens of Dark and Light”. Cry Joy Park—Gardens of Dark and Light is an investigation into the construct of a utopia, inspired by the history of Charleston, South Carolina: a cultural and artistic capital of the American South, and an exemplar of its opulence and beauty. This installation aims to present both an alluring, gorgeous and otherworldly garden, and its darker counterpart. The installation features two separate gardens: a Dark one and a Light one, both representing a yin/yang balance between utopias and dystopias. About the Artist: Jennifer Wen Ma moved to the United States in 1986 and graduated with an MFA in 1999 from the Pratt Institute. Her practice draws together elements and cultural references in sensitive and unexpected ways, bridging such diverse media as installation, drawing, video, public art, design, performance, and theater. Trained as an oil painter, Ma was one of seven members of the core creative team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and received an Emmy Award for their broadcast. Her work has been shown around the world, including the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing; the Guggenheim Museum, New York; and the Metropolitan Museum, New York.
“World Premiere Video” – The Music Video that survived after Music Television didn’t | United States | 2020 | 12’ Diector: Mike J. Nichols Writer: Mike J. Nichols Producer: Mike J. Nichols Cast: Mike J. Nichols Synopsis: Over 30 years ago, a young filmmaker embarked on a mission to make a low budget Music Video using Super-8 film – This Music Video paid tribute and homages to the 1980’s Music Television channel, MTV. Inspired by Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, he borrowed a guitar and wrote his first song entitled, I WANT TO BE ON MTV – and thereafter attempted to make a music video spoofing MTV favorites like Bon Jovi, Van Halen and even the New Kids On The Block. Amazingly, MTV’s own Dweezil Zappa did a cameo in this Music Video. But… …a fire destroys all the Super-8 footage and all this time it has been presumed lost… for 30 years…. YET, during the COVID-19 SXSW shut down, The Zappa documentary lost it’s World Premiere so Mike J. Nichols – the editor of the Zappa documentary – finally found an old tape of this lost Super-8 footage and during confinement created his own surprisingly heartwarming mini documentary to turn his lost Super-8 film footage into a WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO!!!! This is an honest and feel-good testament to a time when the world loved Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and everyday kids could use Super-8 film to make their own dreams toward one day making it in Hollywood…
Birds without Wings | United States | 2020 | 25’ Director: Rishabh Thakkar Writer: Rishabh Thakkar Producer: Rishabh Thakkar Synopsis: Two adults who grew up in the slums of Delhi strive to give new wings to the kids bounded by the shackles of poverty, drugs, and society.
Gaming: Oh, it’s a girl | United States | 2019 | 05’ Director: Nicole Chi Writer: Nicole Chi Producer: Nicole Chi Synopsis: Five gamers share their experience as women in the gaming community.
Swipe Left: The Age of Disposable Relationships | United States | 2020 | 30’ Director: Amber Ostergaard Writer: Amber Ostergaard Cast: Jeffery Allen Synopsis: A Documentary Exploring How Technology Has Changed Courtship and Communication in Romantic Relationships
Heart of the House | United Kingdom | 2019 | 08’ Director: Josiah Williams Producer: Agnes Westerback Cast: Philip Oliver Synopsis: HEART OF THE HOUSE explores Philip Oliver a clockmaker from Knaresborough who is about to retire with no apprentice to take on his business. He has no choice but to shut down and sell all of his clocks. Philip takes us into the world of the dying craft he has loved so much for the last 30 years.
Maria | Argentina | 2020 | 20’ Directors: GISELA GORBALAN, FLORENCIA BOHTLINGK Writers: GISELA GORBALAN, FLORENCIA BOHTLINGK Producers: GISELA GORBALAN, FLORENCIA BOHTLINGK Synopsis: María, a young Bolivian, mother of Made, a migrant woman who lives in Buenos Aires, is going to marry José. Marriage is the most important moment in the life of a Bolivian woman. As she prepares for the wedding, Maria does the day-to-day work in her mother’s greenhouse, Rita. Her life passes on one side through the frenzy of the wedding, on the other, the calm and tedium of hours of watering countless flowers. She reflects on the machismo and conservative culture in which she grew up and her desire for change and to be a valued woman. Meanwhile, we see the customs of four generations of women. Coya’s grandmother, who is visiting, Rita, her widowed mother who came as an adult, María, who came as a child, worked and grew up here, and her daughter Made, born in Argentina in the digital age
Surviving noma | France | 2020 | 05’ Directors: Claire Jeantet, Fabrice Catérini Producer: Claire Jeantet Synopsis: Noma is a gangrenous infection starting in the mouth caused by extreme poverty, malnutrition and poor hygiene. In just two weeks, it destroys the tissues of the face and might kill up to 90 percent of the people affected. The World Health Organization estimates it affects 140,000 people every year. At the Noma Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria, disfigured survivors find a unique place to heal their wounds. While they suffer from pain and discrimination, they are on a life-changing journey to overcome years of isolation.
Mini Short – Official Selection – June 2020
Les Yeux Plus Gros que le Ventre | Netherlands | 2020 | 11’ Director: Marie Lormeau Writer: Marie Lormeau Producer: Reeled In Cast: Alexia Fleres Synopsis: Alexia suffers from Bulimia. As she wanders through her life, the signs of her disease are clear but yet nobody notices them. As she introspects on her behaviour and never-ending hunger, her frustration and silence grow more and more intense.
Welcome to the Future – 001 AC | India | 2020 | 01’ Director: Upendra Pinnelli Producer: Upendra Pinnelli Synopsis: A simple short which predicts a small scene from a typical Indian family in the future
I’m not alone, I have a dog | Taiwan | 2020 | 03’ Director: Sheng Ting Shen Writer: Sheng Ting Shen Producer: Sheng Ting Shen Cast: Yi Tien Cheng Synopsis: A girl loves spending time with her dog. She’s not alone, but she’s lonely.
Long Way Down | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Brandon Lopez Writer: Brandon Lopez Producer: Brandon Lopez Synopsis: A round, chunky cat is lazily playing with a squeaky mouse toy on top of a steep staircase. After accidentally nudging the toy, the feline heads down into an inevitable predicament.
The Egg Timer | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02’ Director: David Walsh Writer: David Walsh Producer: David Walsh Cast: David Walsh Synopsis: It’s a lazy Sunday and I fancy a soft boiled egg. Unfortunately I picked the cheekiest one from the box and the lazy Sunday turns into quite the opposite. Or shall I say “Egg chase”
Mobile Short – Official Selection – June 2020
Remote Love | Germany | 2020 | 05’ Directors: Linda-Schiwa Klinkhammer, Timo Baer Writers: Linda-Schiwa Klinkhammer, Timo Baer Producers: Kathraina Kolleczek, Lea Neu Cast: Lea van Acken, Adiran Julius Tillmann Synopsis: “You slipped under my bed” Up to now, Lou & Konstantin were doing quite well in bed, but via videocall everything is somehow different. How do you love someone if you can’t touch each other?
Out of Thin Air | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Alexandra Guillossou Producer: Alexandra Guillossou Cast: Wolfgang Nelson Synopsis: This documentary short outlines the Philosophy of Available Resources from an actor who practices it not only in film but also in furniture making.
My Life : Something Different | Czech Republic | 2020 | 04’ Director: Jan Moravec Writer: Jan Moravec Producer: Los Rentalos Synopsis: We are watching on life of one young man from his birth, by school, first love and adult live. Now he is on crossroad and they are in crusial moment..
Music Video – Official Selection – June 2020
Head Down | Canada | 2020 | 04’ Director: Benjamin Stewart Writer: Benjamin Stewart Producer: Jon Landry Cast: Quenny Stevens , Wesley Thomas , Jordan Pirri , Brady Leights Synopsis: A mad scientist accidentally creates a horrible monster that must be stopped! At ALL costs!
Fool At The Door | Puerto Rico | 2020 | 04’ Director: Oswaldo Colon Ortiz Writer: Oswaldo Colon Ortiz Producers: Oswaldo Colon Ortiz , Mario Negron Gonzalez Cast: Mario Negron Gonzalez Synopsis: Music video for Puerto Rico’s experimental rock band Fantasmes, for their single “Fool At The Door” from the band’s latest, self-titled record, released in September of 2019. The song is about a journey through uncertainty and the road to peace with oneself, about taking action now or never, and although these are never easy travels, these actions are defining and consequential–similar to the times we are living in. The video portrays the idea of an endlessly cycling journey, mirroring the song’s composition, and the visuals are meant to take you on a baffling and harrowing ride of the soul. It follows a man through that journey, bound to repeat his actions but liberating himself in the process. The video was produced by Mapora, a puerto rican based production label dedicated in the creation of films and videos. It was also done in collaboration with Discos Casa Fantasmes, home and recording label/studio of Fantasmes.
TSOY IS DEAD! | Russian Federation | 2020 | 06’ Director: Alexander Solovyov Writer: Alexander Solovyov Producers: Georgiy Cherdantsev, Kesh, Alexander Efoshkin, Alexander Solovyov Synopsis: Nine-year old Kim lives in North Korea. Surrounded by a totalitarian regime every day is the same – until the moment when Viktor Tsoy’s rock concert interferes with the usual TV Signal. Kim is shocked by what he sees and becomes obsessed by the rock star, trying to move and dance like him. Kim is not the same person anymore, but will his new personality be accepted by his surroundings?
Breadcrumbs | Greece | 2020 | 05’ Director: Jan Eilhardt Writer: Jan Eilhardt Producer: Eilhardt Productions Synopsis: A wild breadcrumb ceremony teaches four ducks everything they need to know in life: Hunger, greed and slaughter
RED (The colour of Love) | Pakistan | 2020 | 06’ Director: Nabeel Qureshi Producer: Fizza Ali Meerza Cast: Sonya Hussien, Mohsin Abbas Haider Synopsis: The freedom of being able to express oneself and live a life in a manner that is true to one’s identity. Its a Story of a woman who is standing up for her right to be allowed to make her own choices about the way she represents herself. She does not want to be defined by her culture, spirituality, clothing or image in the community.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – June 2020
How to leave the dating pool in 21 days | Hong Kong | 2020 | 19’ Directors: Laurence, Tong Kwok Ching Writers: Laurence, Tong Kwok Ching, Ryan Wong, Barry Chan, Ben Choi, Kevin Wong Producers: Laurence, Tong Kwok Ching Cast: Barry Chan, Cara Chan, Ryan Wong, Ben Choi Synopsis: There are 21 days left before the results of the public exam for university admission are announced. Barry, one of this year’s examinees, who has never had a date before, hopes that before the end of his secondary school life, he could find a girlfriend. Ryan, one of Barry’s buddies, who has countless dating experience, has set down a plan for Barry to get a girlfriend within 21 days. In those 21 days, will Barry really be able to get the girl of his dreams and leave the pool of dateless guys?
A fan’s bible | Canada | 2020 | 22’ Director: Pépito Writer: Pépito Producer: Pépito Cast: Pascale Boulay, Karl Walcott, Alexandra Doucet, Kevin Sin Synopsis: Gabriella will do everything to build a relationship with her favorite singer.
CARMA | United States | 2019 | 20’ Director: Sunny Na Producers: Tien Nguyen, Amanda Lau, Unique Cooper Cast: Robert Chestnut Synopsis: Edmond, a desperate husband, drives you through the most thrilling and intense night of his life.
I heard silence from her | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 29’ Director: Geena Jung Writer: Geena Jung Producer: Jihye Yoon Cast: Seoneun Choi, Jisook Kwak, Euijin Jo Synopsis: In a town filled with old houses. A kid’s cry breaks through the silenced filled town, causing the dogs to join with their barks. In one dark and narrow alley, stands a girl filled with nervousness. The mix of sounds: the crying, sounds of someone being beat, a man cursing and yelling, bother her and she can only imagine what nightmare is taking place inside. One night, her dog is barking and yapping much more than usual, she proceeds to go over to her dog to check and is faced with someone who seems to have fallen asleep in the living room, looking unstable and lonely. The next morning, all the sounds seem to have stopped and the town seems to be covered in a shroud of silence, only to then find her dog has mysteriously died.
Father-time | Bulgaria | 2019 | 12’ Director: Martin Iliev Writer: Martin Iliev Producer: Angel Ivanov Cast: Iosif Shamli, Martin Ivo Paunov Synopsis: An ever absent father has only few minutes to teach his eleven-year-old son a life lesson before leaving him again.
All That You Love Will Be Carried Away | United States | 2020 | 30’ Director: Thad Lee Writer: Thad Lee Producer: Thad Lee Cast: Johnny McPhail Synopsis: A Salesman’s love of bathroom graffiti may save his life on a cold, dark Nebraska night. Based on a short story by Stephen King.
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – June 2020
Identity Crisis | United States | 2020 | 07’ Director: Natalie Nichols Cast: Andrew Mouet, Tyler Fitzpatrick Synopsis: A cyborg named Scott is looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, but not all is well in this futuristic city when he finds his own picture on a wanted poster….
Fingernails | United Kingdom | 2020 | 05’ Director: Sam Brewster Cast: Kate Tattersfield Synopsis: You know when you spend so much time alone that you start talking to yourself? Well, has a part of yourself ever started talking back? A woman living alone is tormented by some tiny rowdy visitors and goes about finding a way to silence them.
Egg | Australia | 2020 | 04’ Director: Esther Yong Writer: Esther Yong Producers: Esther Yong, Marguerite Eudes, Criss Gidas Cast: Stephanie Lillis Synopsis: A young mother experiencing the uncontrollable anxiety of postnatal depression must confront her struggle with motherhood, coming to terms with her transformed reality in order to survive.
An Insta(nt) Story | United Kingdom | 2020 | 04’ Director: Matteo Valentini Writer: Matteo Valentini Producer: Matteo Valentini Cast: Ayvianna Snow, Matteo Valentini Synopsis: A guy and a girl casually meet in a room while checking their social media. The two meet, fall in love and break out without ever stop looking at their phones.
To Serve or Protect | United States | 04’ Director: David Garegnani Writer: David Garegnani Producers: David Garegnani, Sera-Lys McArthur Cast: Sera-Lys McArthur, Zainab Musa Synopsis: Detective Emily Romero has one shot to convince a fugitive’s mother to give up her only son, but soon learns there’s more to the story.
Black Coffee | United States | 2020 | 14’ Director: Vito Lyles Writer: Deanna Alisa Ableser Producer: Deanna Alisa Ableser Cast: Charlotte Williams, Tony DeCarlo Synopsis: A woman and a man sitting in a coffee shop toy around with the idea of a simple kiss between strangers.
Apartment Orgy | Germany | 2020 | 02’ Director: YI LING YAP Writer: Yi Ling Yap Producer: Yi Ling Yap Dynopsis: An apple tries to restore social order in the kitchen while humanity struggles to stay at home during COVID-19 pandemic. The story is inspired by Berlin’s clubbing culture and was filmed in quarantine.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – June 2020
Lend Me Your Sugar | Norway | 2020 | 09’ Director: Geir Jardar Olsen Writer: Geir Jardar Olsen Producer: Egil Pedersen Cast: Ivar Nørve, Henny Moan, Per Tofte, Unni Bernhoft Synopsis: A grumpy recluse is challenged by his cheerful, love-struck neighbor. Every day she shows up on his doorstep hoping to “borrow sugar,” her need for companionship clashing with his privacy. But what if his rejections finally work, and the lady vanishes?
No place like lockdown | Poland | 2020 | 13’ Director: Mariusz Kuczewski Writers: Marcin Baczyński, Mariusz Kuczewski Producer: Magdalena Kuczewska Cast: Mariusz Drężek Synopsis: Piotr has a wonderful family, a beautiful house, and decent earnings. When the world is struck by the pandemic, everything changes. Piotr is required to home quarantine. He isn’t worried, as he’s feeling great. In fact, he’s looking forward to spending two weeks with his family. But his wife – afraid of contracting the virus – takes the children and goes away to stay at her mother’s place. Although she leaves the house stocked up on food, she forgets to replenish toilet paper. How will a guy who’s never had to use a washing machine cope on his own? Will he realize how much he’s taken his family for granted?
The perfect spot | France | 2019 | 18’ Director: Laura RICHARD Writer: Maryline MAHIEU Producers: Gaultier BARRA, KN5 PRODUCTION, Laurent PARIS Cast: Bruno HENRY, Laurent PARIS Synopsis: In a small corner of green paradise, two beautiful brothers, whose opinions differ totally on the ecology should never have gone fishing together. The fact that the fish do not bite on that Sunday does not improve their relationship. In fact, they come to argue from one end to the other of the day, totally forgetting the chance they have to be in a sublime setting. And then suddenly, miracle! A key ! Are they reconciled unless? …
Story | China | 2020 |12’ Director: Rosa Wang Writer: Rosa Wang Producer: Rosa Wang Cast: Claudia Carrera, Eloy López Synopsis: A woman goes to visit her psychologist husband at his work, while in the waiting room an assistant speaks with her and reveals something that turns her world upside down.
Gentil.le | France | 2020 | 21’ Directors: Olivier Aufauvre, Lauréline Kuntz Writers: Lauréline Kuntz, Olivier Aufauvre Producers: Pauline Moreau, Geoffroy Virgery Cast: François Rollin, Lauréline Kuntz, Padrig Vion Synopsis: Aurelia, an actress, have an appointment in à gastronomic restaurant with Thierry, a cultural man who must support her shows. During the meal, Aurelia narrate him her story with Jean-Guy, a malicious patron who was to support her performances too. She confides endlessly about her sexuel mishaps with the cinema world and asks herself what are the true intentions of Thierry.
Summer Time | France | 2020 | 15’ Director: Andra Tévy Writers: Andra Tévy, Manoline Beautier Producer: Jonathan Hazan Cast: Ophelia Kolb, Alice Barnole, Sylvain Dieuaide, Hervé Terrisse, Samuel Brafman Synopsis: A summer Sunday on a café terrace near the Mediterranean coast. Everyone can’t help but notice their seemingly peaceful neighbors at the other tables. Subjective and distorted perceptions, an impression that the grass is greener elsewhere… The ensuing comparisons and criticisms trigger a crisis at their own tables.
Day of Danger | Philippines | 2019 | 14’ Director: Cynthia Saluba Writer: Cynthia Saluba Producer: Cynthia Saluba Cast: Joyce Baclili, Carla Zarcal, Ren Medina, Alecks Ambayec, Tads Obach, Rolando Inocencio Synopsis: An oblivious young woman faces her greatest fear of expressing herself to other people when she accidentally ends up killing someone.
At Home with… Nick Mullins | United Kingdom | 2020-06-24 | 08’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, James Longley, Trevor Longley, Susan Longley Synopsis: The “At Home with…” team spends some time with football referee Nick Mullins, a man who has dreamt of being a referee since he was a child. We follow Nick as he copes with life in lockdown during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has kept him away from his beloved job. Nick opens up and gives us an insight into his life, his passions and his dreams for the future.
Series (Web/TV) – Official Selection – June 2020
Gods Game | France | 2019 | 25’ Director: Tony Chaslas Writer: Tony Chaslas Producers: Tony Chaslas, Rafael Vanister Cast: Anne-Solenne Hatte, Luc Gentil, Edouard Cheny Synopsis: 2018. Lucas, a local journalist, has just lost his grandfather. The day before the funeral, Lucas had a dream that brought him back to 1998 during an event he had already experienced. Upon awakening, he can no longer distinguish the dream from reality, which he thinks he has changed.
True Demon | Germany | 2019 | 12’ Director: Jan Zenkner Writer: Hanno von Contzen Producers: Max Lais, Hanno von Contzen, Jan Zenkner Cast: Olivia Burkhart, Marcel Kowalewski, Justus Johanssen Synopsis: Anna and Jess have been looking forward to going camping together. But their fun trip is cut short when Jess suddenly disappears under mysterious and seemingly supernatural circumstances. Now, Anna resolves to search for Jess and enlists her friends Lukas and Ben to join her. Equipped with cameras, they document and post their journey online for everyone to witness, as it leads them to find brutal creatures and a wide-ranging conspiracy. With each step down this sinister path, Anna discovers ever more of her own dark past… but that is only the start. TRUE DEMON is a fictional web series presented as an authentic vlog channel, with the videos filmed, edited and uploaded to YouTube by Anna and her friend Ben. While playing with the conventions of the format, TRUE DEMON also makes use of all its possibilities within the narrative. Anna regularly does live streams, interacts with the community and tells them in her vlogs what’s going on when the cameras aren’t running – an action-packed mystery in the style of a real YouTube channel designed to excite, engage with and share.
Short Drama – Official Selection – June 2020
Not Your Average Bear | Canada | 2020 | 15’ Director: Cliff Skelton Writer: Simon Longmore Producers: Adam Lolacher, Simon Longmore Cast: Simon Longmore, Mauri Momose, Andrew Ucrianet, JC wendt, Christy Webb Gibson, Lisa Faist, Dominik Longmore, April Telek, Reese Alexander, Kevin O Grady, Adil Zaidi Synopsis: A daring robbery pulled off by the most unlikely of culprits. What an average man will do when pushed to his limits.
The Simple Path | United States | 2019 | 17’ Director: Charles Moore Writer: Charles Moore Producers: James Madio, Linda Will, Bob Bryan Cast: Shba Cochrane, Mario Beverly, Annie Kitral, Bryant Carroll, Debrae Barensfeld Synopsis: “The Simple Path” follows the decision making of Nevaeh, an elder care nurse who struggles emotionally when one of her long-term elderly female patients, Helen, no longer has the financial ability to support the costs associated with the care facility for which she works. In an impromptu act, Nevaeh makes the decision to move Helen home with her to provide ongoing care with the help of her younger brother, Aman, who just returned home after a 4-year stint working as an oversees Peace Corp Volunteer. Although the subject matter of “The Simple Path” is distressing in the realistic challenges for many elderly, the story finds emotional balance in the random acts of kindness that certain humans are willing to provide to those in need.
The Odd | United Kingdom | 02’ Director: Roberto Vivancos Writer: Roberto Vivancos Producer: Roberto Vivancos Cast: Alison Garner Synopsis: The effects of anxiety and depression create a sudden body paralysis.
The Favor | France | 2019 | 15’ Director: HENRY Bruno Writer: MAHIEU Maryline Producer: BARRA Gaultier Cast: HENRY Bruno, TREBEL Anne-Sophie Synopsis: CHRISTELLE works with PASCAL. They appreciate each other, are courteous to each other and are inclined to render each other mutually. But Christelle becomes strange, absent and bothered. One Sunday while Pascal is at home with his family, Christelle calls him and asks him to come because she has a problem. Worried, Pascal immediately goes home. There, she asks him to make him a child. Pascal, a good family man, is shocked and tries to bring her back to reason but the more he opposes, the more Christelle tries to convince and charm him. Subtitles Italien, Allemand, Anglais, Arabe, Chinois, Espagnol, Brésilien.
“My Train Leaves Tomorrow at 7 O’Clock” | United States | 2020 | 10’ Director: Konstantin Pivovar Writer: Konstantin Pivovar Producer: Lilia Le Dieu Cast: Alyssa Grace, Maria Pinsent Synopsis: The girl prepares for an adventure of a lifetime. She packs a suitcase, puts on her best clothes, new shiny boots and gets on the train. Well, that’s what she hopes to do. In reality, she spends days in her bedroom, locked by her mother, fantasizing about finally leaving one day. Everything that you will see in the first few minutes is a visually and musically striking fantasy blended with girl’s reality.
Meet the Neighbors | United States | 2020 | 18’ Director: Derin Egrikavuk Writer: Derin Egrikavuk Producers: Emily Miller, Pinar Binay, Alexander Zinn, Sofia Bara Cast: Madi Mitts , Campbell Symes, Orlando Cintron Jr., Aaron Kheifets, Kenneth King Synopsis: Dylan and her boyfriend Alex are in for a perfect night – a beautiful, unoccupied apartment all to themselves. A teenage dream. However, things turn sour after Dylan overhears the neighbors upstairs having a violent fight. She feels uncomfortable just letting it happen, and so when Alex firmly refuses to get involved, she knows she has to choose: his comfort or her conscience. She sneaks up the fire escape for a peek. Separately, pregnant Marlo is trying to help her blundering fiancé Eric gather enough money to settle a debt. However, the menacing lender Alfie comes knocking before they have the full sum. The ensuing interaction quickly escalates to a fight, where Marlo stabs Alfie with his own knife in self-defense. She immediately fears the consequences for her unborn daughter, heightened even more when she sees horrified Dylan at the window looking in. When these two couples’ paths converge in a single gaze, they find themselves pitted against one another. Dylan must now get herself and Alex out of harm’s way, while Marlo and Eric must ensure they cover their tracks in a situation spiraling out of control. In the end, Marlo knows she has to tie up loose ends, and makes the difficult decision to kill them. Unaware of this, Dylan lets her naive desire to help the vulnerable pregnant woman get the best of her, bring about her demise and Alex’s.
Student Short – Official Selection – June 2020
Black Bear | United Kingdom | 2020 | 11’ Director: Peter Paton Writer: Peter Paton Producer: Liam Morgan Cast: Andrew Joshi, Anita Garcha, Brendon Riley, Paul Dewdney Synopsis: After a traumatic experience we follow Riley through his trials and tribulations living with OCD. Black Bear aims to challenge the stereotypes and educate audiences on the symptoms and struggles of OCD through our protagonist Riley, and his road to recovery. Riley is robbed at the start of the film which triggers his OCD. He is struggling to live with the anxiety and how it affects his daily life, work, and relationships. Riley is suggested therapy sessions at the local church by his friend Shane, where a member Jeffrey tells a fable about dealing with mental health, a little at a time, day by day. This is the moving story of a man’s battle with his mental illness.
Sophie and Jacob | Canada | 2020 | 09’ Director: Max Shoham Writer: Max Shoham Producer: Max Shoham Cast: Will Hochman, Olivia Nikkanen Synopsis: Inspired by the true story of family, and finding home, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes home cannot be a place, and becomes simply a memory, a mindset.
St. Moritz | Israel | 2019 | 07’ Director: Joseph Balaclav, Raz Sonnenfeld Writer: Joseph balaclav, Margarita Balaklav Producers: Joseph balaclav, Raz sonnenfeld Synopsis: The relations between a mother and son are tested during the preparations for the Passover cleaning ritual.
The traveller | Italy | 2019 | 13’ Director: Ludovica Zedda Writer: Ludovica Zedda Producer: Istituto Cinematografico Michelangelo Antonioni, Ludovica Zedda Cast: Maria Luisa Zaltron, Federica Ferro, Matteo Bosurgi, Paola Magister Synopsis: Marta is on a train to France to join the love of her life. However, due to a peculiar amnesia, she cannot remember his name. A doctor and a young artist join her on her journey, to help her remember…
Space Ranger | United States | 2019 | 14’ Director: Sarah Evans Writer: Sarah Evans Producers: Mega DaFiaghor, Meezahn Senbetta Cast: Ryan Foreman, Evelyn Halbach Synopsis: In order to find a journal that was accidentally thrown away, a teen boy must enlist the help of a child who spends her free time in a landfill.
Sooner or Later | Israel | 2019 | 19’ Director: Gadi Rimer Writer: Gadi Rimer Producer: Tommy Oren Cast: Omer Etzion, Neta Shpigelman, Udi Razzin Synopsis: Adam’s longing to his ex-girlfriend, Alona, leads him to break into her new house. When she discovers him there, they are forced to deal with the pain caused by their separation.
Papa was a rolling stone | Romania | 2019 | 12’ Director: Roșu Florin Writer: Roșu Florin Producer: Roșu Florin Synopsis: Nelu, a young man raised by his uncle, following an accident due to a brick, goes on the adventure of his life in the footsteps of his father with his new friend, the brick.
Love Lies Bleeding | Taiwan | 2019 | 15’ Director: Angel Teng Writer: Angel Teng Producer: Shan Wu Cast: April Liu, Kiki Chen Synopsis: It’s been five years Laura hasn’t seen Hattie since they abruptly broke up due to Laura’s betrayal. Visiting Los Angeles for her touring exhibition, Laura grabs the chance to stay in Hattie’s apartment as a reconnection. They keep a polite and safe distance. They’re like normal old friends while something slowly reveals. Hattie finally unleashes how much pain she’s suffered when she gets drunk in the bar. However, she switches her mood in a flash. On the last night before Laura’s flight, they talk in the darkness. The pure attraction seems coming back to them. They’re getting closer until they are so close that they cannot resist the desire any more. They make out. Laura regards sex as a proof of forgiveness. However, Hattie despises Laura for her recurrent cheating. The joy of sex becomes unbearable laceration inside Laura’s body, like a gunshot.
Winter’s Winter | United States | 2020 | 16’ Director: Jiajun Wang Writer: Jiajun Wang Producer: Yiheng Guo Cast: Yunzhi Wang, Yining Gu, Tom Chou Synopsis: It’s a story about a new illegal immigrant from China, named Winter who just finds herself a job in a Chinese restaurant, has to decide her fate after the owner’s sexual harassment . As she finally makes up her mind to leave this country, she must ask the owner for her passport, which was held by the owner as a guaranty since she is an illegal worker. The owner, a pervert who has his eyes on Winter for a long time decides to use this opportunity to ask Winter for a sexual favor in order to give her the passport. As Winter refuses, the owner tries to rape her. In defending herself, she hurts the owner badly and flee.
In Vitro | United Kingdom | 2020 | 18’ Director: Mackenzie Thomson Writer: Mackenzie Thomson Producer: Dylan Freeman Cast: Yemisi Oyinloye, Sean Ward Synopsis: Natalie and Lucas have almost everything; a stable and comfortable income, a beautiful home and a close circle of friends. Yet there’s one piece left to complete their jigsaw. A child. One negative pregnancy test after another results in the gradual breakdown in the relationship between the couple. Individually, they begin to question whether their hope for a child is the only thing that’s keeping them together. Due to the Covid-related lockdown, our filming was cut short by one shoot day. However, we have produced an animatic [00:12:44-00:13:11] to display the missing scene, which will be shot and completed very soon!
Detective 8-Ball | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Jake Wichansky Writer: John Apted Producer: Cheri Jia Cast: Emma Svitil, Marifé Quesada, Andrew Hamilton When Detective Clemens tries using his “Magic” 8-Ball to solve a murder, his new partner discovers what is really going on.
Monkey Thief | United States | 2020 | 06’ Cast: Macie M Ates, Jacob R Ates Synopsis: Myles, a shy boy who musters the courage to face his bully, Dolores, and rescue his favorite toy from her. The ensuing battle ends prematurely as Myles makes a life-changing discovery.
Cycle | Canada | 2020 | 02’ Director: Dexter Stevens Writer: Dexter Stevens Synopsis: An explorer arrives at a mountaintop temple and is confronted by its guardian
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – June 2020
Nelson | India | 2020 | 34’ Directors: Vicky Valsan , Cipin Valsan Writer: Vicky Valsan Producers: Lakshmi V M, Praseed M Varma, Sangamithra Asok, Shamnad Khan, Aveeena Ghosh Dutta, Sreelakshmi Babu, Vishnu Dileep, Nifil Valiyakath, Shifna Rahiman, Jeevanandham Shanmugham, Renjith R, Chandu R S, Yeswanth R, Shamal Joshi, Anoop K V, Jithin Jayachandran, Dony Perumal, Anoop S, Sreeshma Sreedharan, Naveen V M, Morvin Antony, Hari K Rajeev Cast: Joe John Chacko, Shamnad Khan, Vinodh Mohanan, Joey Synopsis: NELSON is a psychological thriller that takes place in the forests of southern Kerala. People living around the forest are witness to strange changes in the environment As a consequence, the government starts evacuating people from the area. Nelson, an environmentalist, comes to the forest to find out the root cause of these strange occurrences. His investigations put him on the right course only to be challenged by political interventions later.
The Last Piece of the Puzzle | United Kingdom | 2020 | 09’ Director: Nicolo Goattin Writer: Nicolo Goattin Producer: Rosie Goodwin Cast: Natasha Chant , Angela Munnoch , Ian McShee Synopsis: Hope, a young but inquisitive girl, has a seemingly perfect but repetitive life. Hope starts seeing mysterious logos on her belongings, including the pill she’s forced to take daily. Worried, she spits her pill out secretly. After a while she develops splitting headaches and hallucinates the logo shining all around her to the point of collapse. She wakes up in bed that night, only to find her mother with a glowing tube in her stomach, staring at her. This scares Hope, so she starts banging on the windows in an escape attempt. After a hard hit, the view outside glitches, and everything goes black. The ceiling glitches next, leaving Hope staring up into the sky. With no roof, Hope climbs up the walls to escape, only to see infinite rows of identical, roofless houses and the logo glowing in the sky.
Coma | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Pavel Dovgal Writer: Pavel Dovgal Producer: Pavel Dovgal Cast: Alyona Ponomarenko, Ekaterina Dzhiadze Downey Synopsis: The pilot crashes and crashes with an unopened parachute into the ocean. After the hallucinations of the Bardo, she finds herself alive but already on the shore and in a completely different world.
Experimental Short Video – Official Selection – June 2020
Coma | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Pavel Dovgal Writer: Pavel Dovgal Producer: Pavel Dovgal Cast: Alyona Ponomarenko, Ekaterina Dzhiadze Downey Synopsis: The pilot crashes and crashes with an unopened parachute into the ocean. After the hallucinations of the Bardo, she finds herself alive but already on the shore and in a completely different world.
Solitude | Ukraine | 2019 | 28’ Director: Yelizaveta Smith Writer: Yelizaveta Smith Producer: Oleksandr Fomenko, Alina Gorlova, Lena Yakovitska, Eugene Rachkovsky Cast: Olena Ponomarenko, Vasil Skakun, Anatolyi Paduka, Maksym Victorovich Synopsis: During a large storm carries, the sea flushes a Second World War bomb to the beach of a port city. The city authorities decide to evacuate the area. Khrystyna is a 45-year-old single woman who lives in a run-down building, destined to be demolished. Khrystyna is afraid of changes but on the day of the evacuation, Khrystyna has no choice but to leave the place she is so used to. The gathering point for the people in the theatre of the city. There she meets a young man Elijah – a stage worker, who is responsible for the evacuated people. Khrystyna finds herself in the place where Elijah lives – in the small room behind the scene. Elijah is a man without a home and a family. He uses props as furniture and chooses to be lonely as a way to be free. Between these two people, there is an understanding and intimacy that frightens both.
The animal that therefore I am | Netherlands | 2019 | 11’ Director: Bea de Visser Writer: Bea de Visser Producer: Bea de Visser Cast: Erin Hill, Hertog, Onida, Alexandra Synopsis: “What does the animal see when it looks at me?” Three animals and a woman in an enclosed space. As they study each other, their own methods of communication create a wordless conversation. We view them in close-up and from various perspectives, with the woman as a solitary species in this universe.
The Monster | United States | 2020 | 6’ Director: Josh Collins Writer: Joshua Collins , Svitlana Chaynikova Producer: Joshua Collins , Svitlana Chaynikova Cast: Joshua Collins Synopsis: A man under quarantine discovers a monster in his closet.
Season of Aeon | Singapore | 2020 | 9’ Director: Kassandra Lim Writer: Kassandra Lim Producer: Kassandra Lim Synopsis: The worldʼs most valuable fashion brand LK stages the largest ever fashion show, a redefined season that will drift aboard an archive of the traditions of the endangered Indian Ajrakhpur block printing, unfolding a spectacle at a container port once in a decade. The very industrial mechanisms that have created disposable fashion seasons have been reengineered to celebrate and value traditional handcraft. Once a decade, people chase after it like the Northern Lights.
Short Horror – Official Selection – June 2020
Sensor | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Brian L Tan “BLT” Writer: Jonathan Hirsch Producer: Andrea Pasquettin Cast: Dana Lee, Nikki SooHoo Synopsis: Haunted by his experiences from the war, a Vietnam Veteran has had enough. Placing motion sensors around his property, he’s decided to face his demons once and for all. Unfortunately, he’s in for more than he bargained for. Starring Dana Lee (Dr. Ken, Pineapple Express, Rambo) and Nikki SooHoo (Lovely Bones, Stick It, Bring It On, Heathers). Directed by: Brian L. Tan “BLT” Shot & Edited by: Trevor Hollander Written by: Jonathan Hirsch Production Designer: Danielle Lee Production Assistant: Yukali Wennekes 1st Assistant Camera: Daniel Appel 2nd Assistant Camera: Michelle Mendoza Make Up Artist: Gabriel Lane BTS Photographer: Mike Adan Gaffer: Eduardo Gonzalez Swing Grip: EJ Manolo Special Thanks: Josh Dove, Melissa Humiston, Hideaway Ranch
Rangda | Republic of Korea | 2020 | 19’ Director: E Seul An Writer: E Seul An Producer: Hyeran Cho Cast: Jinhee An, Yeaheun Choi Synopsis: Ji-yoon, who injured her leg and got hospitalized ends up in a bed next to a patient who looks much older than her actual age. In the tense atmosphere, she feels comfort dUe to her caregiver, Haehwa, but that night Ji-yoon happened to witness her eccentric behavior.
Zoom and Gloom | United Kingdom | 2020 | 08’ Director: Nicholas Jones Synopsis: After an ill fated trip to a supermarket, Lina returns home with more than toilet roll.
The Saverini Widow | France | 2020 | 19’ Director: Loïc Gaillard Writer: Loïc Gaillard, Wilfried Méance Producer: Jonathan Hazan Cast: Christiane Conil, Toussaint Martinetti, Cédric Appietto, Marie-Pierre Nouveau Synopsis: Bonifacio 1883, extreme south of Corsica. The widow of the late Saverini lives in an isolated house near the cliffs, with her only son Antoine, and her dog. During the day, she assists women giving birth in town. One night her son is killed in a clash. The murderer flees to Sardinia. Her world falls to pieces…
Stop-Motion/Time-Lapse – Official Selection – June 2020
Apartment Orgy | Germany | 2020 | 02’ Director: YI LING YAP Writer: Yi Ling Yap Producer: Yi Ling Yap Synopsis: An apple tries to restore social order in the kitchen while humanity struggles to stay at home during COVID-19 pandemic. The story is inspired by Berlin’s clubbing culture and was filmed in quarantine.
Homeward | Israel | 2019 | 05’ Director: Shirley Neeman Writer: Shirley Neeman Producer: Shirley Neeman Synopsis: A woman leaves her home with only a suitcase in her hand. Exile is a lonely place, a search of a lost feeling of belonging, of identity and security. Nothing but a portrait on the wall to remind you where you came from, but it will not tell you who you are. Objects become a true companion when the searching road is the only place that feels like home.
Cast: Christiane Conil, Toussaint Martinetti, Cédric Appietto, Marie-Pierre Nouveau
Synopsis: Bonifacio 1883, extreme south of Corsica. The widow of the late Saverini lives in an isolated house near the cliffs, with her only son Antoine, and her dog. During the day, she assists women giving birth in town. One night her son is killed in a clash. The murderer flees to Sardinia. Her world falls to pieces…
BEST DIRECTOR
Father-time | Bulgaria | 2019 | 12’
Director: Martin Iliev
Writer: Martin Iliev
Producer: Angel Ivanov
Cast: Iosif Shamli, Martin Ivo Paunov
Synopsis: An ever absent father has only few minutes to teach his eleven-year-old son a life lesson before leaving him again.
BEST SCREENPLAY
The Saverini Widow | France | 2020 | 19’
Director: Loïc Gaillard
Writer: Loïc Gaillard, Wilfried Méance
Producer: Jonathan Hazan
Cast: Christiane Conil, Toussaint Martinetti, Cédric Appietto, Marie-Pierre Nouveau
Synopsis: Bonifacio 1883, extreme south of Corsica. The widow of the late Saverini lives in an isolated house near the cliffs, with her only son Antoine, and her dog. During the day, she assists women giving birth in town. One night her son is killed in a clash. The murderer flees to Sardinia. Her world falls to pieces…
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
The Saverini Widow | France | 2020 | 19’
Actress: Christiane Conil
Director: Loïc Gaillard
Writer: Loïc Gaillard, Wilfried Méance
Producer: Jonathan Hazan
Cast: Christiane Conil, Toussaint Martinetti, Cédric Appietto, Marie-Pierre Nouveau
Synopsis: Bonifacio 1883, extreme south of Corsica. The widow of the late Saverini lives in an isolated house near the cliffs, with her only son Antoine, and her dog. During the day, she assists women giving birth in town. One night her son is killed in a clash. The murderer flees to Sardinia. Her world falls to pieces…
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Father-time | Bulgaria | 2019 | 12’
Actor: Martin Ivo Paunov
Director: Martin Iliev
Writer: Martin Iliev
Producer: Angel Ivanov
Cast: Iosif Shamli, Martin Ivo Paunov
Synopsis: An ever absent father has only few minutes to teach his eleven-year-old son a life lesson before leaving him again.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Saverini Widow | France | 2020 | 19’
Cinematographer: Boubkar Benzabat
Director: Loïc Gaillard
Writer: Loïc Gaillard, Wilfried Méance
Producer: Jonathan Hazan
Cast: Christiane Conil, Toussaint Martinetti, Cédric Appietto, Marie-Pierre Nouveau
Synopsis: Bonifacio 1883, extreme south of Corsica. The widow of the late Saverini lives in an isolated house near the cliffs, with her only son Antoine, and her dog. During the day, she assists women giving birth in town. One night her son is killed in a clash. The murderer flees to Sardinia. Her world falls to pieces…
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Last Piece of the Puzzle | United Kingdom | 2020 | 09’
Set designer: Calum Marshall
Director: Nicolo Goattin
Writer: Nicolo Goattin
Producer: Rosie Goodwin
Cast: Natasha Chant , Angela Munnoch , Ian McShee
Synopsis: Hope, a young but inquisitive girl, has a seemingly perfect but repetitive life. Hope starts seeing mysterious logos on her belongings, including the pill she’s forced to take daily. Worried, she spits her pill out secretly. After a while she develops splitting headaches and hallucinates the logo shining all around her to the point of collapse. She wakes up in bed that night, only to find her mother with a glowing tube in her stomach, staring at her. This scares Hope, so she starts banging on the windows in an escape attempt. After a hard hit, the view outside glitches, and everything goes black. The ceiling glitches next, leaving Hope staring up into the sky. With no roof, Hope climbs up the walls to escape, only to see infinite rows of identical, roofless houses and the logo glowing in the sky.
BEST EDITING
My Life : Something Different | Czech Republic | 2020 | 04’
Editor: Jan Moravec
Director: Jan Moravec
Writer: Jan Moravec
Producer: Los Rentalos
Synopsis: We are watching on life of one young man from his birth, by school, first love and adult live. Now he is on crossroad and they are in crusial moment..
BEST NARRATIVE
Not Your Average Bear | Canada | 2020 | 15’
Director: Cliff Skelton
Writer: Simon Longmore
Producers: Adam Lolacher, Simon Longmore
Cast: Simon Longmore, Mauri Momose, Andrew Ucrianet, JC wendt, Christy Webb Gibson, Lisa Faist, Dominik Longmore, April Telek, Reese Alexander, Kevin O Grady, Adil Zaidi
Synopsis: A daring robbery pulled off by the most unlikely of culprits. What an average man will do when pushed to his limits.
BEST COMEDY
Summer Time | France | 2020 | 15’
Director: Andra Tévy
Writers: Andra Tévy, Manoline Beautier
Producer: Jonathan Hazan
Cast: Ophelia Kolb, Alice Barnole, Sylvain Dieuaide, Hervé Terrisse, Samuel Brafman
Synopsis: A summer Sunday on a café terrace near the Mediterranean coast. Everyone can’t help but notice their seemingly peaceful neighbors at the other tables. Subjective and distorted perceptions, an impression that the grass is greener elsewhere… The ensuing comparisons and criticisms trigger a crisis at their own tables.
BEST DRAMA
The Favor | France | 2019 | 15’
Director: HENRY Bruno
Writer: MAHIEU Maryline
Producer: BARRA Gaultier
Cast: HENRY Bruno, TREBEL Anne-Sophie
Synopsis: CHRISTELLE works with PASCAL. They appreciate each other, are courteous to each other and are inclined to render each other mutually. But Christelle becomes strange, absent and bothered. One Sunday while Pascal is at home with his family, Christelle calls him and asks him to come because she has a problem. Worried, Pascal immediately goes home. There, she asks him to make him a child. Pascal, a good family man, is shocked and tries to bring her back to reason but the more he opposes, the more Christelle tries to convince and charm him.
BEST HORROR
Sensor | United States | 2020 | 04’
Director: Brian L Tan “BLT”
Writer: Jonathan Hirsch
Producer: Andrea Pasquettin
Cast: Dana Lee, Nikki SooHoo
Synopsis: Haunted by his experiences from the war, a Vietnam Veteran has had enough. Placing motion sensors around his property, he’s decided to face his demons once and for all. Unfortunately, he’s in for more than he bargained for.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
The Last Piece of the Puzzle | United Kingdom | 2020 | 09’
Director: Nicolo Goattin
Writer: Nicolo Goattin
Producer: Rosie Goodwin
Cast: Natasha Chant , Angela Munnoch , Ian McShee
Synopsis: Hope, a young but inquisitive girl, has a seemingly perfect but repetitive life. Hope starts seeing mysterious logos on her belongings, including the pill she’s forced to take daily. Worried, she spits her pill out secretly. After a while she develops splitting headaches and hallucinates the logo shining all around her to the point of collapse. She wakes up in bed that night, only to find her mother with a glowing tube in her stomach, staring at her. This scares Hope, so she starts banging on the windows in an escape attempt. After a hard hit, the view outside glitches, and everything goes black. The ceiling glitches next, leaving Hope staring up into the sky. With no roof, Hope climbs up the walls to escape, only to see infinite rows of identical, roofless houses and the logo glowing in the sky.
BEST STUDENT
Monkey Thief | United States | 2020 | 06’
Director: Zachary Ates
Cast: Macie M Ates, Jacob R Ates
Synopsis: Myles, a shy boy who musters the courage to face his bully, Dolores, and rescue his favorite toy from her. The ensuing battle ends prematurely as Myles makes a life-changing discovery.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Black Bear | United Kingdom | 2020 | 11’
Director: Peter Paton
Writer: Peter Paton
Producer: Liam Morgan
Cast: Andrew Joshi, Anita Garcha, Brendon Riley, Paul Dewdney
Synopsis: After a traumatic experience we follow Riley through his trials and tribulations living with OCD. Black Bear aims to challenge the stereotypes and educate audiences on the symptoms and struggles of OCD through our protagonist Riley, and his road to recovery. Riley is robbed at the start of the film which triggers his OCD. He is struggling to live with the anxiety and how it affects his daily life, work, and relationships. Riley is suggested therapy sessions at the local church by his friend Shane, where a member Jeffrey tells a fable about dealing with mental health, a little at a time, day by day. This is the moving story of a man’s battle with his mental illness.
BEST CHILDREN SHORT
Dream Store | Poland | 2020 | 26’
Director: Paweł Olearczyk
Writer: Paweł Olearczyk
Producer: Paweł Olearczyk
Cast: Bruno Grzeszykowski, Anna Dzierża, Paweł Kumięga, Andrzej Róg, Marta Kontny
Synopsis: Kacper visits the Dream Store for his 10th birthday.
BEST ANIMATION
TOMAS. A TALE OF REDEMPTION Nº01 YEAR 2095 | Colombia | 2020 | 10’
Synopsis: In a post apocalyptic Bogotá, a man will do anything in order to get to Arcadia, the only place alive in the planet. No matter what it takes, he will take a series of decisions to save himself, until he is trapped by his own destiny.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
“World Premiere Video” – The Music Video that survived after Music Television didn’t | United States | 2020 | 12’
Diector: Mike J. Nichols
Writer: Mike J. Nichols
Producer: Mike J. Nichols
Cast: Mike J. Nichols
Synopsis: Over 30 years ago, a young filmmaker embarked on a mission to make a low budget Music Video using Super-8 film – This Music Video paid tribute and homages to the 1980’s Music Television channel, MTV. Inspired by Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, he borrowed a guitar and wrote his first song entitled, I WANT TO BE ON MTV – and thereafter attempted to make a music video spoofing MTV favorites like Bon Jovi, Van Halen and even the New Kids On The Block. Amazingly, MTV’s own Dweezil Zappa did a cameo in this Music Video. But… …a fire destroys all the Super-8 footage and all this time it has been presumed lost… for 30 years…. YET, during the COVID-19 SXSW shut down, The Zappa documentary lost it’s World Premiere so Mike J. Nichols – the editor of the Zappa documentary – finally found an old tape of this lost Super-8 footage and during confinement created his own surprisingly heartwarming mini documentary to turn his lost Super-8 film footage into a WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO!!!! This is an honest and feel-good testament to a time when the world loved Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and everyday kids could use Super-8 film to make their own dreams toward one day making it in Hollywood…
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
The animal that therefore I am | Netherlands | 2019 | 11’
Director: Bea de Visser
Writer: Bea de Visser
Producer: Bea de Visser
Cast: Erin Hill, Hertog, Onida, Alexandra
Synopsis: “What does the animal see when it looks at me?” Three animals and a woman in an enclosed space. As they study each other, their own methods of communication create a wordless conversation. We view them in close-up and from various perspectives, with the woman as a solitary species in this universe.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
TSOY IS DEAD! | Russian Federation | 2020 | 06’
Director: Alexander Solovyov
Writer: Alexander Solovyov
Producers: Georgiy Cherdantsev, Kesh, Alexander Efoshkin, Alexander Solovyov
Synopsis: Nine-year old Kim lives in North Korea. Surrounded by a totalitarian regime every day is the same – until the moment when Viktor Tsoy’s rock concert interferes with the usual TV Signal. Kim is shocked by what he sees and becomes obsessed by the rock star, trying to move and dance like him. Kim is not the same person anymore, but will his new personality be accepted by his surroundings?
BEST MINI SHORT
I’m not alone, I have a dog | Taiwan | 2020 | 03’
Director: Sheng Ting Shen
Writer: Sheng Ting Shen
Producer: Sheng Ting Shen
Cast: Yi Tien Cheng
Synopsis: A girl loves spending time with her dog. She’s not alone, but she’s lonely.
BEST MOBILE PHONE
My Life : Something Different | Czech Republic | 2020 | 04’
Director: Jan Moravec
Writer: Jan Moravec
Producer: Los Rentalos
Synopsis: We are watching on life of one young man from his birth, by school, first love and adult live. Now he is on crossroad and they are in crusial moment..
BEST LOW/NO BUDGET
At Home with… Nick Mullins | United Kingdom | 2020 | 08’
Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley
Writer: Paul Longley
Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley
Cast: Paul Longley, James Longley, Trevor Longley, Susan Longley
Synopsis: The “At Home with…” team spends some time with football referee Nick Mullins, a man who has dreamt of being a referee since he was a child. We follow Nick as he copes with life in lockdown during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has kept him away from his beloved job. Nick opens up and gives us an insight into his life, his passions and his dreams for the future.
BEST SERIES (WEB/TV)
True Demon | Germany | 2019 | 12’
Director: Jan Zenkner
Writer: Hanno von Contzen
Producers: Max Lais, Hanno von Contzen, Jan Zenkner
Synopsis: Anna and Jess have been looking forward to going camping together. But their fun trip is cut short when Jess suddenly disappears under mysterious and seemingly supernatural circumstances. Now, Anna resolves to search for Jess and enlists her friends Lukas and Ben to join her. Equipped with cameras, they document and post their journey online for everyone to witness, as it leads them to find brutal creatures and a wide-ranging conspiracy. With each step down this sinister path, Anna discovers ever more of her own dark past… but that is only the start. TRUE DEMON is a fictional web series presented as an authentic vlog channel, with the videos filmed, edited and uploaded to YouTube by Anna and her friend Ben. While playing with the conventions of the format, TRUE DEMON also makes use of all its possibilities within the narrative. Anna regularly does live streams, interacts with the community and tells them in her vlogs what’s going on when the cameras aren’t running – an action-packed mystery in the style of a real YouTube channel designed to excite, engage with and share.
BEST STOP-MOTION/TIME-LAPSE
Homeward | Israel | 2019 | 05’
Director: Shirley Neeman
Writer: Shirley Neeman
Producer: Shirley Neeman
Synopsis: A woman leaves her home with only a suitcase in her hand. Exile is a lonely place, a search of a lost feeling of belonging, of identity and security. Nothing but a portrait on the wall to remind you where you came from, but it will not tell you who you are. Objects become a true companion when the searching road is the only place that feels like home.
Overbridge | India | 2020 | 10’ Directors: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Writers: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Producers: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Cast: Umesh Maddanahalli, Mamta Sagar, Raghu Wodeyar Synopsis: Prabhu, a middle-aged office going man’s life spirals out of control as he keeps returning to an overbridge where he witnesses an incident.
B E A T | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Rich Monteiro Writer: Tay Jones Producers: Tay Jones, Julia Armine, Lexx Truss, Justin Uchendu Cast: Tay Jones, Ricky Flowers Jr Synopsis: Marcus struggles with trying to correct his path.
Animation Short – Official Selection – July 2020
Play to Prey | United States | 2020 | 15’ Director: Seren C Moran Writer: Seren C Moran Producer: Seren C Moran Cast: N/A Synopsis: A three part animated film that chronologically reenacts non-fiction incidents of sexual assault.
MY TAGALONG | Canada | 2020 | 07’ Director: Jerry WANG Writer: Jerry Wang Producer: Jerry Wang Cast: Jerry Wang Synopsis: A story about two Gemini brothers’ journey on the earth. The Older brother wants to enjoy the trip himself, but his younger brother always follows him and makes a lot of troubles.
Ya Hoota | Qatar | 2019 | 12’ Directors: Latifa Al-Darwish, Abdulaziz Yousef Writers: Latifa Al-Darwish, Abdulaziz Yousef Producer: Ben Robinson Synopsis: A little girl attempts to save the moon from a gigantic whale along with her cousin. Would she succeed?
Unsquare | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Meiting Wang Synopsis: Unsquare is a 2D animation about how society rejects people and/or things that are different from the “norm.” An individual whose personality departs from social norms will either cave to the social force and become normative or maintain him/herself and accept the consequence of social abandonment. Even with such high stakes, the protagonist in Unsquare ultimately chooses to maintain his own authentic personality.
Wake Up | Puerto Rico | 2020 | 04’ Director: Monica Rodriguez Writer: Monica Rodriguez Cast: Yulissa Diaz, Benjamin Ramos Synopsis: Sara, a young call center representative, dreams of being a content creator but her middle-aged coworker pesters her for not focusing on her tasks and it is up to her to stay or leave her nightmarish office job.
In My Particular Case | Uruguay | 2020 | 05’ Director: CHICO JOFILSAN Writers: Chico Jofisan, Duda Fonseca Synopsis: In a world in which focus no longer stands out dispersion occupies the foreground. This is the theme of this film that shows different resources of animation in adapting to the rhythm of our minds. After all, what other art, if not animation, can shape so many imaginary worlds?
The Metamorphosis | United States | 2020 | 05’ Director: KAIFU LIU Writer: KAIFU LIU Synopsis: An animated short film that explores people’s emotions in society
Heal | United States | 2020 | 10’ Director: Ysabel Congying Li Writer: Ysabel Congying Li Synopsis: “Heal” is an animated story of a man who tries to find the missing wings of a newborn bird. It uses unconventional imagery to convey an oppressive society and one man’s escape from it. The art style of the film involves surrealistic visuals, similar to Salvador Dali’s artwork, to support the themes of the film.
Children Short – Official Selection – July 2020 Deep Fears | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Ryan Chu Writer: Ryan Chu Synopsis: A sea otter who is afraid of the ocean is challenged to face his fears when he loses his precious pink shell necklace at sea.
Twin Trees | France | 2020 | 05’ Director: Emmanuel Ollivier Synopsis: A brother and sister walk along, each carrying a tree in a small pot. When they come accross a parrot and a fallen statue, they each have to choose their own journey.
The Days We Share | United States | 2020 | 17’ Director: Chantal Gabriel Writer: Chantal Gabriel Producers: Chantal Gabriel, Daniele Gabriel, Judy Elkins, Shantraie Rodriguez Cast: Nelisa Nieto, Megan Ramon, Jason Sanchez Synopsis: A passive, high school artist’s friendship with her bold but insecure best friend becomes more strained when her best friend has other ideas on how they should adjust to their first year of high school together.
Commercial /Ad/TVC – Official Selection – July 2020
Ingenue | Italy | 2020 | 02’ Director: Luca Mariani Writers: Luca Mariani and Francesca Antolini Cast: Giovanna Gentilomo Synopsis: Through Alice’s work, “Ingenue”, we’ll look at the Wall&decò’s 2020 Contemporary Collection, leading wallpaper brand in Italy. A world where you can get lost, with candor and simplicity, but in which you’ll always be sure to meet each other once again.
Tribit – Unleash the True Sound | 2019 | 02’ Director: Daniel Sorochkin Writer: Daniel Sorochkin Producer: Daniel Sorochkin Cast: Andrew Carter (aka Dr.Ew) Synopsis: Competing against brands like Bose, JBL and more, Tribit wanted to create a commercial that would tell a relatable and powerful narrative, and convey a fun, engaging experience. They asked me to pitch a concept that would create the feel that your world transforms once you use Tribit’s bluetooth speaker. The idea was to use the product in the story as the device that transforms the character’s world. It was important that there’s a strong hook that makes you want to watch it until the end. The funnest part of the video was to create the seamless transition from the protagonist dancing in his room during the day, to have the wall fall revealing he is now at a rooftop party at night. That transition is important for the character development and achievement. The protagonist goes an extra step in his journey – at first he couldn’t dance, then the product gets him to dance like a pro, and finally he dances like a pro where he most wanted to – in front of people, showing off his skills, and now owning his craft.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – July 2020
Dry Tears of the Aral | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Director: Danila Volkov Writer: Danila Volkov Producers: Danila Volkov, German Artemov, Valera Tsygankov Synopsis: Environmental experts have rung the death knell for the Aral Sea in Central Asia. The world’s fourth largest lake in 1960, the Aral Sea has already shrunk to half its former size – a result of unsustainable cotton cultivation that began less than 40 years ago. But though the sea itself can no longer be saved, its toxic salt plains have paradoxically given rise to a new spirit in the region. The Aral Sea is only the epicentre of the “tragedy”, as Central Asians commonly refer to this legacy of environmental misuse; the damage has also consumed thousands of surrounding square kilometers. Called “the most staggering disaster of the twentieth century” by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Aral Sea basin intersects all five Central Asian republics – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – which lie in a 690,000-square-kilometer landlocked zone.
The Wave | Jamaica | 2020 | 20’ Director: Julian Sonntag Writer: Julian Sonntag Producer: Julian Sonntag Synopsis: The film follows the local skateboarding and surfing scene in Jamaica on their journey to the first street skatepark on the island. They get support by the Concrete Jungle Foundation and a team of international volunteers.
Valle del Silicio | United States | 2020-05-01 | 09’ Director: James Michael Douglas Producer: Vince Williams Synopsis: Silicon Valley follows the story of 12-year-old Wilson Chun who lives on the violent streets of Guatemala’s Zona 13. Wilson’s goal is to become a computer programmer to save his family from poverty. The one of a kind after school program “Cada Nino” might be his only chance of making his dreams a reality.
Siouxsie & the Virus | New Zealand | 2020 | 09’ Director: Gwen Isaac Writer: Gwen Isaac Producer: Philidda Perry Cast: Dr Siouxsie Wiles Synopsis: A science superhero with pink hair wages war on COVID-19 to convince an entire nation to lockdown. With time running out to fight the oncoming pandemic, an unconventional expert delivers vital information to a panicked public. Go behind-the-scenes as Dr Siouxsie Wiles faces a growing media storm from the confines of her family home. Siouxsie & the Virus is a unique insight into one woman’s countdown to a defining moment in New Zealand history. “I don’t regret for a minute standing up and playing this role.” – Dr Siouxsie Wiles
From… | Canada | 2020 | 11’ Director: Sepideh Yadegar Producers: Deblekha Guin (Access to Media Education Society), Access to Media Education Society Cast: Kim Villagante Synopsis: This visual and musical feast sets the table for rich conversations about identity, belonging, creative expression, cultural appreciation + appropriation, and the complex terrain between intent, impact, and personal responsibility. Though Kim Villagante’s (aka Kimmortal) journey into the heart of who they are, and ‘what they love’ is doubtlessly unique, this story will deeply resonate with many 2nd generation immigrant youth. This short’s candid portrayal of the push/pull between adolescent pressures to conform, and ‘stand out’ also offers widely relatable gems of wisdom that can help us all along the way.
Heartbeating Times | Mexico | 2020 | 30’ Director: ALEJANDRA DIAZ, ESAUL FLORES DE A. Synopsis: What do happy moments taste like? Eva, an 82-year-old woman who returns to the theater, shares emotions and learnings with a group of young people while they live the creation and presentation of the performance. Infecting other seniors with the emotion of reliving happy memories and inspiring young people to dialogue through art.
My Bad Sister | United Kingdom | 2020 | 14’ Directors: Joe Magowan, Charlie France Cast: Polly Duniam, Sophie Duniam, Millie Duniam Synopsis: Polly and Sophie Duniam are South East London’s infamous twin sisters who form the duo My Bad Sister. Since early childhood they’ve performed alongside each other as back-up dancers, child actors and MCs. In the last decade the pair’s ferocious energy and tight-knit relationship has earned them a name on the free-party and festival circuit, rapping and dancing in sync over gabber, bassline and jungle influenced beats. Joe Magowan and Charlie France’s short documentary follows Polly and Sophie as they make their way to gigs in Leeds, Berlin and Brixton, accompanied by their younger sister and unofficial manager Millie, who tries to keep her older siblings’ intense and fiery passion from boiling over.
Experimental Video Short – Official Selection – July 2020
Baby Lies Truthfully | United Kingdom | 2020 | 07’ Director: Joseph Ingham Writer: David Robilliard Cast: Russell Tovey Synopsis: It’s 1987. David Robilliard is a young artist and writer in London. His work is raw as it is refreshing. It’s coarse but laceratingly clever exploring everything from dating and sex to depression and loss. Gilbert & George dub their protégé and assistant “the new master of the Modern person. Looking, thinking, feeling, seeing, bitching – he brilliantly encapsulates the “Existers” spirit of our time”. But just as his work is gaining traction David receives a diagnosis. Within the year he’s dead. He’s 36. AIDS has claimed another victim. Fast forward thirty-three years and the world is in midst of another pandemic. David’s work is about to be released onto the screen and into the world. It’s as compelling and compulsive today as it was in 1987. Voiced by Russell Tovey (Years & Years, The Pass, History Boys) and directed by Joe Ingham (Invisible Women) with a score crafted by the Helen Noir (Theo Adams Company) and featuring material from Jim Hubbard, Therese Fare and Jack Deveaux amongst others, BABY LIES TRUTHFULLY combines drama and documentary to create something unique as David himself. Russell Tovey says: “David Robilliard didn’t like to perform his own poetry live, so instead he recruited people to perform them for him, so to be asked to perform this piece ‘Swallowing Helmets’ by David was an honour that feels completely within the spirit of Robilliard’s work.” Joe Ingham says: “Much of David’s work isn’t too be found in archives or gracing the walls of galleries. The number of people who know about David and his work is sadly dwindling. He was another queer visionary whose light was vanquished all too soon. Like many others, it is a tragedy to think about what he could and would have achieved. I want a new audience to discover his wit, warmth and wisdom.” Gilbert & George says: “The choice of the delicious Mr. Tovey is a masterstroke. David Robilliard was the sweetest, kindest, most infuriating, artistic, foul-mouthed, witty, sexy charming, handsome, thoughtful, unhappy, loving and friendly person we ever met. Over the nine years of our friendship David came closer to us than any other person. He will live forever in our hearts and minds. His truthfulness, sadness, desperation and love of people gave his work a brilliance and beauty that stands out a mile.” Praise for Baby Lies Truthfully: “Baby Lies Truthfully has a Warhol-like immediacy, with flashes of Derek Jarman’s eclectic fleetingness.” Robert Cochrane “Wonderful – haunting, evocative and really quite beautiful.” Paul Flynn
Homesick | United States | 2020 | 15’ Director: Samantha Shay Cast: Danielle Agami Synopsis: HOMESICK is a short dance film and a viscerally tangible story of a woman and her compulsive, introverted desire for connection. Starring dancer & choreographer Danielle Agami (Batsheva Dance Company, Ate9), with music by Sara Flindt (ZAAR) and directed by Samantha Shay, Homesick is a cinematic interpretation of Agami’s solo performance “Framed”, which is centered around a break up, and the nomadic life of an artist. Not only a rounded portrait of a dancer, but of a woman inhabiting an ever evolving emotional environment, Homesick utilises the medium of dance to externalise, express, and even explain the harmony, synchronicity, and stutter of the interpersonal.
Aphrodite | Russian Federation | 2020 | 03’ Director: Kalyuzhnaya Anastasia, Kochergina Maria Writer: Kochergina Maria Producers: Kochergina Maria , Kaluzhnaya Anastasia Cast: Evdokimova Iraida Synopsis: In the light of the promotion of equality, we forget about the polarity that is given to us by nature. This opposite is shown in the difference of energy, demonstration of which is not immediately noticeable in the metropolis. Megapolis removes the gender and equates male and female energy. But only by losing the necessity of society, we can understand our origins and feel freedom. Aphrodite is the oldest image of a woman who has hardly escaped herself from the gravity of society – an example that is not outdated at all. The example of the real woman which is relevant for the present time. She showed how nature and the acceptance of the self-energy can overcome rejection by society and get the title of the Goddess of Love. Lina can’t find a common ground with the city where she lives. Mental desolation becomes a habitual guide of her reality. Lack of similar attitudes and approaches to life from people around and the noisy city motivates her to leave away. By reaching the place of power, Lina notices a group of young women who are spending time in a meadow near the river. They are dressed almost the same, they have the same physique, but all of young women have different faces. Lina decides to join the mysterious company.
AFFIXED | Australia | 2020 | 09’ Director: HIMANSHI HANDA Writer: HIMANSHI HANDA Cast: SHALANE CONNORS, BEN HAMILTON Synopsis: Affixed is a short experimental film which explores how obsession traverses in the mind, submerging one in a repetitive rhythm . Xara is a personification of obsession who finds her muse in Ben and makes him obsessed with a particular tune of music. The film is divided into three chapters with each chapter exploring what obsession does in a person’s mind in stages. The elements which Xara interacts with is a metaphorical representation of various human emotions.
Luna | Sweden | 2020 | 08’ Director: Niklas Hermansson Writer: Niklas Hermansson Producer: Niklas Hermansson Cast: Herman Mild Synopsis: Klas goes back to a remote forest to better document a previous experience.
Transfigured | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: Andy Ramirez Cast: Laura Danko Synopsis: A young woman undergoes a dark and sinister transformation.
Mini Video Short – Official Selection – July 2020
Ham | France | 2020 | 03’ Directors: Bob FOKOUA, Louise FERRY Writers: Louise FERRY Cast: Louise FERRY, Charles LAGRANGE Synopsis: A couple is doing groceries at a supermarket. Her mind seems somewhere else – while he is losing his patience. The ham shelf turns out to be the perfect occasion for an unexpected announcement.
This Summer | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02 Director: Galina Chakarova Writer: Galina Chakarova Producer: Galina Chakarova Cast: Nusa Faric Synopsis: Nat is working from home in isolation, when she falls into a daydreaming state reminiscing about the summer.
Lockdown with a Baby | Israel | 2020 | 02’ Director: LYR BEN-ARI Writer: LYR BEN-ARI Producer: LYR BEN-ARI Cast: LIN BEN-ARI, RENE BEN-ARI, LYR BEN-ARI Synopsis: A 2 minute Montage that summarises a day in a life of two young parents with their baby during the Coronavirus Lockdown. Just like the lockdown, as the day progresses it gets more frustrating for the young couple that find them selfs repeating their actions trying to relieve the boredom and take their mids of when will this all end and much more important, when will this baby fall asleep already?!
Behind the Curtain | Italy | 2020 |02’ Director: Giacomo Boeri, Matteo Grimaldi Producer: Antonio Guarrella Synopsis: The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) presents Behind the Curtain, the latest fashion film directed and produced by the Milan-based Creativity Factory The Blink Fish. Shot to celebrate Milan Fashion Week AW20/21, Behind the Curtain reveals the secrets of a truly unusual backstage in one long take. A flawless choreography by Laccio takes us through the preparations for a catwalk on the (strictly green) runway of Milano Fashion Week. The different looks of the models were carefully selected by stylist Giulia Sanna with a focus on supporting the local design scene by featuring a wide range of brands based in Italy, from emerging to more established, namely Annakiki, The Attico, L’Autre Chose, GCDS, MSGM, Paula CademarAct N°1, Annakiki, Arthur Arbesser, Blazé Milano, Calcaterra, DROMe, Fantabody, Giannico, GCDS, Gilberto Calzolari, Marco de Vincenzo, Marco Rambaldi, Nico Giani, Sara Battaglia, Stella Jean, Tiziano Guardini, Vìen and Vivetta. The Blink Fish and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana have been collaborating since 2016, developing an increasingly strong online presence with fresh and relevant video content with each fashion season. Some of their most recent works, such as Start the Buzz, Be Ready and Waiting Room, have been internationally recognised, selected and awarded by several film festivals, including Berlin Commercial, Aesthetica Short Film Festival and the LA Fashion Film Festival.
BOX | United Kingdom | 2020 | 03’ Director: Helmie Stil Cast: Oliver Busch, Evie Busch, Lennert Busch, Helmie Stil Synopsis: One family living their normal lives, in a five-sided box during lockdown.
Keep Rising Kolkata | India | 2020 | 03’ Director: Arjun Mukherjee Writer: Arjun Mukherjee Producer: Wunderman Thompson Kolkata Synopsis: Kolkata is languid. Beautiful. Uplifting. It breathes slowly. Takes its time. And moves at its own pace. Yet this city knows how to fight, protest, raise a voice, stand together, and if needed even stay at home. This is a tribute to Kolkata during these tough times by people who love this city. Photographers, instagrammers, RJs, musicians, editors, CGI artists, advertising folks and most importantly friends came together to create this unhurried tribute to their home…from home. This is a crowd sourced film, from instagrammers and press photographers.
The Wolf | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Leah Loftin Writer: Leah Loftin Cast: Leah Loftin Synopsis: In 1905, a mother mourns the loss of her daughter to influenza. Trapped in the home with her threatening husband, she seeks an escape from her pain.
Music Video – Official Selection – July 2020
In Front | Puerto Rico | 05’ Director: Oswaldo Colon Ortiz Writers: Jorge E. Perez Torres, Oswaldo Colon Ortiz, Eduardo Benson Producers: Oswaldo Colon Ortiz, Jorge E. Perez Torres Cast: Jorge Perez Bras, Jorge E. Perez Torres Synopsis: ‘In Front’ – ‘Al Frente’ – is a music/short documentary of a day in the life of Jorge Perez Bras (Father), who fights with a neurological disorder called Autoinmune Encephalitis, and his son, Jorge E. Perez Torres, who is one of his family caretakers. Visually you experience one day with both of them, all that which the father goes through and the daily routines of the son while taking care of him. Sonically we experience the song made by Las Abejas, lyrics written by Jorge E., which point of view is from a fully conscious father who observes as he reflects and experiences the effects of his condition on his mind and body.
Bésame Lento | Guatemala | 2020 | 04’ Director: Zzyzx Producer: Vince Williams Cast: Ranfis, Sage del Campo Synopsis: Love is often only a fantasy so Kiss Me Slowly. KISS ME SLOWLY (English Lyrics) I finally gathered enough strength To try one more time again You look so well Didn’t know how to approach But the distance made me pay And hurt me even more I wanna see you again, again Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly Now that we coincide tell me what would you do If we were finally left alone I see your pupils react as they expand When I see you in the eyes You know? When it rains even the moon Fits in a puddle of water And when your lips get closer, I swear That one is the devil and the other one is god Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly Kiss me slowly
Andre Cahoun: Short Term | Canada | 2020 | 01’ Director: Andre Cahoun Writer: Andre Cahoun Producers: Andre Cahoun, Julian Lomaga Cast: Andre Cahoun Synopsis: Music video/Mini movie for “SHORT TERM” by Andre Cahoun.
Earth Odyssey – Asaf Avidan | Germany | 2020 | 05’ Director: Adi Halfin Producers: Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schraiber Cast: Morgan Bobrow-Williams, Vinson Fraley, Mariko Kakizaki , Doug Letheren, Yiannis Logothetis, Rachael Osborne, Ian Robinson, Or Schraiber, Bobbi Jene Smith, Imre Van Opstal, Tom Weinberger, Leal Zielinska Synopsis: Earth Odyssey was made by dancers from different continents filming themselves in their confinement with their personal phones and computers. It was made in the first week of April 2020 while almost 2 billion people around the globe were unable to move freely due to the restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of the CoronaVirus.
Tom Deliver – Official Music Video | Australia | 2020 | 04’ Director: Rebecca Thomson Producer: Monique Brumby Cast: Monique Brumby Synopsis: A music video for Tom Deliver, a song by Tasmanian singer/songwriter Monique Brumby.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – July 2020
TWO OPTIONS | France | 2020 | 10’ Director: Gon Caride Writer: Gon Caride Producers: Gon Caride, Arturo M. Merelo, Andrés Caride, Diane Malherbe Cast: Jan Soja, Noël Faure Synopsis: In the country of freedom, equality and fraternity, in this new Europe without borders, besieged by fear and intolerance, a polish immigrant will have to face the reality of racism.
Untouchability | India | 2020 | 07’ Director: Haresh Narayanan Writer: Haresh Narayanan Producer: Dilani Rabindran Synopsis: When carrots become a rare commodity in their Chennai suburb, Moorthy learns what his longtime neighbor & acquaintance, Ragavan, really thinks of him.
Consolation | Russian Federation | 2020 | 21’ Director: Lina Asadullina Writer: Lina Asadullina Producer: Lina Asadullina Synopsis: A female translator of the Greek language from time to time has sex at nights in cars with some occasional taxi drivers. She doesn’t meet them anymore. But one enchanted taxi driver migrant (a person born in former Soviet Republic – Georgia) is trying to find her and he is detained by the police instead. Only this beautiful stranger can help him…But she has to overcome her fears and hang-ups in order to help him.
Champion | Mexico | 2020 | 18’ Director: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz Writers: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz, Miguel Valdez-Lopez Producer: Ana Medellin Cast: Miguel Sierra Martínez, Fernanda Arredondo, José Roberto Cáceres, Alejandra Pier Galindo, Federico Gramlinch Pérez, Eugenio Elizondo Chapa, Sergio Quiñones Synopsis: As a young runner prepares for the big race, the strain from his parents’ push for excellence puts his love of the sport to test.
Happy Birthday, My Love | Slovakia | 2020 | 22’ Director: Jana N. Writer: Jana N. Producers: Jana N., Rick McCallum, Joseph Weintraub, Pavla Prunerova Cast: Klara Issova, Nicholas Pinnock, Sergej Onopko Synopsis: On the night of their shared birthday, Veronika and John N. get a present they don’t want to be given. Happy Birthday, My Love is an absurd drama with a gun, sugar-free gummy bears and threesome that didn’t happen. Veronika and John N. play sex games on the night of their shared birthday. And this year seems to be no different. While the couple is waiting for a stranger to join them in the play, the rules of the game, as well as the story of their marriage, are unwinding. John, seemingly nervous to team up with another male force in bed, in fact hires a hitman. Veronika, a pretty good player herself, finds out about his plan and secretly doubles the offer. As it is their last night together, they play accordingly. But, there is one more player who wants them both dead. Happy Birthday, My Love is an absurd drama with a gun, gummy bears and threesome that didn’t happen.
Focal Point | United States | 2020 | 15’ Directors: Matthew Devlin, Kyle Reardon Writer: Matthew Devlin Producers: Matthew Devlin, Mehdi Darlis Cast: Henri Mossiat , Tatum Nickerson, Jennifer Shea, Craig Capone Synopsis: When Lucas finds himself battling a potential lifetime of epilepsy. He strives to live the life of a normal kid, despite the unique obstacle he now faces.
Pê | Brazil | 2019 | 16’ Director: Patrick Hanser Writers: Patrick Hanser, Kevin Hanser Producers: Giovanna Castellari, Giulia Valente Cast: Pedro Henrique Lima, Matheus Guerra, Leticia Sobral Synopsis: Two brothers, one with dyslexia, the other having a hard time accepting his brother as he is, discover the meaning of brotherhood as they move to a dead-end street after their father’s death.
Bare trees in the mist | Nepal | 2019 | 15’ Director: Rajan Kathet Writer: Rajan Kathet Producer: Prajjwal S.J.B. Rana Cast: Laxmi Bardewa, Sarita Giri, Jeevan Baral, Nisum Limbu, Kashib Karki Synopsis: Kaali and her young son hear that a villager who returned home from abroad has brought them gifts. At first Kaali rejects this possibility outright. But a combination of poverty, desperation and hope eventually makes her walk miles to greet him. At the onset of winter with no contact from her husband – himself somewhere in Arabia – Kaali finds herself on the brink.
TMARAMRLT | United States | 2020 | 07’ Director: Egor Barkanov Writer: Pete Lynch Producer: Pete Lynch Cast: Mani Yarosh, Pete Lynch Synopsis: As they go about their work, an assassin couple discuss their physical and existential futures in this poetically-written dark comedy crime noir.
Soy No Soy | Denmark | 2019 | 19’ Director: Frederik Paludan Writer: Frederik Paludan Producer: Penelope Bjerregaard Cast: Jacob August Ottensten, Karla Løkke, Laura Skjoldborg, Karla Rosendahl Rasmussen, Marie Reuther, Anne Hauger, Sofia Zoe Anissi, Albert Rosin Harson, Allan Christoffersen Synopsis: On the first day at his new school, Mathias is given the worst possible homework: write an essay about yourself – in Spanish. The timid Mathias struggles to find the words. A minor identity crisis – en español – was not his idea of a good start. However, the essay is quickly put on hold, as he discovers that the deaf girl from school is spying on him. Mathias tries to suss out her motives, but learns that the espionage is about more than mere curiosity.
Metoo | Netherlands | 2020 | 14’ Director: Sophie Koster Writer: Sophie Koster Cast: Vasiliki Kanellopoulou, Melina Chrysanthopoulou, Sofia Zervakou, Katerina Mageraki, Pavlina Kalaitzoglou, Iris Mitreli, Beatrice Pellizzato, Ilaria Rivetti, Viviana Pacchin, Sara da Costa Pereira & Julia Chacón. Synopsis: A dance tribute to the #Metoo movement. In this short dance film we follow different characters who go through a certain phase that a #MeToo victim has experienced. Including spoken texts that are written and inspired by #metoo victims that guide you through these phases: innocence, violence, silence…
Undo | Australia | 2020 | 16’ Director: Morteza Halimi Writer: Morteza Halimi Producer: Morteza Halimi Cast: Jason McKell, Jacqui Story, Laneth Sffarlenn, Terrence Antoniak Synopsis: Max creates a machine that can undo things. His journey to madness begins when he undoes his own unborn baby by mistake.
The Talk | United States | 07’ Director: Philip A. Anderson Writer: Alexandra Keister Producer: Alyssa Roehrenbeck, FJ Pratt Cast: Raquell Mansell, Glenn McCumber, Jessi D. Walters Synopsis: Marcelle has been living a lie and she knows it’s time to finally come out. Her words are bound to blindside her parents, but she’s determined to stay true to herself no matter what. That’s why today, she has…the talk.
Rum Go! | United States | 2020 | 22’ Director: Markus Thorington Writer: Markus Thorington Producer: Working Brilliantly Cast: Joseph Lloyd Lopez, Glen McDougal, Pamela Munro, Liam Gallogly, Oksana Hollinger Synopsis: The never-ending film… A man gets caught in a living nightmare after he becomes enamored with his best friend’s “far-fetched” fantasies. Possible pilot for 10 episode series “Rum Go!” Each episode featuring a peculiar narrative, intended to illustrate a fundamental spiritual truth. Episode 1… Cycle of Suffering
The Girl at the Window | 06’ Director: Des Kennedy Writer: Lisa McGee Producers: Lyric Theatre, BBC Northern Ireland Cast: Anthony Boyle, Julie Lamberton Synopsis: Shot during COVID-19 Lockdown using social distancing techniques. Jimmy has recently been bereaved and is packing up his parents’ belongings. As he works his way through the artefacts of his childhood home he starts to suspect he is being watched…
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – July 2020
THE DRIFTER – CHAPTER IV: THE TWINS | Canada | 2017 | 09’ Director: Michael Thai Nguyen Writers: Michael Thai Nguyen, Walter H May Producer: Judy Chui Cast: Sergio Di Zio, Dmitry Chepovetsky, Krista Morin, Alex Cabrera-Aragon Synopsis: Jenny is unhappy but not surprised by her twin brother being late again. And Quinn couldn’t even follow her simple instruction. As they move along their afternoon as best as they can, Jenny is getting increasingly frustrated. When their voices rise in a heated argument, a stranger appears and starts an innocent & inquisitive conversation, steering the twins’ afternoon into an unexpected turn.
The Morning After | United Kingdom | 2020 | 07’ Director: Alexander Machlouzarides-Shalit Writer: Alexander Machlouzarides-Shalit Cast: Gordon Peaston, Charlotte Whitaker Synopsis: The morning after a one night stand, brings complications to a new relationship. (A Film based on a Directed Improv)
A Good Idea | Denmark | 2020 | 05’ Director: L. Csillag Writer: L. Csillag Producer: L. Csillag Cast: Anine Lindvig, Lasse Fogelstrøm Synopsis: Freja had a good idea the night before, but after waking up it’s gone. Frustrated for not writing it down, Freja goes on a little quest to remember what the brilliant idea was.
The Ballerina | Australia | 2020 | 05’ Director: Scott White Writer: Scott White Cast: Paige Langford, Vicki Gard, Matias Klaver Synopsis: What does it mean to be truly successful in any art form? When a young girl returns home she must deal with her mother and traditional attitudes in order to rekindle her love for dance.
The Space | United Kingdom | 2020 | 05’ Director: Poppy Angel O’Hagan Writer: Poppy Angel O’Hagan Producers: Rosie Robinson, Nell Gordon-Hall Cast: Belle O’Hagan, Cassia Crimin Synopsis: You would never be as nasty to others as you are to yourself. This is the story of creating space in your head. This is not a story of learning to love yourself, but one about learning to be KIND to yourself.
Tato Taty | Singapore | 2020 | 06’ Director: Dagomir Kaszlikowski Writers: Stefan Nimmrichter , Dagomir Kaszlikowski Producer: Dagomir Kaszlikowski Cast: Dagomir Kaszlikowski Synopsis: A day in a life of an estranged father during a pandemic lockdown. His teenage daughter nags him to make a telephone call to someone they both know. Reluctant at first, he dons a vintage leather jacket, police shades and dials a peculiar number on an old rotary phone. The call is brief but the next morning he is a different man.
Overbridge | India | 2020 | 10’ Directors: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Writers: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Producers: Nihar Kapoor, Amshu Chukki Cast: Umesh Maddanahalli, Mamta Sagar, Raghu Wodeyar Synopsis: Prabhu, a middle-aged office going man’s life spirals out of control as he keeps returning to an overbridge where he witnesses an incident.
My Bad Sister | United Kingdom | 2020 | 14’ Directors: Joe Magowan, Charlie France Cast: Polly Duniam, Sophie Duniam, Millie Duniam Synopsis: Polly and Sophie Duniam are South East London’s infamous twin sisters who form the duo My Bad Sister. Since early childhood they’ve performed alongside each other as back-up dancers, child actors and MCs. In the last decade the pair’s ferocious energy and tight-knit relationship has earned them a name on the free-party and festival circuit, rapping and dancing in sync over gabber, bassline and jungle influenced beats. Joe Magowan and Charlie France’s short documentary follows Polly and Sophie as they make their way to gigs in Leeds, Berlin and Brixton, accompanied by their younger sister and unofficial manager Millie, who tries to keep her older siblings’ intense and fiery passion from boiling over.
Luna | Sweden | 2020 | 08’ Director: Niklas Hermansson Writer: Niklas Hermansson Producer: Niklas Hermansson Cast: Herman Mild Synopsis: Klas goes back to a remote forest to better document a previous experience.
Transfigured | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: Andy Ramirez Cast: Laura Danko Synopsis: A young woman undergoes a dark and sinister transformation.
B E A T | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Rich Monteiro Writer: Tay Jones Producers: Tay Jones, Julia Armine, Lexx Truss, Justin Uchendu Cast: Tay Jones, Ricky Flowers Jr Synopsis: Marcus struggles with trying to correct his path.
The Wolf | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Leah Loftin Writer: Leah Loftin Cast: Leah Loftin Synopsis: In 1905, a mother mourns the loss of her daughter to influenza. Trapped in the home with her threatening husband, she seeks an escape from her pain.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – July 2020
Dead People Problems | Australia | 2020 | 13’ Director: Paul William Dawkins Writer: Paul William Dawkins Producers: Paul William Dawkins, Allison Fenwicke Cast: Lauren Hamilton Neill, Lauren Grimson, Sam Glissan Synopsis: A brother and sister find out that the dead can be just as – if not more – annoying than the living. They will have to survive some real horror, and also some really, really annoying horror.
Acting Stupid | Israel | 10’ Director: Lyr Ben Ari Writer: Lyr Ben Ari Producer: Yarden Avriel Cast: Udi Persi, Lyr Ben Ari, Kai Peker, Moti Tigar Synopsis: Matan (35) is a committed actor preparing for his role as an undercover police officer in a new TV series. As part of his character work, he grows a mustache and tries cocaine for the first time in his life. He tests out his improvisation skills with an unpredictable young drug dealer. But he soon learns that unlike the movies; in real life there’s no one to shout “CUT” when things are getting out of control.
“Toxic Kiss presents: Achtung, Mein Kunst (A Story of Fringe Dwellers)” | Australia | 2019| 19’ Director: Josh Mawer Writers: Richie Black, Clare Hennessy Producers: Richie Black, Clare Hennessy , Stephanie Begg Cast: Richie Black, Clare Hennessy, Stephanie Begg, Jodine Muir, Steve Maresca , Alexis Orosa Synopsis: A new Australian mockumentary that’s a loving ode to the fringe art scene, “Achtung, Mein Kunst” follows the misadventures of a fictitious theatre company and their quest for artistic nirvana (the proverbial “kunst”). Ahead of their acceptance into the “Fringe-Dwellers Festival”, the theatre troupe “Toxic Kiss” have been approached by a German television crew to film their process. The company’s founder Margot Koch (played by Clare Hennessy) is sure that the documentary will be a recording of their success (accolades and approval of her peers). But disaster, general incompetence and her own ego stand between her and glory. Along with her hapless collaborator Benedict J. Jay-Jaye (played by Richie Black), she must find the resolve to conquer a lack of time, resources, talent and an audience to discover sublime kunst. The series is composed of five web episodes of approximately 2-4 minutes each. It is framed as “Achtung, Mein Kunst”, the title of the documentary made by a “German Art Collective”. Directed by Josh Mawer. Written and performed by Clare Hennessy and Richie Black. With Stephanie Begg, Jodine Muir, Steve Maresca and Alexis Orosa.
7 Steps to Inspire Creative Writing | United States | 19’ Director: Zebulon Griffin Writer: Zebulon Griffin Producers: Zebulon Griffin, Cory Messer, Chaysen Beacham Cast: Rachel Keaton, Mathew Weitz Synopsis: A politely crazed fan secretly intervenes in the life of her new favorite novelist. Her clandestine actions yield unintended consequences driving the author to the brink of madness.
Short Drama – Official Selection – July 2020
My Dad | Iceland | 2019 | 15’ Directors: Margrét Kjærnested, Sigfús Heiðar Guðmundsson Writer: Margrét Kjærnested Producers: Margrét Kjærnested, Kristinn Örn Elfar Clausen, Maria Araceli, Sigfús Heiðar Guðmundsson Cast: Kristinn Örn Elfar Clausen, Aldís Amah Hamiltion Synopsis: Þór and his girlfriend Hildur go through a parents worst nightmare as their child dies during labor. As Hildur deals with this loss in healthy way Þór’s toxic masculinity prevents him from opening up about how he truly feels and loses Hildur in the process.
Anagnorisis | Spain | 2018 | 15’ Director: Arturo Dueñas Herrero Writer: Laurentino J. Dueñas Herrero Producer: Laurentino J. Dueñas Herrero Cast: Julio Lázaro, Carlos Pinedo , Olga Mansilla Synopsis: A new doctor has just arrived at a nursing home, where he meets a patient tormented by a past which he cannot remember. This doctor will help him do it, without anticipating the consequences.
Cold Mind | United States | 2020 | 16’ Directors: Harrison Dove-Green, Austin Smith Writers: Austin Smith, Harrison Dove-Green Producers: Rachel Lebak, Vince Williams Cast: Ryan Kaiser, Mia Ritter Synopsis: After surviving a massive cave-in, a coal miner must face his inner demons in order to free himself, all with a canary at his side.
The Wolf | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Leah Loftin Writer: Leah Loftin Cast: Leah Loftin Synopsis: In 1905, a mother mourns the loss of her daughter to influenza. Trapped in the home with her threatening husband, she seeks an escape from her pain.
Someone | Japan | 2020 | 27’ Director: Ai Kawamata Writer: Ai Kawamata Producer: Eiji Kitahara Cast: Saki Tanaka Synopsis: One day, Yuko receives a divorce notice signed by her husband who had already left their apartment. Being struggle to put her stamp on it to agree to a divorce, she goes to work and make and sell stamps for customers. She is asked by her elder sister to look after her nephew after work, and reluctantly spends half a day with him. While spending time with her nephew, Yuko starts questions herself about “not having become a mother”, “non-returnable time with her husband”, and “her own future”.
Rationale | Canada | 2020 | 11’ Director: C. Blake Evernden Writer: C. Blake Evernden Producers: C. Blake Evernden, Gianna Isabella Cast: Douglas MacArthur Synopsis: Late one wintry night, Douglass Haitner reminisces on his life and the meeting of his true love, his memories twisting and devolving, fighting to maintain his romantic vision in a dark world.
Back Then | Peru | 2020 | 15’ Director: Hernán Velit Writer: Hernán Velit Producer: Hernán Velit Cast: Denise Arregui, Eduardo Camino Synopsis: Lucia and Jorge, both in their forties, divorced and with one child each, had sex 5 months ago. One afternoon, in bed, they have for the first time a conversation about who are they and where they come from.
Le choix de Sofia | Canada | 2020 | 12’ Director: Alain Deslongchamps Writer: Alain Deslongchamps Producers: Eleni Larchanidou, Waheed Naddafi, Alain Deslongchamps Cast: Véronique Gallant, Ray Blaze, Denis Fortin, Meliza Lejeune, Sasha Dominique Synopsis: Sofia, a superwoman in a man’s world, a marketing specialist is trapped in an episode of her stressful daily life, overlooking herself until she hits a wall. The film sets up a parallel between Sofia’s life and the climate change problems, initiated through the denial of her soul for the benefit of our mass consumption society.
NA Y’A LUCKY | Italy | 2020 | 20’ Directors: Dione Roach, Uberto Rapisardi Writers: Dione Roach, Uberto Rapisardi Producers: Dione Roach, Uberto Rapisardi Synopsis: At fourteen, Ryan is the bread-winner for an extended family of children who have been left by their parents attempting to reach Europe overland. The children live isolated in a development area, a fragmented village on the outskirts of a big city on the coast of Cameroon. Unable to make a living only by fishing, Ryan is also the head of a small gang of child-thieves. As he struggles with the responsibility of feeding and protecting his younger siblings we witness Ryan’s exile from childhood and the magical world it rep resents.
Student Short – Official Selection – July 2020
Non-negotiable | Colombia | 2020 | 15’ Director: Nestor Serrano Writer: Nestor Serrano Producer: Sara Jaramillo Cast: Joan Henao, Nicolás Almanza , Daniela Gómez, Martha Liliana Calderon, María Paula Ruiz Synopsis: It is Julia and Adonai’s Wedding. Román, a former police negotiator, is attending the wedding. His ex-girlfriend, Anaís, is attending too, given the fact that they are both friends of Julia. Suddenly, Anaís asks Román to help her out with a little issue involving the groom and bride. Turns out the little issue consists of Adonai holding Julia hostage and demanding the wedding to be cancelled. Román tries to negotiate with Julia’s mother to cancel the event, but soon finds out this will be impossible because of the great benefit everyone gets out of the wedding. When Adonai is about to crack and kill Julia and himself, Roman gets him to confess his big secret: He is gay. But Julia and her mother knew this all along, and nothing will stop them. Julia will be happily married.
Fata Morgana | Israel | 2019 | 12’ Directors: Daniella Bokor, Leanna Berkovitch Writers: Leanna Berkovitch, Daniella Bokor Producers: Bezalel academy of arts & design, Halel Gliksberg, Leanna Berkovitch, Daniella Bokor Cast: Rachel Bat Adam, Cristina Luisa, Anna Barsky Synopsis: Three women living life as nomads. Christina travels the world, Anna takes her daughter wherever she goes, and Rachel has made her home under a branch roof, in a tent and in a cave . What does each woman pack in her knapsack before she sets out on her own? The movie confronts the conflict between the stability of motherhood and life at home, and the yearning to wander
Pomodoro Feels | Egypt | 2020 | 04’ Director: Hana El Sadek Writer: Hana El Sadek Producer: Hana El Sadek Cast: Helena Banerjee Synopsis: A journey with Lola, dreamy and melancholic, illustrating her loss of physical feel. We go with her on a visual journey of expression of her world while revealing her secret to her boyfriend.
Inside · Outside | France | 2019 | 15’ Directors: Alice Boccara-Lefèvre, Charlotte Ballet-Baz Synopsis: “In the letters, we cannot say our real name”. With Catherine, we discover some precious and surprising epistolary relationships. For almost 25 years, she had been corresponding with incarcerated persons, whose words inhabit her apartment. Another voice, from a former female inmate, echoes her.
We Robbed Jorge. | France | 2020 | 14’ Synopsis: We Robbed Jorge is a social drama in which a group of young mexicans try to make a living in a tough neighborhood of Mexico City
Down Deloro River | Canada | 2020 | 13’ Director: Josh Wood Writers: Josh Wood, Alec Macri Producer: Paige Currie Synopsis: On the run after looting a prospector, William makes his way down a river to Deloro Ontario where a man will trade gold for cash. After taking cover in this mysterious man’s cabin, William soon realizes he isn’t so much interested in his gold, but something much more valuable.
Jericho | United States | 2020 | 12’ Direcor: Tiffany Joy Taylor Writer: James Michael Douglas Producers: Jasmine Thompson, Vince Williams Cast: Tiffany Vordjorbe, Anthony Barker, Frances Owens, Rashaan McMillan, Philip Wrencher, Mia Carr Synopsis: An amateur boxer must overcome her family’s discouragement to seek a career in pro boxing.
Rabbit and the Snare | Canada | 2019 | 13’ Directors: Calum Hotchkiss, Gemma Eva Writer: Gemma Eva Producer: Gemma Eva Cast: Martin Ouellette, Kitu Turcas Synopsis: During the turn of the 20th century, a man contemplates life when he falls into isolation after the death of his young daughter. He is forced to survive a snowy Canadian winter while accompanied by an unusual companion.
I Want Candy | United States | 2019 | 22’ Director: Diego Riley Writers: Diego Riley, Will Buckley, Tommy Hauldren Prodcers: Diego Riley, Will Buckley Cast: Tess Finley, Rob Nagle, Matt Mitchell, Olivia Gill, Katie Chang, Eliamani Ishmael, Miguel Garcia, Diego Riley, Paul Hartel, Julie Bergman
Haute Couture | United States | 2020 | 08’ Director: Wells Watson Jr. Writers: Thomas Monsellato, Wells Watson Jr. Producers: Ethan Kobrin, Jessica Zheng, Alec Cohen-Schisler Cast: Andy Johnson, Jessica Tanir, Tyler Tripler, Cliff Lobrutto, Alice Kelly, Halley Dunn Synopsis: As his model girlfriend becomes the focus of the fashion industry, a young, narcissistic fashion photographer, fearful for his status in the relationship, seeks to sabotage her prints and simultaneously her future.
Alex & Nadia Forever | Israel | 2020 | 20’ Director :Ronen Naor Writer: Ronen Naor Producer: Assaf Drori Cast: Sandro Zildman, Xenia Dorfman Synopsis: Drenched in guilt and longing to his beloved Nadia, who was murdered by an unknown killer, Alex secludes himself at home while her family mourn her in their home. Mysterious mail deliveries to Nadia often arrive, easing his loneliness. Old videos of them on his phone make him miss her until it hurts. Out of the house windows he can see the woods where she was murdered and it hunts his mind. As a coping mechanism, Alex starts to slowly take on her identity. First he puts her jewelry on, then cuts his hair like her and eventually puts on her yellow dress. Slowly he starts redecorating the house, covering the walls with paintings of the smiley faces she used to love. In his despair, Alex decides to go out to the infernal woods and attempt to end up with the same fate as Nadia’s, but the unknown man who appears from the darkness passes over him. Eventually Alex decides to go share his sorrow with her family, while looking like her. At first they don’t know how to react to his bizarre appearance but the hardship and sorrow force them to allow him some room.
械化/Mechamorphosis (International Version) | China | 2020 | 15’ Director: Bowen Tan Writers: Bowen Tan, Roderick Rascoe Producer: Ben Clerveaux Cast: Jie Liu, Yalin Wang, Xiaoyang Rong, Wenping Wang, Minghao Fu Synopsis: At the dawn of Chinese Robotic era, in a world where robot-human symbiosis and educational pressures collide, Yining, a young schoolboy learns to cope with the rigors of family pressure and mechanical success.
Kobi’s Toast | United Kingdom | 2020 | 04’ Director: Pei Yi Tong Synopsis: Kobi is a hungry red squirrel who wants something to eat. When some toasts POP out and surprises Kobi, he discovers his new love for toast. Kobi goes on a trip to a toast world – and he only wants more!
I was still there when you left me | Belgium | 2019 | 23’ Director: Marie Mc Court Writers: Marie Mc Court, Abdoulkarim Hamadi Producer: Mediadiffusion Cast: Anaé Romyns, Joël Bunganga Synopsis: Lila, 7 years old, is saved by Karim, her young neighbor, from a fire she thinks she started. They take shelter in an apartment from where they see their tower burning. But when Karim realizes his friend is still in the building, he wants to go back. Out of his sight, Lila locks the door and hides the key of the apartment.
Clean Exit | Israel | 2020 | 19’ Director: Eyal Levine Writer: Eyal Levine Producers: Eyal Levine, Almog Hodedad Cast: Eyal Levine, Rachel Karen Davis, Efrat Yosha, Yuri Levin, Almog Hodadad, Noe Elkayam Synopsis: In a world where a huge company has monopoly on suicide, We follow Adam, On his last day on earth.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – July 2020
Val | United States | 2020 | 20’ Director: Jeriel Yordan Writers: Andrew Cathlin, Jeriel Yordan Producers: Joshua C. Jackson, Gabriella Rodriguez, Evan Carrington, Matthew Walker Cast: Alanna Sibrian, Kyle Seitz, Chris Korkalo, Candace Heidelberg-Denison Synopsis: In a wasteland world a 16-year-old orphan commits a crime and is sent to do community service at a junkyard where she meets a junk-collecting creature, and through their interaction, he helps her discover her self-worth.
Where Do They Come From? | Austria | 2020 | 20’ Director: Manuel Hüttner Writer: Manuel Hüttner Producer: Harry Kemp Cast: Lukas David Schmidt, Ariana Victoria Martín-Lobera, Gerulf Dösinger, Benjamin Bliemegger Synopsis: Lukas’s simple, mundane life is turned upside down after meeting the girl of his dreams.
La Catrina | Mexico | 2019 | 23’ Director: Javier Porragas Writers: Javier Porragas, Emerson Hill Producers: Ritesh Matlani, Javier Porragas, Zach Houston Cast: Kiara Quimera, Irakli Lomaia, Adelita Rockhill, Kaylah Zander Synopsis: On Dia-De-Muertos, in the colorful city of San Miguel, an eleven-year old girl, Manuela, stays indoors to avoid all the celebrations and revelry on a night that honors the dead in all of Mexico. Still coping with the grief of her mother’s untimely death, Manuela refuses to participate in the building of altars that worship the dead, expressing the futility of the occasion as it won’t bring back the mother she lost. As Pilar, her grandmother, returns home from the carnival, to find a defeated and annoyed Manuela, she tries to console the little girl with a paper doll of La Catrina, an iconic character in Mexican culture. When Pilar retires for the night, an eerie feeling takes over the house as Manuela stands over the humble altar of her mother. Soon, the floor is covered with Marigold flowers. Standing tall and mighty in the living room in front of her is La Catrina. As the night passes, Manuela opens up and speaks of fond memories with her mother. As a parting gift, La Catrina hands Silvia’s dragonfly necklace to Manuela as a keepsake, reigniting her faith on the special day that went by because the dead aren’t dead, until they are forgotten.
Circadian | United States | 2020 | 11’ Director: Dylan Lunt Writer: Dylan Lunt Producer: Brie Seaton Cast: Nikolas Mikkelsen, Nicole McClellan, Chelsea Patarini Synopsis: A spaceship captain awakens to find his wife, and half the ship is missing, and struggles with the ship’s A.I. to discover the truth.
Short Horror – Official Selection – July 2020
Son of a human being| Russian Federation | 2020 | 10’ Director: Evgeny Vedrov Writer: Evgeny Vedrov Producers: Evgeny Vedrov, Roman Radkevich Cast: Sergey Guzeev, Olesya Bondareva Synopsis: A door slam wakes up a client of a small-town guest house in the middle of the night. Trying not to give himself away, he starts moving stealthily around the rooms in search of the one who woke him. But his journey turns into a mystic quest.
Midnight Movie : Magnum Opus | Tunisia | 13’ Director: Myriam Khammassi Writer: Myriam Khammassi Producer: Higher School of Audiovisual and Cinema Cast: Aymen Ben Hamida Synopsis: In his quest for the perfect sculpture, aiming to reproduce the human body and especially the flesh, Slim, a sculptor, will go as far as kill to create the perfect exposure, the perfect mix between pulp and clay.
Stop-Motion/Time-Lapse – Official Selection – July 2020
CNUT | Australia | 2020 | 04’ Directors: ARACOURT Studio, Courtney Westbrook Writer: Barry Staff Producer: Katherine Shearer Synopsis: CNUT is a 3-minute stop motion animation exploring the conflict between nature and man’s technology. CNUT is inspired by the story of King Canute (or Cnut) who demonstrates to his subjects that even the most powerful human cannot control the impending tide or nature. We follow our well-dressed protagonist as he tirelessly battles with his environment and task of taking a good selfie. Will he succeed?
The Deadly Lupus Flower | Canada | 2019 | 11’ Director: Neil Warren Writer: Neil Warren Producer: Neil Warren Cast: Chris Massoglia Synopsis: A poor fisherman encounters a strange girl and is beset by werewolves while trying to help her.
Invention In C Major | United States | 2020 | 04’ Director: Richard D Lopez Writer: Richard D Lopez, Alfi Alvarez Producer: Richard D Lopez Synopsis: Haunted by the music coming from inside her, a music machine comes face to face with reality when an unexpected visitor appears. Will her past dictate her future?
Cast: Henri Mossiat , Tatum Nickerson, Jennifer Shea, Craig Capone
Synopsis: When Lucas finds himself battling a potential lifetime of epilepsy. He strives to live the life of a normal kid, despite the unique obstacle he now faces.
Synopsis: Kaali and her young son hear that a villager who returned home from abroad has brought them gifts. At first Kaali rejects this possibility outright. But a combination of poverty, desperation and hope eventually makes her walk miles to greet him. At the onset of winter with no contact from her husband – himself somewhere in Arabia – Kaali finds herself on the brink.
Synopsis: The never-ending film… A man gets caught in a living nightmare after he becomes enamored with his best friend’s “far-fetched” fantasies.
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
Consolation | Russian Federation | 2020 | 21’
Actress: Anna Zaykova
Director: Lina Asadullina
Writer: Lina Asadullina
Producer: Lina Asadullina
Synopsis: A female translator of the Greek language from time to time has sex at nights in cars with some occasional taxi drivers. She doesn’t meet them anymore. But one enchanted taxi driver migrant (a person born in former Soviet Republic – Georgia) is trying to find her and he is detained by the police instead. Only this beautiful stranger can help him…But she has to overcome her fears and hang-ups in order to help him.
BEST LEADING ACTOR
Champion | Mexico | 2020 | 18’
Actor: Miguel Sierra Martínez
Director: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz
Writers: Oscar Rodriguez Gorriz, Miguel Valdez-Lopez
Producer: Ana Medellin
Cast: Miguel Sierra Martínez, Fernanda Arredondo, José Roberto Cáceres, Alejandra Pier Galindo, Federico Gramlinch Pérez, Eugenio Elizondo Chapa, Sergio Quiñones
Synopsis: As a young runner prepares for the big race, the strain from his parents’ push for excellence puts his love of the sport to test.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Soy No Soy | Denmark | 2019 | 19’
Cinematographer: Morten Jensen
Director: Frederik Paludan
Writer: Frederik Paludan
Producer: Penelope Bjerregaard
Cast: Jacob August Ottensten, Karla Løkke, Laura Skjoldborg, Karla Rosendahl Rasmussen, Marie Reuther, Anne Hauger, Sofia Zoe Anissi, Albert Rosin Harson, Allan Christoffersen
Synopsis: On the first day at his new school, Mathias is given the worst possible homework: write an essay about yourself – in Spanish. The timid Mathias struggles to find the words. A minor identity crisis – en español – was not his idea of a good start. However, the essay is quickly put on hold, as he discovers that the deaf girl from school is spying on him. Mathias tries to suss out her motives, but learns that the espionage is about more than mere curiosity.
Synopsis: The never-ending film… A man gets caught in a living nightmare after he becomes enamored with his best friend’s “far-fetched” fantasies.
BEST EDITING
Focal Point | United States | 2020 | 15’
Directors: Matthew Devlin, Kyle Reardon
Writer: Matthew Devlin
Producers: Matthew Devlin, Mehdi Darlis
Cast: Henri Mossiat , Tatum Nickerson, Jennifer Shea, Craig Capone
Synopsis: When Lucas finds himself battling a potential lifetime of epilepsy. He strives to live the life of a normal kid, despite the unique obstacle he now faces.
Synopsis: In a world where a huge company has monopoly on suicide, We follow Adam, On his last day on earth.
BEST COMEDY
Acting Stupid | Israel | 10’
Director: Lyr Ben Ari
Writer: Lyr Ben Ari
Producer: Yarden Avriel
Cast: Udi Persi, Lyr Ben Ari, Kai Peker, Moti Tigar
Synopsis: Matan (35) is a committed actor preparing for his role as an undercover police officer in a new TV series. As part of his character work, he grows a mustache and tries cocaine for the first time in his life. He tests out his improvisation skills with an unpredictable young drug dealer. But he soon learns that unlike the movies; in real life there’s no one to shout “CUT” when things are getting out of control.
BEST DRAMA
Cold Mind | United States | 2020 | 16’
Directors: Harrison Dove-Green, Austin Smith
Writers: Austin Smith, Harrison Dove-Green
Producers: Rachel Lebak, Vince Williams
Cast: Ryan Kaiser, Mia Ritter
Synopsis: After surviving a massive cave-in, a coal miner must face his inner demons in order to free himself, all with a canary at his side.
BEST HORROR
Midnight Movie : Magnum Opus | Tunisia | 13’
Director: Myriam Khammassi
Writer: Myriam Khammassi
Producer: Higher School of Audiovisual and Cinema
Cast: Aymen Ben Hamida
Synopsis: In his quest for the perfect sculpture, aiming to reproduce the human body and especially the flesh, Slim, a sculptor, will go as far as kill to create the perfect exposure, the perfect mix between pulp and clay.
BEST FANTASY/SCI-FI
Where Do They Come From? | Austria | 2020 | 20’
Director: Manuel Hüttner
Writer: Manuel Hüttner
Producer: Harry Kemp
Cast: Lukas David Schmidt, Ariana Victoria Martín-Lobera, Gerulf Dösinger, Benjamin Bliemegger
Synopsis: Lukas’s simple, mundane life is turned upside down after meeting the girl of his dreams.
BEST YOUNG DIRECTOR
Down Deloro River | Canada | 2020 | 13’
Director: Josh Wood
Writers: Josh Wood, Alec Macri
Producer: Paige Currie
Synopsis: On the run after looting a prospector, William makes his way down a river to Deloro Ontario where a man will trade gold for cash. After taking cover in this mysterious man’s cabin, William soon realizes he isn’t so much interested in his gold, but something much more valuable.
BEST STUDENT
I was still there when you left me | Belgium | 2019 | 23’
Director: Marie Mc Court
Writers: Marie Mc Court, Abdoulkarim Hamadi
Producer: Mediadiffusion
Cast: Anaé Romyns, Joël Bunganga
Synopsis: Lila, 7 years old, is saved by Karim, her young neighbor, from a fire she thinks she started. They take shelter in an apartment from where they see their tower burning. But when Karim realizes his friend is still in the building, he wants to go back. Out of his sight, Lila locks the door and hides the key of the apartment.
BEST CHILDREN SHORT
Twin Trees | France | 2020 | 05’
Director: Emmanuel Ollivier
Synopsis: A brother and sister walk along, each carrying a tree in a small pot. When they come accross a parrot and a fallen statue, they each have to choose their own journey.
BEST ANIMATION
In My Particular Case | Uruguay | 2020 | 05’
Director: CHICO JOFILSAN
Writers: Chico Jofisan, Duda Fonseca
Synopsis: In a world in which focus no longer stands out dispersion occupies the foreground. This is the theme of this film that shows different resources of animation in adapting to the rhythm of our minds. After all, what other art, if not animation, can shape so many imaginary worlds?
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Wave | Jamaica | 2020 | 20’
Director: Julian Sonntag
Writer: Julian Sonntag
Producer: Julian Sonntag
Synopsis: The film follows the local skateboarding and surfing scene in Jamaica on their journey to the first street skatepark on the island. They get support by the Concrete Jungle Foundation and a team of international volunteers.
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
AFFIXED | Australia | 2020 | 09’
Director: HIMANSHI HANDA
Writer: HIMANSHI HANDA
Cast: SHALANE CONNORS, BEN HAMILTON
Synopsis: Affixed is a short experimental film which explores how obsession traverses in the mind, submerging one in a repetitive rhythm . Xara is a personification of obsession who finds her muse in Ben and makes him obsessed with a particular tune of music. The film is divided into three chapters with each chapter exploring what obsession does in a person’s mind in stages. The elements which Xara interacts with is a metaphorical representation of various human emotions.
Cast: Morgan Bobrow-Williams, Vinson Fraley, Mariko Kakizaki , Doug Letheren, Yiannis Logothetis, Rachael Osborne, Ian Robinson, Or Schraiber, Bobbi Jene Smith, Imre Van Opstal, Tom Weinberger, Leal Zielinska
Synopsis: Earth Odyssey was made by dancers from different continents filming themselves in their confinement with their personal phones and computers. It was made in the first week of April 2020 while almost 2 billion people around the globe were unable to move freely due to the restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of the CoronaVirus.
BEST MINI SHORT
Behind the Curtain | Italy | 2020 |02’
Director: Giacomo Boeri, Matteo Grimaldi
Producer: Antonio Guarrella
Synopsis: The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber of Italian Fashion) presents Behind the Curtain, the latest fashion film directed and produced by the Milan-based Creativity Factory The Blink Fish. Shot to celebrate Milan Fashion Week AW20/21, Behind the Curtain reveals the secrets of a truly unusual backstage in one long take. A flawless choreography by Laccio takes us through the preparations for a catwalk on the (strictly green) runway of Milano Fashion Week. The different looks of the models were carefully selected by stylist Giulia Sanna with a focus on supporting the local design scene by featuring a wide range of brands based in Italy, from emerging to more established, namely Annakiki, The Attico, L’Autre Chose, GCDS, MSGM, Paula CademarAct N°1, Annakiki, Arthur Arbesser, Blazé Milano, Calcaterra, DROMe, Fantabody, Giannico, GCDS, Gilberto Calzolari, Marco de Vincenzo, Marco Rambaldi, Nico Giani, Sara Battaglia, Stella Jean, Tiziano Guardini, Vìen and Vivetta. The Blink Fish and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana have been collaborating since 2016, developing an increasingly strong online presence with fresh and relevant video content with each fashion season. Some of their most recent works, such as Start the Buzz, Be Ready and Waiting Room, have been internationally recognised, selected and awarded by several film festivals, including Berlin Commercial, Aesthetica Short Film Festival and the LA Fashion Film Festival.
BEST LOW/NO BUDGET
My Bad Sister | United Kingdom | 2020 | 14’
Directors: Joe Magowan, Charlie France
Cast: Polly Duniam, Sophie Duniam, Millie Duniam
Synopsis: Polly and Sophie Duniam are South East London’s infamous twin sisters who form the duo My Bad Sister. Since early childhood they’ve performed alongside each other as back-up dancers, child actors and MCs. In the last decade the pair’s ferocious energy and tight-knit relationship has earned them a name on the free-party and festival circuit, rapping and dancing in sync over gabber, bassline and jungle influenced beats. Joe Magowan and Charlie France’s short documentary follows Polly and Sophie as they make their way to gigs in Leeds, Berlin and Brixton, accompanied by their younger sister and unofficial manager Millie, who tries to keep her older siblings’ intense and fiery passion from boiling over.
BEST AMATEUR
B E A T | United States | 2020 | 06’
Director: Rich Monteiro
Writer: Tay Jones
Producers: Tay Jones, Julia Armine, Lexx Truss, Justin Uchendu
Cast: Tay Jones, Ricky Flowers Jr
Synopsis: Marcus struggles with trying to correct his path.
BEST COMMERCIAL/AD/TVC
Ingenue | Italy | 2020 | 02’
Director: Luca Mariani
Writers: Luca Mariani and Francesca Antolini
Cast: Giovanna Gentilomo
Synopsis: Through Alice’s work, “Ingenue”, we’ll look at the Wall&decò’s 2020 Contemporary Collection, leading wallpaper brand in Italy. A world where you can get lost, with candor and simplicity, but in which you’ll always be sure to meet each other once again.
BEST STOP-MOTION/TIME-LAPSE
CNUT | Australia | 2020 | 04’
Directors: ARACOURT Studio, Courtney Westbrook
Writer: Barry Staff
Producer: Katherine Shearer
Synopsis: CNUT is a 3-minute stop motion animation exploring the conflict between nature and man’s technology. CNUT is inspired by the story of King Canute (or Cnut) who demonstrates to his subjects that even the most powerful human cannot control the impending tide or nature. We follow our well-dressed protagonist as he tirelessly battles with his environment and task of taking a good selfie. Will he succeed?
Animation Short – Official Selection – August 2020
Beautiful | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Mulan Fu Writer: Mulan Fu Cast: Meng Jin Synopsis: A teenage girl undergoes a transformative growth as she witnesses her mother’s fight against breast cancer.
A Town Where We live | Thailand | 2020 | 06’ Director: Nat Yoswatananont Writer: Tanakit Kitsanayunyong Producer: Wanwisa Noppawong Cast: Na Ayuthaya Synopsis: As Phakphum travels back from the city to the small village that he has lived since his childhood, he recalls the day he arrives in this town due to his father’s job duty. And that day had changed his life forever when he met Kanya, a country girl who took him on an unforgettable journey.
YUZMV – DJINN AMOUREUX II | France | 04’ Director: Pierre Saba-Aris Producer: Yann Bigay , Panamaera
Two Different Kinds of Love | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Alyce Vest Producer: Alyce Vest Cast: Amanda Conrath, Delaney Humes Synopsis: A little girl is excited to discover more about her adoption story.
Final Draft | United States | 2020 | 08’ Director: Yue Huang Writer: Yue Huang Producer: Yue Huang Synopsis: A blithe young cafe worker delivers food to a writer in an old apartment, only to find herself a pawn in an ominously unfolding plot.
In My Particular Case | Uruguay | 2020 | 05’ Director: CHICO JOFILSAN Writer: Chico Jofisan, Duda Fonseca Synopsis: In a world in which focus no longer stands out dispersion occupies the foreground. This is the theme of this film that shows different resources of animation in adapting to the rhythm of our minds. After all, what other art, if not animation, can shape so many imaginary worlds?
A Big Crush | United States | 2020 |02’ Director: Youting Lin Producer: Youting Lin Synopsis: ‘A Big Crush’ is my graduation film, from School of Visual Art 2020. It’s a porn story with a bit of feminism. It’s about a girl who has a romantic and sexual experience, and how her psyche handles a series of reactions including the association of sex and food. The project was inspired by an exploration of emotion and sexuality from a woman’s view. To develop the story, I made a questionnaire about emotion and sexuality, and the results were surprisingly interesting and diverse. This step definitely helped me to make the story a bit more personal, weird, and playful.
The end | United States | 02’ Director: Parisa Ghaderi Writer: Parisa Ghaderi Producer: Parisa Ghaderi Cast: Hannah Miller
Jean | France | 14’ Director: Marion Auvin Writer: Marion Auvin Producers: Virginie Giachino, Joris Clerté Cast: Bruno Podalydès
Überfrog | Finland | 2020 | 12’ Director: Tuomas Kurtakko Writer: Tuomas Kurtakko Producer: Tuomas Kurtakko Synopsis: When a chase for a delicious dragonfly goes awry, a frog finds himself on a journey towards higher levels of amphibian consciousness, ultimately leading him down the rabbit hole to face his worst fears and run for his life.
Spirit of the Drowning Girls | China | 2019 | 11’ Director: Runze Cao Writer: Runze Cao, Zewei Jin Producer: Lei Wang Synopsis: The ghost story is inspired by a letter of the famous ancient Chinese poet / scholar Dongpo Su (1037-1101). A young Kongfu master falls into the trap of an evil old spirit who enslaves dead little girls drowned by their own parents.
RenaiDance | United States | 2020 | 04’ Directors: Zhike Yang, Wenjie Wu, Han Chen Chang Producers: Han Chen Chang, Ada Vaughan, Lucas A Ferrara, Jorden Samchok, Brian Chapman Cast: Florence Dueck, Maxim Maslov Synopsis: “RenaiDance” is a 3D narrative emotional animation. The theme invigorates cultural inheritance and the integration of dreams, courage, and culture as transformation. By artistically interpreting a motif of inheritance and family support, integrating different cultures“inheritance” through the inspiring story, this film braces strong family love and elder culture in a never-ending chain.
Metamorphosis | Ukraine | 2019 | 07’ Director: Anna Rudichenko Writer: Anna Rudichenko Producer: Anna Rudichenko Cast: Oleg Kuznetsov, Anna Rudichenko Synopsis: Gregor is a soviet WW2 veteran and breadwinner for his elderly Father and young sister. In a loose adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” Gregor’s life is suddenly in turmoil after a tragic event pits his family against each other.
Children Short – Official Selection – August 2020
STARRY SKY | United States | 2020 | 11’ Director: Yi Lu Writer: Zhirui Wang Producer: Shihan Lu Cast: Sophia Robertson, Jenna N Day, Parker Huseby Synopsis: An indigo child full of whimsy, trying to convey her uniqueness to her mother.
SOLO | France | 2020 | 06’ Director: Thierry Albert , Arthur Couvat Producer: Thierry Albert Cast: Jules Albert Synopsis: Solo focuses on a 5-year-old boy left wandering on his own in the garden of an empty house. Beautifully shot in 16mm, it’s an attempt to capture the wonder of childhood boredom.
Commercial /Ad/TVC Short – Official Selection – August 2020 Commercial for Castel MIMI |Republic of Moldova| 01’ Director: Vlas Igor Writer: Vlas Igor
Jeans Commercial | United States | 2019 | 1’ Director: Yuchi Tian Writer: Yuchi Tian Producer: Yuchi Tian Cast: James Achille, Effy Han Synopsis: A guy thought he found love, but he never knew what happed in next second.
Documentary Short – Official Selection – August 2020
The heavy lightness of being | Germany | 2020 | 14’ Director: Sofia Samoylova Writer: Sofia Samoylova Synopsis: The film tells the story of a volunteer who travels to the conflict area of her home country Ukraine to help the civilian population there. What she finds most of all in war is not fear and anger, but an intense, mindful existence with people from whom she does not want to leave. The thoughts of the protagonist are those of the filmmaker herself.
Tuva youngster – Yong Deng | China | 2019 | 30’ Director: Zhang Xiquan Writer: Zhang Xiquan Producer: Zhang Hong Cast: Yong Deng Synopsis: Yong Deng, a 12 years old Tuva boy who is living in Altay in Xinjiang, China. Altay is a remote area in China. He inherited the habits from the old generations, he likes fur skiing and riding horses which are also the main transportations of Tuva local people. Nowadays the modern technology offers a way that Yong Deng could explore the world. He wants to learn the modern snow board instead of the fur skiing. He made a deal with his father if he could win the race of the Children’s fur skiing, he would get a whole new set of snow board. With the development of China, Yong Deng’s parent hope he could go out and experience different life by being a snow board player. On the voyage of growing up.With the development of China’s remote villages, parents hope that Yong Deng will master the current skiing technology and get out of the mountains，contact with the outside world. On the way of growing up, he will confront lots of difficulties, will his dream come true?
FUSION | Russian Federation | 09’ Director: Sergey Filatov Writer: Sergey Filatov Producers: Aleksey Nikishkin, Irina Meleshko Synopsis: Documentary about the group of creative people from all over the world, who took a place on fabulous tours to beyond the Arctic Circle. These people are enchanted by the romance of the North and gain inspiration from nature, they crave to explore the most exotic places on the planet. During the travel they create works of art and social projects and also share with their followers stories about the journey to the cities of the far North of Russia. They dispel the stereotypes of Arctic as a remote and unfriendly land. This story is about the emotions, impressions, inspiration, amazing northern nature and ethnic communities that inhabit the Arсtic.
A Sidewalk Story | Not Specified | 2020 | 03’ Andrew Price “A Sidewalk Story” celebrates a New York community’s creative solution for connecting with and supporting each other despite the constraints of the current health and justice crises that we are all facing. Over the span of five sidewalk sales, more than $100,000 in donations have been raised for social justice organizations. Some press on the sale: https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/n7wkkz/open-your-purse-for-brooklyns-black-lives-matter-sidewalk-sale https://www.gq.com/story/greenpoint-sidewalk-sale https://garage.vice.com/en_us/article/dyzwqa/community-secondhand-sales
Everything for Riana | Romania | 2019 | 27’ Director: Mihai Dragolea Writer: Mihai Gavril Dragolea Producer: Ioana Lascar Cast: Florin Boceanu, Amalia Stoian Synopsis: Caught between tradition, modernity and mounting money problems, a young Roma family embark on an epic survival journey that will take them through Europe and test their unity, strength and way of life. Facing the chaos of globalisation and capitalism, they discover the strength of each other, united for the survival of the small family.
Mamma | France | 2020 | 27’ Director: Pablo Cirès Producer: Pablo Cirès Synopsis: While she was struggling every day against her lung cancer, I stumbled across some of my mother’s videotapes: her travels, her wedding, my birth.Her present, overshadowed by the disease, revolving only around waiting, treatments, morphine, was so different from the archives that showed her to me in a new light: radiant, carefree, loving. Feeling that her life was slipping through my fingers, before she died, I wanted one last time to make her talk and photograph her.
Experimental Video Short – Official Selection – August 2020
Do Geese See God | South Africa | 2019 | 05’ Director: Natalie Theron Writer: Natalie Theron Producers: Austin Andrews, Linda Mangqu Cast: Mpho Osei-Tutu Synopsis: An ordinary man-on-the-street finds his world inexplicably reduced to the size of a 16 by 9 frame. That exiting the screen on one-side only makes him reappears on the other. Brilliant if you want to play catch with yourself, not so great when you decide you want to leave… but can’t. As the protagonist’s novelty turns into a nightmare, we see his carefree demeanour edge towards madness. How long has he been stuck in this loop, in this life? He comes to a stark realisation that perhaps the only way out, is through.
Fiat Lux | Greece | 2020 | 11’ Director: Yorgos Korakianitis Writer: Yorgos Korakianitis Producer: Yorgos Korakianitis Cast: Evi Saoulidou, Yorgos Biniaris, Titos Litinas, Zoe Sigalou Synopsis: When night falls, the cities of light open. The stars are not visible there and this deregulates people. The idea of a dark city fills every part of it with fear. The vast starry sky remains untouched by the small bright wounds. Maybe it’s just there to remind people how small they really are.
Acting Weak | Israel | 2020 | 10’ Director: Maayan Schwartz Producer: Maayan Schwartz Cast: Naomi Polani Synopsis: 90 years old Naomi almost died. She portrayed a character of a weak helpless woman, reluctantly enacting her greatest fear: losing control. Little did she know that she would suffer the same fate only weeks later. The film depicts a universal and personal journey on the inevitable victory of body over spirit.
Bedsore | Thailand | 2019 | 15’ Director: Parin Intarasorn Writer: Parin Intarasorn Producer: Soraya Nakasuwan Cast: Ngampa Thitipanakul Synopsis: Bedsore; a pain from the press of the body. Human beings are surrounded by matter, it takes the important role and power over the mind. Human unconsciously falls under the oppression of materials and survive in the material world. It gradually eating us and leaving the sore of pain in mind.
Margaret | United States | 2020 | 18’ Directors: Nathaniel Paul Hamer, Zachary Hamer Writer: Nathaniel Paul Hamer Producer: Amanda Sophia Ebert Cast: Amanda Sophia Ebert, Rhys Henley, Trey Hatch, Stephen Straub, Nathaniel Paul Hamer, Gary Taylor, Mark Olguin Synopsis: Fleeing her cruel husband and tragic past, Margaret must navigate the treacherous and foreboding wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula. Will she complete her perilous journey or will her past catch up with her before she can escape?
Choices | India | 2020 | 03’ Director: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Producer: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Synopsis: An absurdist montage on materialistic desires, through examination of my personal space during the Covid pandemic lockdown. When control is realized to be a mirage, objects turn into spectres.
Choices | India | 2020 | 03 Director: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Cast: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Synopsis: An absurdist montage on materialistic desires, through examination of my personal space during the Covid pandemic lockdown. When control is realized to be a mirage, objects turn into spectres.
Mini Video Short – Official Selection – August 2020
The Beholder | Not Specified | 2020 | 02’ Director: Shaun Clark Cast: Melvyn Ternan Synopsis: The eye is the window to the soul. That is why it terrifies us.
Double Word Score | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02’ Director: Keith Allott Writer: Kevin Walls Producer: Dom Lee Cast: Mbili Munthali, Joe Street Synopsis: Lockdown boredom leads to a flirtatious game of Scrabble between neighbours Jamie and Ashley, but does Jamie have what it takes to make the next move?
Siri | United States | 2020 | 01’ Director: Jake Rasmussen Writers: Jake Rasmussen, Tom McGovern Cast: Tom McGovern Synopsis: Just another reason you shouldn’t text and drive.
Long Day | Ireland | 02’ Cast: Eleanor O’Brien, Johanna O’Brien Synopsis: Dark drama mini-short film about dealing with grief, shot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delivery | United Kingdom | 2020 | 01’ Director: Merike van de Vijver Writer: Faith Lawrence Producer: Merike van de Vijver Synopsis: Delivery is an animated interpretation of a poem by Faith Lawrence. The moving images and sound add an extra dimension to the words yet give your mind freedom to flow.
Music Short Video – Official Selection – August 2020
Good and Better | Germany | 2020 | 05’ Director: Gil Alkabetz Writer: Tova Gertner Producer: Gil Alkabetz Cast: Tova Gertner Synopsis: “It’s hard to think it’s gonna be good, much easier to think it’s gonna be bad”: A song in waltz rhythm is combined with absurd animated loops to express a feeling of concern and uncertainty about the future.
CASS & LEX | Germany | 2020 | 05’ Director: Phillip Kaminiak Writer: Phillip Kaminiak Producer: Phillip Kaminiak Cast: Cassandre Clerc, Johannes Lex Synopsis: In his directorial debut, Berlin and Mexico City-based cinematographer Phillip Kaminiak embarks on a personal project where he attempts to deal with his previous relationships by training a lens on real-life couple Cassandre Clerc and Johannes Lex. By documenting their lives and translating their relationship into Dance, CASS & LEX tells a poem about the beauty and the horror of love.
Don’t Die | Canada | 2020 | 04’ Director: Greg Doble Writer: Greg Doble Producer: Greg Doble Cast: Kathryn McCaughey, Sarah Dion, Lisandre Bourdages, Karolane Carbonneau Synopsis: Montreal based doom pop band, NOBRO do for a stroll through a haunted graveyard. What could go wrong?
Bubble | Islamic Republic of Iran | 2020 | 04’ Director: Shahab Najafi Prodcers: HappyGoat Studio, Sirvan Khosravi Cast: Sirvan Khosravi Synopsis: When man fails to find the truth, he will drown in a sea of his delusions. Delusions which torture him like empty nightmares. He finds himself the same as others and them as himself. Thousands of lost souls, all of them are the same. Life becomes pointless and screams become voiceless, skies become dark and roads become endless. As a prisoner inside a bubble.
NOSSO TRATO | Not Specified | 2020 | 05’ Director: Manoel Writers: Lia Paris, P.A Alain Producers: Lia Paris , P.A Alain , Meire Fernandes Cast: Lia Paris , P.A Alain Synopsis: Nosso Trato is a new independent work by Lia Paris in partnerships that brings together a crossing of visions and creative universes, which is the concept of the album also co-produced by professionals of different strands and nationalities. The video was shot before the pandemic in Los Angeles. The visual identity shows a vision of the future and the idea of human gods, human beings endowed with mental and control of elements and energies. In her videos Lia incorporates entities, personifying hybrid versions between mysterious beings and part of herself. “OUR DEAL”is inspired by her Brazilian indigenous roots and the power of shamans with their power of spells with organic elements of the rainforest in the musical production of “Spaniol” who mixed this live elements with electronic sounds working the essence of Lia and also other influences of the repertoire of two of them.
Gymnopédie No. 2: Vivian Roost Rework (Project XII) | France | 2020 | 04’ Directors: Alexandre Gamot, Alexis Goldenberg Writers: Alexandre Gamot, Alexis Goldenberg, Vivian Roost Producers: Daïdana Music, Sad Hill Films Cast: Vivian Roost, Nina Milana, Baptiste le Cloarec Synopsis: Two characters (woman & man) are isolated in a circle, representing the lockdown period of 2020. While the pianist is the narrator of the story, his music moves and inspires the dancers through their solitude, anger and desperation. In the end, the music is the key to their freedom as they come together on the beach. The editing and shooting suggests the two characters are close, even together but in fact are never shown in the same frame until the end when they are finally reunited. The pianist, performed by the artist on a very old upright Pleyel piano, narrates the story by representing the music (and the composer Erik Satie).The sea is a low-key tribute to Satie, who was born in Honfleur (seaside town, France) and also pictures the need to escape from reality, the dreamlike scenery it offers, as it can be peaceful or tormented, just like life.Waves and foam reminds the strings of the track in their slow back and forth movement. All shooting locations are in France.
Distance | United States | 2019 | 04’ Director: Stefany Rojo Writer: Stefany Rojo Producer: Ricardo Iacovelli Cast: Cristina Malakhai, Ottavio Taddei Synopsis: “Distance” is a music video for the artists Cristina Malakhai and Bellringer inspired by the painting ‘The Lovers’ by René Magritte. “Distancia” is a song that weaves seduction and disconnected love, blending R&B, Latin Pop, Hip-Hop, and Electronic music. The touches of traditional Flamenco pull listeners into a dance with the fusion of cultures that is today’s music. The lyrics capture the complexities of two people and two worlds that are so close, yet so far apart. Deeper than romantic love, it expresses the tension between the human desire for connection and the complicated ways we perceive ourselves as separate. The song’s fresh sound, which marries Latin and African-American urban music, in Spanish and English, emerges from the collaboration of LA music producer, songwriter, and artist Marcus “Bellringer” Bell, whose credits include Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, and more, and Spanish artist and music producer, Cristina Malakhai, the rising star of “Distancia,” who has charted #1 in iTunes Spain.
Mobile Short – Official Selection – August 2020
Hugo | United States | 2020 | 05’ Director: Justin Christopher Ayd Producers: Justin Christopher Ayd, Jennifer Lillemo Ayd Synopsis: A study in grief — Pets aren’t just pets, they’re family.
War is not a game | Russian Federation | 2020 | 02’ Director: Arthur Mikheev Writer: Arthur Mikheev Producer: Anastasia Borisova Cast: Artem Selezsky Synopsis: The story of why only children should play war. Gear used: 1. iPhone 11 Pro 2. Moment Anamorphic 3. Sirui 60mm 4. Freefly Movi 5. Micro 2 Slider 6. Involight 1200 fog generator . . Soft: 1. Moment Pro Camera 2. Premiere Pro 3. After Effects
Choices | India | 2020 | 03’ Director: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Peoducer: Unni Krishnan Kayarat Synopsis: An absurdist montage on materialistic desires, through examination of my personal space during the Covid pandemic lockdown. When control is realized to be a mirage, objects turn into spectres.
Narrative Short – Official Selection – August 2020
Archibald’s Syndrome | France | 19’ Director: Daniel Perez Writer: Daniel Perez Producer: Bagan Films Cast:Tom Hudson, Jade Henot Synopsis: Archibald is born with some curious curse : he can’t make a move without everyone around doing the same. Now grown man, he robs by despair a bank and, there, meets Indiana, a young woman who always escaped every form of control…
Leo | Switzerland | 2020 | 30’ Director: Fabienne Mahé Writer: Fabienne Mahé Producer: Patrick Jeanneret Cast: Lilly Fleur Pointeaux, Valentine Féau, Cyrielle Synopsis: As she does every Sunday night, Leo is getting ready to receive her two sisters at dinner. As expected from her, she didn’t prepare anything. Except a heavy secret that she’s struggling to reveal.
Summer Attic| 15’ Director: Wenting Gao Writer: Wenting Gao Producers: Yaling Zhang, Jie Gao Cast: Huisi Zhuang, Wenkai Dai, Wanqi Huang Synopsis: Sue, who came to Shenzhen to work after her father died on a construction site, is determined to get her father’s compensation. However, she began to realize how quickly this huge city forgets about a tiny life. In Shenzhen, Sue befriends Chao, a bookstore worker, and the budding romance seems doomed from the start. On the other side of the world, Yan yan, the little girl that Sue was looking after, often sleeps with her because she is afraid of the dark. The fates of these three people are intertwined, but gradually they are driving towards an irreversible separation.
White Horses, Silver Mine | United States | 2020 | 15’ Director: ZIyi Jin Writers: Ziyi Jin, Jun Tang Producer: Eduardo Vasconcelos Cast: Juan de la Loza, Brayan Jaramillo Martínez, Vicente Ferri Synopsis: In a small village from the middle of Mexico, as a decaying mine’s manager, a self-restrained 60 year old homosexual man is suffering from his secret lover’s departure, while his little son unconsciously perceives the secret and the separation in one day.
Swimming | United States | 2018 | 30’ Director: Anna Chi Writer: Anna Chi, Ella Lee Producer: Ming Cast: Ming-Na Wen, Blake Boyd, Krista Marie Yu, Rochelle Ying Synopsis: Michelle, a 17-year-old Chinese American girl, is trying to figure out her sexual identity while her mother and her stepfather are busy with her almost 4-month-old baby sister. One day Michelle is left in charge of the baby on her own, she gets frustrated with the crying baby and takes the baby to the beach. While Michelle thinks the outing created a special bonding between her and her baby sister, her worried parents blame her for being irresponsible. They fight. Michelle’s mother is confronted with the facts that Michelle has been hurting herself and she is gay.
Remus | Germany | 2020 | 16’ Director: Lucy Ribeiro Writer: Lucy Ribeiro Producer: Tatjana Lommel Cast: Dennis Kamitz, Katrin Heß, David Mullikas, Thore Brodtmann, Timo Maar Synopsis: Maik is a hooligan and is part of the “Hools on Fire”. His older sister Alex, who is with the leader of the group, Schulz, has great hopes in him and already sees him, as her friend intended, at the leader’s side. Maik, on the other hand, is just in love with Andrej. The two men have a secret love affair and have so far not known anything about the other’s life. Maik begins to doubt his life plan so far and is no longer sure whether he wants to remain a hool. Alex notices that her brother is pulling away and is trying hard to keep him with him. Schulz and Hübi, another member, and so far the leader’s right-hand man, notice that something is wrong with Maik and put him and Alex under pressure, especially in view of an important upcoming fight with another hool group. On the day of the fight, Maik and Andrej suddenly face each other completely unexpectedly and Maik is forced to make a decision.
Family Affairs | Singapore | 2019 | 14’ Director: Chai Yee Wei Writer: Chai Yee Wei, Tan Wei Xin, Emily Wong, Nicholas Wang, Emma Ting Producer: Chermin Teo Cast: Yeo Yann Yann, Ng Lee Huat, Ow Ek Cheng Synopsis: After finalising her divorce in China, Weixin travels back home to Singapore for Chinese New Year. Bringing home a traditional dish of new year rice cake, it transpires a slice of her family’s history—one that is awkward, resilient but enlightening.
Smile Mask | Canada | 19’ Director: Dean Disanjh Writer: Dean Disanjh Producers: Dean Disanjh, Brent Hodgkinson, Cameron Root, Jeremy Tremblay Destiny Millns, Ethan Ellis, Cast: Daniel Frost, Christapor Yaacoubian Synopsis: An exhausted birthday clown is confronted with an absurd home invasion after a depressing night at work.
Gratification | Mexico | 2020 | 16’ Director: Andrés Hernández Covarrubias Writer: Andrés Hernández Covarrubias Producer: Sergio Cervantes Cast: Jorge Lan, Juan Pablo Monterrubio, Linda Montero, Martín Tadeo Zapata, Luis Román Synopsis: Alfonso is a man who lives immersed in his work and in his own distractions. On the day of his son’s birthday he decides to buy him a gift, however, a series of complications will make him understand the true meaning of affection.
Happy Birthday | Russian Federation | 2020 | 07’ Director: Boris Dobrovolskiy Writer: Boris Dobrovolskiy Producer: Boris Dobrovolskiy Cast: Julia Sules Synopsis: She invited guests to her birthday party, but nobody came…
What did you think? | India | 2019 | 12’ Director: Parinaz Jal Writer: Parinaz Jal Producer: Shujaat Saudagar and Vikesh Bhutani Cast: Mahathi Ramesh, Gopal Dutt Tiwari , Neha Mahajan, Jaya Bhattacharya , Denzil Smith Synopsis: Kiara, is an aspiring actor, who feels like her career has plateaued before it could even take off. This thought is making her insecure. The film is from Kiara’s point of view and is set at the backstage of a theatre play in which she is performing. The story moves with her as she interacts with her co-actors. Each actor seems to be constantly seeking validation and Kiara finds herself frustrated by this, yet she always comes back for more.
Where the Ends Meet | United States | 2019 | 08’ Director: Alex Sylvester Writer: Eric Williams Producers: Eric Williams, Justin Robert Vinall Cast: Bianca Raso, Gracie Cook Synopsis: When her options start dwindling, Tracy, a single mother, must do whatever necessary to feed her daughter.
Lift Off | United States | 2020 | 14’ Director: Alyssa Toledo Writer: Alyssa Toledo Producers: Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow Cast: Rudy Pankow, Wahoo Watkins, Candi Brooks, Austin Morris, Jon Daviss Synopsis: The dichotomy between a young boy’s childhood dreams and his adult reality.
Until Then… | Slovenia | 2020 | 09’ Director: Borij Levski Writer: Anei Levski Producer: Borij Levski Cast: Blaž Setnikar, Tina Skvarča Synopsis: Throwback to romantic times we used to hichhike and meet different people and our worries were else where. This short story shows how two souls finally meet after a lifetime of searching eachother. We just hope they will meet again. And that we will be there to see it. Until then… enjoy their ride.
Angelo | Greece | 2020 | 18’ Director: Andreas Anninos Writer: Andreas Anninos Producers: Apulia Film Comission, Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People Cast: Markos Papadokostantakis, Ioli Charalampopoulou Synopsis: Thanos confronts Alice’s mysticism about Angelo and decides to find out who he is.
People Show 138: Last Day | United Kingdom | 2020 | 15’ Director: Gareth Brierley Writers: Gareth Brierley , Fiona Creese Producer: Maya Willcocks Cast: Tyrone Huggins, George Khan Synopsis: A short dreamlike drama about power, loss and loyalty. People Show 138: Last Day, follows HR manager Sidney, who after thirty years of working at an industrial sock factory faces a challenging dilemma that could affect the livelihood of his employees. We find him wandering around the now empty workplace haunted by the memories of his past colleagues, friends, and bosses. Throughout his journey he is confronted head on by the horrific consequences of his actions. Will he make the right choice at the end of his last day? Starring Tyrone Huggins, George Khan and thirty young performers from the University of Roehampton’s Drama, Theatre and Performance department.
L A R A | United Kingdom | 2020 | 13’ Director: George Blagden Writer: George Blagden Cast: George Blagden Synopsis: A man struggles to prepare for an interview, seeking help from his intelligent assistant.
What We Found Out There | Canada | 10’ Director: Karl Kimmel Writer: Karl Kimmel Producer: Karl Kimmel Cast: Zachary Loewen, Dayleigh Nelson, Sean Collins, Pascal Belanger, Tara Gothreau Synopsis: Two friends find more than they bargained for out on their hike in the wilderness
No/Low Budget – Official Selection – August 2020
MY NIGHT WITH JÉRÉMY | 2018 | 01’ Director: Alfred Matérn Synopsis: Reminiscence of a man who appears in Brooklyn, then disappears. Filmed in Brooklyn, 2017. With Jérémy Dorbane. Copyright by Alfred Matérn, MMXX. All rights reserved.
Meek Lover Creek | United States | 2019 | 14’ Director: Joshua Gaestel Writer: Joshua Gaestel Producer: Joshua Gaestel Cast: Tracy Grammer Synopsis: Tracy Grammer and Benjamin Breton star in this meditative short film about morality in an impartial world.
In Case We Get Found | United States | 2020 | 06’ Director: Sarah Young Writer: Emily J. Daly Producer: Sarah Young Cast: Tori Ernst, Hyojin Park, Arnold Treviño Synopsis: Three strangers scramble into a bathroom to hide from an outside threat. Together they confront their worst fears and make plans to survive the next ten minutes; the typical length of a mass shooting event.
Tailwind (Poem) | Germany | 2020 | 03’ Director: Annemarie Chladek Writer: Annemarie Chladek Producer: Annemarie Chladek Cast: Smilla Riedel Synopsis: Driven by an abstract poem a young woman is trying to escape tristesse. At the sight of many people, who seem to be choked by their everyday life, something starts to seethe in her until she passionately breaks out and starts to enjoy.
Strawberry Espresso | Romania | 2020 | 13’ Director: Diana Iacomir Writer: Diana Iacomir Producer: Vislandia Synopsis: Andrei Barbu, Maria Baciu, Damian Oancea, Iulia Mirica
I s o l a t i o n | United States | 2020 | 13’ Director: Carlos E. Pacheco Synopsis: When the Coronavirus pandemic hit the US back in mid-March and the state of Florida when into lockdown, Carlos, a Puerto Rican furloughed because of Covid-19, living by himself in the state of Florida documented day 36 of his quarantine. A short film shot in one day that was filmed, directed and edited by Carlos while in Isolation. “I s o l a t i o n” is Carlos first film.
At Home with… @TheTimTwenty | United Kingdom | 2020 | 11’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, Trevor Longley, James Longley, Jonny Ashdown Synopsis: The “At Home with…” team spends some time with Timothy Rawlston, the seasoned theatre performer behind the YouTube sensation that is @TheTimTwenty. Timothy talks us through the many intricacies to being a successful YouTube star and how he has turned himself into a hugely profitable worldwide brand, all the while keeping himself out of the public eye. That is, until now.
SOLO | France | 2020 | 05’ Directors: Thierry Albert , Arthur Couvat Producer: Thierry Albert Cast: Jules Albert Synopsis: Solo focuses on a 5-year-old boy left wandering on his own in the garden of an empty house. Beautifully shot in 16mm, it’s an attempt to capture the wonder of childhood boredom.
Until the very End | Germany | 2020 | 07’ Director: Markus Arens, Elisa Hock, Julian Gehrig, Stefan Brauner Synopsis: When everything is taken from you, your life comes down to a single thought: Revenge. A Father has to choose the right path for himself to finally find peace.
Series (Web/TV) – Official Selection – August 2020
S#! Talk | United Kingdom | 2020 | 06’ Director: Raquel Grela Writer: Savannah Betts Producers: Savannah Betts, Jasmin Greenland Cast: Savannah Betts, Anna Rømcke Høiseth Synopsis: S#! Talk, is a nine-part web series that follows the lives of two best friends as they hilariously navigate their way through their late 20-somethings. The series is inspired in part by actual conversations between Savannah and her real-life best friend, Ray. The episodes tactfully tackle topics often over dramaticized on screen for plot devices like mental health, sexual assault, periods, and other important questions about fighting a horse-sized-duck.
At Home with… @TheTimTwenty | United Kingdom | 2020 | 11’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, Trevor Longley, James Longley, Jonny Ashdown Synopsis: The “At Home with…” team spends some time with Timothy Rawlston, the seasoned theatre performer behind the YouTube sensation that is @TheTimTwenty. Timothy talks us through the many intricacies to being a successful YouTube star and how he has turned himself into a hugely profitable worldwide brand, all the while keeping himself out of the public eye. That is, until now.
Short Comedy – Official Selection – August 2020
Our Song | United States | 2020 | 12’ Director: Jordan Henderson Writer: Kati Rausch Producer: Kati Rausch Cast: Kati Rausch, Ricky Rhodes Synopsis: Our Song is an experimental comedy drama about Love, Loss and Lyrics. She loves him. He loves her. They lose each other – and the whole time they only speak in song lyrics. OUR SONG contains excerpts from the lyrics of 42 songs, and visual references to these songs, bands or music videos. From the blowing curtains in Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, and the black tears in The Rasmus’ “Justify”, to the iconic hand gesture of the Backstreet Boys. While the story is dramatic, the narration style and rhythm of the film produce an unexpected situation comedy. OUR SONG is the first short film that producer, writer and actress Kati Rausch filmed in the US.
Cuckoo! | Netherlands | 2019 | 07’ Director: Jörgen Scholtens Writers: Jörgen Scholtens, Pepijn van Weeren Producers: Jörgen Scholtens, Jimmy Groeneveld Cast: Frank Lammers, Hetty Heyting, Joost Prinsen, Michael de Roos Synopsis: Absurd comedy about a lonely man (Frank Lammers) who lives inside a cuckoo clock. Every hour he straps himself into his ejection seat and shoots through the doors of the clock. “Cuckoo!” He yells, “Cuckoo!” His work is of vital importance. The old lady who sits under the clock needs to take her medication exactly at the top of every hour. One day the man has the opportunity to win a substantial sum of money in a radio quiz. He loves gadgets and wants to buy a new computer. The only problem is that he can only dial in at the exact time he’s supposed to sit in his seat.
Bumper | France | 2018 | 18’ Director: Ralantoaritsimba Nirina Writers: Ralantoaritsimba Nirina, Ralanto Julien Producer: Ralanto Julien Synopsis: For many years, Max, a young man full of ambition, has been dreaming of being accepted in a prestigious school of political sciences. The day before the interview, he plans to spend the night at his grandmother’s house which is near where the oral exam will be taking place the next morning, thus hoping to be in the best mindset to succeed. But once he gets there, Max finds out his Grandma has decided to take her driver’s license again…
The Last Floor | Poland | 2020 | 08’ Director: Nataliia Shepelevych Cast: Agnieszka Gryżewska, Błażej Wnuk Synopsis: There are journeys big and small. Who knows where the most ordinary trip to the top floor could lead? People share staircases for years, polishing them with neverending steps. At the beginning they run and jump, but every next floor strength leaves them more and more. Will everyone hold, crawl? Nothing helps as good company. In search of the needed address, a bland young person accidentally meets another young person. Strange banalities, banal strangers. We’re going up to the top. And what at the end? A battle of chance and destiny in which the End always wins. Descent is always much fast
The Shut-in | Australia | 2020 | 06’ Directors: Eric Lieu, Maxine Curva, Jira Udomsri Synopsis: Sherry, a single mother struggles to connect with her reclusive son but soon finds help from a mysterious nanny who changes everything through some unconventional methods.
Fortissimo | Switzerland | 2019 | 20’ Director: Janine Piguet Writer: Janine Piguet Producer: Thierry Pradervand Cast: Janine Piguet, Laure Balon, Francis Coffinet, Fabien Jegoudez, Bettina Kenney, Elidan Arzoni, miami Themo Synopsis: A pianist arrives in her new flat. But as soon as she rehearses, her neighbour tries everything possible to stop her from playing. The reason : she hates classical music. Soon enough, a sound war starts between the two women, very rapidly involving everyone in the building. When the police arrive, they witness a crowd of hysterical neighbours shouting at each other and take the side of the pianist, the only one who at that moment, after a moment of intense madness, is playing a serene Mozart piece.
Super Bois | United States | 2020 | 9’ Producers: Jessica Richards, Kimberly Stewart Cast: Lori Alan, Alec Stitick, Kaylin Zeren Synopsis: An indie filmmaker discovers his full potential by making a superhero movie with his brother, a young man with autism. Based on director Jon Mancinetti’s unique relationship with his brother Joel.
At Home with… @TheTimTwenty | United Kingdom | 2020 | 11’ Directors: Paul Longley, James Longley Writer: Paul Longley Producers: Paul Longley, James Longley Cast: Paul Longley, Trevor Longley, James Longley, Jonny Ashdown Synopsis: The “At Home with…” team spends some time with Timothy Rawlston, the seasoned theatre performer behind the YouTube sensation that is @TheTimTwenty. Timothy talks us through the many intricacies to being a successful YouTube star and how he has turned himself into a hugely profitable worldwide brand, all the while keeping himself out of the public eye. That is, until now.
Short Drama – Official Selection – August 2020
See the Animal | United Kingdom | 2020 | 16’ Director: Calum Marshall Writer: Morgan Groves Producer: Rosie Goodwin Cast: Alex Phelps, Joe Bence , Matthew Ip Shaw Synopsis: Jack is an audience – posing stooge in a magic show run by his long-time friends, Declan and Seamus. Jack wants a fresh start away from their reckless behaviour and Declan’s constant abuse on stage for laughs. Held back by loyalty and calculated persuasion from Seamus, Jack stays, but as the tension between the men grows Declan’s demeanour worsens. He spikes Jack with a hallucinogenic before a performance in yet another attempt to humiliate, which poses a risk during one of their riskier sword tricks.
Descent | Estonia | 2020 | 04’ Director: Helen Takkin Writer: Helen Takkin Producers: Kadi Freja Felt, Aili Maarja Cast: Henessi Schmidt, Meelis Veeremets, Kadi Põder Synopsis: When Triin closes her car door, in a moment of solitude, her depression comes crashing in, threatening to drown her.
Distant | United States | 2020 | 07’ Director: Andrew Kovac Writer: Andrew Kovac Producer: Andrew Kovac Cast: Filip Kovac, Frantisek Kovac Synopsis: A first-generation son tries to teach his immigrant father how to play football when the small talk slowly dives into a much deeper discussion about fitting in a place where he doesn’t belong.
BURNT BLUE | United States | 2020 | 14’ Director: Georgia Snow Nicholas Writer: Georgia Snow Nicholas Producer: Lillian Campbell Cast: Iyyonce Love, Laura Faye, Darren Sandvig, John Fadule, Nathaniel Weiss, Eyvonne Leach, Austyn Orci Synopsis: At some point in all of our lives we have all experienced what it is like to lose control. We have lost control of ourselves and our minds our environments and the people we love. We have struggled and we have all had to cope in our own way. Amidst the chaos that is our world in 2020, it is clear that we are all really just along for the ride. Empathizing with each other and understanding mental health has never been more important. Burnt Blue is a reflection on the uncertainty of the human condition. We jump into three different storylines, connected through the agony of losing control, and lullabied by a poem recited by a young girl. Written, directed, produced, shot and edited by women.
Lessons | United Kingdom | 2020 | 15’ Director: Jo Eaton-Kent Writer: Jo Eaton-Kent Producer: Jo Eaton-Kent Cast: Abigail Middleton, Jo Eaton-Kent, Sayan Kent Synopsis: Mid-April 2020. Hannah has arranged a video call with David. But the last time they had contact with each other, the December four months prior, newly-pregnant Hannah uncovered an illicit secret David had been keeping, forcing her to move out of their apartment and back in with her mum, leaving David to cover her rent. With the outbreak of Covid-19 and the UK’s subsequent lockdown, both of them are left in complicated financial and familial situations, with David also having moved back in with his parents. Hannah feels strongly about raising her child self-sufficiently, not reliant on her mother, but unable to work because of her pregnancy, and soon to be looking after a vulnerable newborn, she needs support if it’s going to happen at all. David is similarly anxious to retain his fiscal independence, and his income has been impacted by the lockdown. They both speak for the first time since their unceremonious break-up to try and begin a much-needed conversation about the welfare of their unborn child.
DEAD OR DIE | Japan | 2020 | 10’ Director: Pine Minegishi Writer: Pine Minegishi Producer: Yohei Okada Cast: Takuya Hotori, Tsukasa Tsuchiya, Haruyo Inugami Synopsis: Tooru works for an underworld organization to raise money for his mother’s medical expenses. One day, his boss orders him to kill a senior colleague who made a mistake. Feeling indebted to him, what will Tooru do?
The Other Side of Window | Poland | 2020 | 10’ Director: Rafał SICK Skoneczny Writer: Agnieszka Labenz Cast: : Anka, Łukasz , Alan , Vincent Synopsis: It’s the story of an Armenian shown from the perspective of a nationalist family, with a behavioral context. The family prepares mentally for the Independence Day celebration. A mysterious person comes to the house for the father and the boy, who leads them to a certain place. We get info there that an Armenian has been mistaken for a Muslim and an act of metaphorical flagellation is committed on him. After the action, it turns out that the whole precedent took place thanks to the permit of people of different social profiles. Finally, the group goes to have fun, mentally returning to their lives.
Avocado | United States | 2020 | 11’ Director: Thomas Hartmann Writer: Valencia Istratii Producers: Thomas Hartmann and Danielle Burgess Cast: Danielle Burgess Synopsis: After yet another night of drinking and partying, Fiona is faced with the sobering reality that she might be an alcoholic.
Let’s talk about a talk | China | 2020 | 07’ Director: Zhou Jialin Writer: Zhou Jialin Producer: Zhou Jialin Cast: Rebecca KUK Synopsis: This is a story about communication. A woman and a man were having a talk in a Café in Beijing. The atmosphere was so intense that the conversation seemed like a battle without smoke, in which you could see all kinds of tactics. Rebuking，extorting， compromising，advance and retreat, no communicating or understanding. After the hard talk, where would the relationship go?
L A R A | United Kingdom | 2020 | 13’ Director: George Blagden Writer: George Blagden Cast: George Blagden Synopsis: A man struggles to prepare for an interview, seeking help from his intelligent assistant.
Student Short – Official Selection – August 2020
Road Test | United States | 16’ Director: Christian Hurley Writer: Christian Hurley Producer: Lynn Pratt Synopsis: A determined high schooler is forced to drive the worst car ever during her driver’s test, while her parents comes to terms with her growing up.
Handscape | China | 2020 | 19’ Director: Yiru Chen Writer: Yiru Chen, Anke Bai Producer: Kaiwen Chen Cast: Zhenyu Tang Synopsis: Contemporary Shanghai, summer. Xia Qing, a boy who has been wearing Cochlear Implants due to hearing impairment, has a deep love for dancing. He gains so much joy just from copying Martha Graham’s hand gestures in a dance magazine. A kid with a precocious nature, he sometimes paints his pinky nail red just for that glimpse of beauty. Yet all these passionate pursuits are misunderstood and questioned by his single, deaf mother. Given the opportunity to audition for his favorite dance company once in a blue moon, he has no choice but to return to his body–He seeks his mother’s approval and longs to overcome this obscure self-identity crisis, through the silent language on his fingertips.
LULU | United Kingdom | 2020 | 09’ Synopsis: Margaret, a grieving widow must negate a homicidal man who arrives at her late husbands funeral seeking revenge. He wants one thing, to kill the man that inadvertently killed his daughter, but there’s one glaring problem, he’s already dead.
Faced | United States | 2020 | 03’ Director: Dayoung Hwang Writer: Dayoung Hwang Producer: Dayoung Hwang Synopsis: Faced is a 2D animated film that shows the process of obtaining facial features in a unique and imaginative way. During this process, the main character Rita goes through struggles after realizing she is unhappy with her facial features. And as she struggles throughout the animation in search of ideal facial features, she realizes her desire to look pretty is unsatisfiable.
Under the Flag | United States | 2019 | 15’ Director: Jiawei Cheng Writers: Jiawei Cheng, Dhruv Kanungo Producers: Danwen Lei, Fernando Barajas Cast: Michelle Chung , Leann Lei Synopsis: A driven and conscientious girl at China’s premier dance school gets the lead position in a prestigious performance but struggles to accept it after she learns that her mother has bribed the teacher to buy her the part.
Left Unsaid | United Kingdom | 2020 | 04’ Director: Mei Lian Hoe Writer: Mei Lian Hoe Synopsis: Left Unsaid is an experimental animated film about cultural dysphoria and the disconnect between grandfather and grandchild caused by an ever-growing language barrier.
Aria | China | 2019 | 12’ Director: Ziyi Jin Writer: Ziyi Jin Producer: Ziyi Jin Cast: Pricilla Jin Chung, Jamie Zhang
Regime change | Russian Federation | 2020 | 19’ Director: Yana Sad Writer: Yana Sad Producer: Moscow School of New Cinema Cast: Vadim Sokolov, Ivan Chigasov Synopsis: Two brothers live in a tiny house on the outskirts of a small town. They are young, one of them, Oleg, is special, being autistic. They follow a strict schedule. Ivan takes care of his brother and it is difficult for him to have his own life. Once Ivan cheated Oleg, left him and went out on a date.
Burt Bassett & The Life Satisfaction Survey | United Kingdom | 2020 | 22’ Director: Elliot Roberts Writer: Matt Prentice Producer: Elliot Roberts Cast: David Price, Nicola Brome Synopsis: 60 year old Gardener Burt Bassett finds himself in a peculiar situation. Within his new environment he is forced to take a life satisfaction survey, ultimately helping him accept his new reality.
Naam Kya Hai? | India | 2020 | 15’ Director: Tejas Shukul Writer: Tejas Shukul Producer: Tejas Shukul Cast: Gagan Gupta, Sanjeev Sharma, Sikandar Agarwal, Ruchika Lohiya, Karan Kandara, Rahul Dagur, Jamshed Coyaji Synopsis: Set in the 1992 riots in Mumbai, “Naam Kya Hai?” revolves around a distraught police officer trying to avenge the murder of his wife amidst the communal tension in the city.
A jag in the duplex system | Germany | 2020 | 15’ Director: Valerie Knill Writer: Valerie Knill Producers: Juliana Pfeifer, Valerie Knill Cast: Frank Droese , Ina Geraldine Guy Synopsis: Heartache, cocaine and dreams: The chronicle of a one-night-stand.
The Mare | Sweden | 2020 | 08’ Director: David Jazaee Writer: David Jazaee Producers: Per Sandberg, Isabelle Santiago, Martin Åberg, David Jazaee, Jenny Kihlström Cast: Petter Alfredson, Erik Henebratt, Linn Ehrner Synopsis: Involved in criminal activities, Josef finds himself in a helpless and overwhelming state of anxiety. After preparing for a big heist he heads home and prepares himself for sleep, knowing how the darkness inside of him will haunt him through the night.
Referral | Hungary | 2019 | 17’ Director: Annabella Schnabel Writer: Annabella Schnabel Producers: Miklós Bosnyák, Árpád Szirmai, Gábor Rajna, Attila Faragó, Balázs Rozgonyi Cast: Lili Erdős, Zsombor Ertl, Márta Martin, Erika Kiss, Andrea Závory, Györgyné Czeiter, Iván László Nádasi, Barbara Szitás Synopsis: A teenage girl’s coming of age story through the maze of healthcare’s bureaucracy: Lili wants birth control pills because she plans to lose her virginity.
Rosie | United Kingdom | 2019 | 15’ Director: Otto Hussain Writers: Otto Hussain, Kacper Jaszcz Producer: Lisa Landi Cast: Emma Abbott-Smithin , Annabel Hammond, Georgie Rhys Synopsis: Izzy, an idealistic social worker, attempts to untangle the case of Rosie; a child with violent behavioural issues who is struggling to fit into her current foster placement. As the case unfolds, she begins to realise that the problem is actually the indifferent machine that foster care has become.
Lip Reader: Game Of Detective | China | 2020 | 29’ Director: Tanxuan Shi Writer: Tanxuan Shi Producers: Tanxuan Shi, Peipei Duan Cast: Ke Zijing, Li Yixiang, Cao Xinran, William Joen, Sun Yiwen, James Nichols Synopsis: Lin is a college student who has a severe hearing impairment, but she has a fantastic talent for reading lip languages. She is famous in the paparazzi industry, and also she served as an “intelligence analyst” for a paparazzi company in her spare time, reading out the information from a large number of videos taken by the paparazzi, and finding out the valuable clues…One day, Lin and her new paparazzo partner Zhou photographed a popular Chinese actress Lulu who’s coming to Hollywood to attend the red carpet of Oscar. But unexpectedly Lulu’s luxuries diamond necklace which she will wear it to Oscar and values more than twenty million dollars mysteriously disappeared in her villa. Only 48 hours before Oscar, Lin tries to find clues from the video that they had photographed in these few days. But at the same time… Danger is closing to her…
Metamorphosis | Ukraine | 2019 | 07’ Director: Anna Rudichenko Writer: Anna Rudichenko Producer: Anna Rudichenko Cast: Oleg Kuznetsov, Anna Rudichenko Synopsis: Gregor is a soviet WW2 veteran and breadwinner for his elderly Father and young sister. In a loose adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” Gregor’s life is suddenly in turmoil after a tragic event pits his family against each other.
Until the very End | Germany | 2020 | 07’ Directors: Markus Arens, Elisa Hock, Julian Gehrig, Stefan Brauner Synopsis: When everything is taken from you, your life comes down to a single thought: Revenge. A Father has to choose the right path for himself to finally find peace.
Short Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Official Selection – August 2020
The Flame | Italy | 2019 | 19’ Director: Giacomo Talamini Writer: Giacomo Talamini Producer: Valentina Paggiarin Cast: Jacopo Barzaghi, Martina Ambrosino, Gianluigi Meggiorin, Carla Camporese, Matteo Tagliaferro, Andrea Pellegrino Synopsis: XVIII century. Winter is upon a tiny and remote mountain community. Young Elk, son of the village chief, suffers from an apparently incurable illness. As the adults leave the village looking for a remedy, leaving Elk and a few other kids alone, a sinister entity emerged from their people’s legends begins to torment them. A menace only Elk is prepared to face.
Dominion Evolucion | Argentina | 2016 | 09’ Director: Lucas Zoppi Writer: Lucas Zoppi Producers: Maia Vitulich , Kari Quelin Cast: Omar Ferreri , Ana Paula Pordomingo Synopsis: Argentina, 2050. Infected scientist Victor Bertaum, isolated in his laboratory, tries to find a cure for the Sedga virus that devastated two thirds of the world population, while remaining in a cryogenesis state to survive. From a radio broadcast, he learns that the Rossum Corporation is sending special agents who possess the cure of the virus to save the survivors but he dosen’t trust in the corporation and wants to create his own cure. After several failed attempts, Bertaum runs out of supplies and gives up his research, preparing to die infected. At that moment Randa, an agent from Rossum, arrives to inject the cure. Bertaum decides to accept the Rossum vaccine and when he is injected by Randa he realizes that she actually come to kill him and use his brain for the benefit of the Corporation.
Short Horror – Official Selection – August 2020
WTNY Bienvenida a Nueva York | Spain | 2020 | 15’ Director: Marta Márquez Writer: Marta Márquez Producer: Marta Márquez Cast: Liliana Velasquez, Braden Matthews Synopsis: Sara has just arrived in NYC from Colombia, without anytime to rest she is the witness to a crime. From this moment on Sara has to run frantically through the city. A city that she does not know in a language she does not speak or understand to find safety.
The Mark | United States | 2019 | 15’ Director: Devin E. Haqq Writer: Devin E. Haqq Producer: Korey Jackson Cast: Catherine Curtin, Kana Hatakeyama, Maho Honda Synopsis: A young single mother struggles against ominous forces, whom she believes are bent on taking her infant daughter. This disturbing female-driven narrative stars three phenomenal women from the de facto Netflix Ensemble, Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black), Kana Hatakeyama (Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Maho Honda (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Maniac).
Segregatio | Puerto Rico | 2020 | 13’ Director: Jowy Santiago Writer: Joctan Hernandez Producer: Joctan Hernandez Cast: Carola Garcia, Hector Sánchez, Amanda Méndez Synopsis: A priest and two nuns are discussing, while playing brisca, if they are going to save the people that are dying outside the church during and apocalypse,
Scorching Sunday Sale | United Kingdom |2020 | 06’ Director: Owen R Barbet Writer: Rory Tasker Producer: Faith Starie Cast: Peter Taverner, Lewis Edward, Elizabeth Grace Foster, Charlotte Baylis, Beverly Stratford, Graham Russell, Shona Collins, Marcus Forde, Abimanne Selvaragah Synopsis: A charismatic and fraudulent Salesman attempts to sell his new invention, an electronic self-heating jacket. However, sinister forces have other plans for him and his beloved product.
MUSHI 虫 | Australia | 2019 | 12’ Director: Odin Jurray Writer: Odin Jurray Producer: John Hipwell Cast: Sheena Reyes, Dale Crawford Synopsis: As a nested parasite rapidly grows inside the skull of a young woman, she has one night to determine her fate.
Hospital Dumpster Divers | Norway | 2020 | 25’ Director: Anders Elsrud Hultgreen Writer: Anders Elsrud Hultgreen Producers: Øystein Nesheim, Anders Elsrud Hultgreen Cast: Thomas Aske Berg, Ingar Helge Gimle, Monika Solheim, Linda Tveiten, Sturla Alvsvag Synopsis: Chaos breaks out at the hospital, when a mutant dumpster troll is accidentally brought to life, as a result of shoddy waste management, by the shuffle dancing young man Rasmus.
Dumped | Canada | 2020 | 22’ Director: Miguel de Plante Writer: Miguel de Plante Producers: Laurent Dansereau, Kino Montreal Cast: Charles-Aubey Houde, Magali Roche, Chrystelle Quintin Synopsis: We all have our ways of living a breakup. Is there really a limit on what we can do to find peace again ?
What We Found Out There | Canada | 09’ Director: Karl Kimmel Writer: Karl Kimmel Producer: Karl Kimmel Cast: Zachary Loewen, Dayleigh Nelson, Sean Collins, Pascal Belanger, Tara Gothreau Synopsis: Two friends find more than they bargained for out on their hike in the wilderness
Stop-Motion/Time-Lapse – Official Selection – August 2020
BENCH | United Kingdom | 2020 | 02’ Director: Rich Webber Writer: Rich Webber Producer: N/A Cast: Rich Webber Synopsis: A short film about sharing….
Mother didn’t know | Norway | 2020 | 12’ Director: Anita Killi Writers: Anita Killi, Marianne Bundgaard Nielsen Producers: Anita Killi, Marita Mayers Synopsis: This is a poetic fable about a young depressed girl. Someone who wants to be invisible, cares for her and help by sacrificing a Robin with a broken wing.
Luba | United States | 2020 | 14’ Director: Helena Giersz Writer: Helena Giersz Producer: Helena Giersz Synopsis: An old woman lives in a village with not much but her husband and her beloved chicken, Luba. When her chicken passes away on Christmas Day, the woman is only comforted when her husband gifts her an egg Luba laid before her passing. After the egg hatches, the old woman’s unconditional affection towards the growing chick causes her to lay a golden egg. Although the golden egg is a reflection of love’s miracles, greediness in the community leads to the chicken being stolen. Thankfully the woman successfully hides the egg from eager hands, but in mourning her second loss, she wraps the egg hoping she can exchange it for the chicken. While coddling the egg she’s surprised by a genie that emerges to grant her a wish that can ultimately heal her community torn by greed.
Trailer – Official Selection – August 2020
Rum Go! | United States | 2020 | 02’ Director: Markus Thorington Writer: Markus Thorington Producer: Working Brilliantly Synopsis: The familiar tale, of the oddest affair . . .
SOS, you’re 30 and still single? | France | 2019 | 04’ Director: Amy LYNSSIA Writer: Amy LYNSSIA Producer: Amy LYNSSIA Cast: Morgane BOJIKOV, Cindy MASSOTEAU, Amy LYNSSIA Synopsis: « I », Parisian in her thirties, got dumped just after New Year’s Day. Faced with family, friends and social pressures, she decides to take her love life in hand.
The only question is ‘What’s Next’ 
