Short films block

Nuisance Bear

Shorts Competition, block II

Churchill, Manitoba in Canada is a famous destination for photographing polar bears. We’ve seen the majestic images and classic wildlife TV programs – but what do these bears see of us?

'Nuisance Bear' shifts our perspective revealing an obstacle course of tourist paparazzi and wildlife officers whom bears must navigate during their annual migration.

Displaced

Shorts Competition, block III

A story of a post-war Kosovo ping pong club, the “Lidhja e Prizrenit” (League of Prizren). These youngsters and their coaches practice in difficult conditions even though some of them represent Kosovo in international competitions and have won medals in various European championships. Despite their success, the 'Ping Pong Federation' is still ignored by the local and central authorities.

”Displaced” is a tribute to all the athletes who, with enthusiasm and a quiet perseverance, manage to overcome the problem of lack of space, and represent their country by contributing more to the state than the state contributes to them. Their situation allows the filmmakers to express concerns such as migration, alienation and a general sense of hopelessness that pervade the lives of Kosovar society. The film takes the form of docu-fiction with actual events recreated by real characters combined with footage from the present. It was the only short documentary in Cannes 2001 official selection. 
 

Freedom Swimmer

Shorts Competition, block I

“Freedom Swimmer” documents a mass migration story from the 20th century, which is relatively untold in the Western world – and offers context for a city in turmoil today. A granddaughter asks her grandfather to recount his journey from China, swimming to Hong Kong in the 1970’s.

From the 1950’s to 1980’s Hong Kong was a symbol of freedom to many Chinese, glimpsed across the water. Two million mainland residents tried to swim across the Southern sea border. Many died trying or were captured and sent to labour camps. He was one of the lucky ones. This animated film explores the effect of past cultural trauma, allowing the audience to find a new perspective on the current situation. It reflects the depth of a symbol that is ‘freedom’ – that Hong Kong both represents and holds onto so tightly.

The Brother

Shorts Competition, block II

Living with an illness that is causing him to lose the use of his body, Kaïs is awoken every morning by a different member of his loving family.

On top of his health problems, the family is undergoing a financial crisis which forces them to emigrate from their native Morocco to France . Though paralyzed, Kaïs dreams he is the hero of his favorite manga, along with his dear brothers: Fehd, the bodybuilder and Zaïd, the ninja.

Joychild

Shorts Competition, block I

A child reveals a secret to their mother: "I'm not a girl." In this breathtakingly honest portrait of growing up gender expansive, filmmaker Aurora Brachman beautifully captures the hesitancy, fear and relief at revealing one's innermost thoughts, as well as the unconditional love of a mother.

father.son

Shorts Competition, block III

After leaving prison, Mariusz and his son attempt to adapt to reality, interweaving the habits inherited from jail with the struggle of everyday life. Contrary to popular opinion, their relationship is filled with self-reflection and love.

The protagonists' sensitivity contrasts with the heartless reality that leaves a scar on former prisoners, thus excluding them from being valuable members of the society.