Sections

Fiction Film

The Fiction Film section shows the stories that move aspiring filmmakers from the most diverse corners of the world. Films of all lengths address current trends in the film world, tell highly personal stories or question the medium. The awards for Best Fiction Film (awarded to the director) and Outstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film (awarded to Cinematography, Montage, Original Film Music, Screenplay, Acting, Scenography, Sound Design or Special Effects) will be presented.

悄悄告訴她 / Swimming in the Dark

Taiwan | 2022 | Short Film | 27 Min. | Mandarin (English Subtitles)

Wen is about to participate in a big swim meet and is under a lot of pressure. Her friend, Ann, feels neglected by Wen's increasing devotion to the sport. As Wen tries to resolve the conflict, she discovers the deeper issue.
DirectorPin Ru Chen
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Aimé

Belgium | 2022 | Short Film | 16 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

Young drug dealer Aimé just wants a customer to settle his outstanding bill. But then he is unceremoniously left alone with her daughter. Unexpectedly, a heartwarming, if only temporary, bond between the two unfolds in the dreary apartment.
DirectorsGillie CinneriAnouk Ferreira da Silva
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Das Andere Ende der Straße / The Other End of the Street

Austria, Hungary | 2022 | Short Film | 22 Min. | Hungarian

Ábel is teased by a fellow student. Hoping to resolve the situation, his father drives to the alleged bully’s family home. After the conversation escalates, the two find themselves in a moral dilemma.
DirectorKálmán NagyProducersAlisa FrischholzZsolt NagyScreenplayKálmán Nagy
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Der Antrag / The Application

Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 9 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

B. appears at the Asylum Seekers' Registration Office to obtain his residence permit. His confidence starts to dwindle as he is sent from office to office by officials. In the corridor, he meets another young man who shares his experience and shows B. the way.
DirectorAntonia LindnerProducersRafael KouszFelix MannScreenplaySandra KatzlmayrAntonia Lindner
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Dispatchers

Spain | 2022 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Catalan (English Subtitles)

Pau, an exhausted emergency dispatcher, is considering quitting her job. One day, however, she receives an unusual call that turns out to be a woman’s desperate cry for help. Pau is the only one who can help her in this situation.
DirectorAitor PadillaProducersMateu ParelladaIrene AguilarScreenplayIsaac Sastre
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:domestic violence
femicide

El Secuestro de la Novia / The Kidnapping of the Bride

Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 30 Min. | Spanish, German, English (English Subtitles)

Luisa from Buenos Aires and Fred from Brandenburg want to get married. At their wedding they are confronted with social and cultural prejudices that culminate in a traditional kidnapping of the bride.
DirectorSophia MocorreaProducerSarah Valerie RaduScreenplaySophia Mocorrea
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Racism

Elaha

Germany | 2023 | Feature Film | 111 Min. | German, Kurdish (English Subtitles)

The 22-year-old Elaha is about to marry her fiancé. Due to the upcoming wedding, the topic of her supposed "innocence" becomes the subject of scrutiny. She lost it before the wedding and is now trying to regain it by all means.
DirectorMilena AboyanProducersMatthias GrevingKirsten LukaczikEmina SmajićJanina Sara HennemannScreenplayMilena AboyanConstantin Hatz
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Implied suicide
Sexual abuse

Erich, 37, sucht Wohnung / Erich, 37, looking for a flat

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 10 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Heinz and Erich are cellmates and act out the viewing of an imaginary apartment. A comedic interpretation of the challenges of resocialization.
DirectorJulia Von dem BergeProducersFelice KaufmannJulia Von dem BergeScreenplayFelice KaufmannJulia Von dem Berge
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Family Toast

South Korea | 2022 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Korean (English Subtitles)

When a mother discovers her daughter with a cigarette, the father suspects that it is no ordinary cigarette. The seemingly harmonious and orderly family life threatens to fall apart.
DirectorJunhyung KIMProducerHyungwoo KIMScreenplayJunhyung KIM
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Father's Footsteps

India, Syria | 2023 | Short Film | 28 Min. | Arabic (English Subtitles)

Between cold concrete walls, riddled with holes from the ongoing war, a mother tries to protect her son from the loss of his father and keep him away from the attacks raging outside. Left completely to her own devices, she tries to embody both father and mother at the same time and soon reaches her limits.
DirectorMohamad AliProducersYoussef AliIshita MehtaScreenplayMohamad Ali
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:War

Fin / The end

Spain | 2022 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Carmen lovingly cares for her partner, Rosa, who has Alzheimer's disease. She fondly remembers their time together and has difficulty letting go of the past until a pivotal event forces her to.
DirectorFernando ReinaldosProducerFernando Reinaldos
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Suicide

Flores del otro Patio

Switzerland, Colombia | 2022 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

A group of queer activists plan an uprising to highlight social injustices. To do so, they resort to sophisticated costumes and a performance act. In the process, the group also exposes themselves to danger that shakes their cohesion.
DirectorJorge CadenaScreenplayJorge CadenaLi Aparicio Candama
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Racism
Discriminating language

Gangrena / Gangrene

Spain | 2023 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Two brothers with contrasting personalities try to escape a dreaded plague that has spread through their home village. In the process, the disease eats away not only their bodies, but also their trust in each other.
DirectorIgnacio Gil-Toresano FernándezProducersVictor Sevilleja SilvaXavier JalloisScreenplayAlba Mocho Lizcano
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Hogy ne győzzünk / Winners

Hungary | 2022 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Hungarian (English Subtitles)

Ádám and his friend Bálint live in the violent outskirts of Budapest. When a friend of theirs is beaten up, they decide to take revenge. Ádám begins to question his understanding of masculinity.
DirectorDániel FüzesProducersGábor OsváthMarcell SzyScreenplayZsombor Aurél Biró
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Hollywood

Austria | 2022 | Short Film | 27 Min. | German

Anna is an aspiring actress, but her career doesn't seem to want to take off. Instead, she's doomed to star in fire drills as a wounded woman. That still seems better to her than an apprenticeship at the bank, though - which is what Anna's father wants.
DirectorsLeni GruberAlexander ReinbergProducersDominik WimmerPatrick WallyLeni GruberAlexander ReinbergScreenplayLeni GruberAlexander Reinberg
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

In The Dry Stream

South Korea | 2022 | Short Film | 26 Min. | Korean (English Subtitles)

On the South Korean peninsula of Jeju-do live two boys who have discovered the perfect hiding place to play in a dry stream in the dying jungle. While no one else wants to understand their enthusiasm, the island seems to be facing drastic changes.
DirectorJi-hyo KANGScreenplayJi-Hyo KANG
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Korruption auf Erden / Corruption on Earth

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 12 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Corruption on Earth is a satire about the inhumane regime in Iran. At a fictional award ceremony for the "Best Regime in the World", the regime is honoured for its political deeds. The cinematic footage is mixed with real cell phone footage of the current Iran protests.
DirectorOmid MirnourProducersDimitri HempelOmid MirnourGregor MöllersScreenplayOmid Mirnour
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

La Balade des Gens Heureux / Ballad of the Happy Kind

Belgium | 2022 | Short Film | 21 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

Mona and Simon are in a happy relationship. On a road trip together, they start role-playing. At first, it’s all fun and games as they open up to each other and talk about their relationship. Slowly, it is revealed that they may not be as happy as they seem.
DirectorLouis KempeneersProducer MédiadiffusionScreenplayLouis Kempeneers
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

La herida luminosa / Daydreaming so vividly about our Spanish holidays

Spain | 2022 | Short Film | 24 Min. | English, Spanish (English Subtitles)

A sun-starved teenager leaves his home in search of light and warmth. On the Balearic Islands, he tries to soak up the rays and bring them back to his bleak homeland of Great Britain. Hypnotised, he falls prey to the sun.
DirectorChristian AvilésProducerNica FazioScreenplayChristian Avilés
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Implied suicide

Love at first byte

Germany, United Kingdom | 2022 | Short Film | 6 Min. | English

Are love and obsession exclusive to the human experience? A thought experiment taking on the question of how AI would behave if it gained consciousness and what would happen if a subway surveillance camera fell in love with a passerby.
DirectorTheresa Hoffmann
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Meccs / MATCH

Hungary, India | 2022 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Hungarian

Glued to the TV, Áron’s father forgot that they wanted to practise archery together. So Áron leaves with his bored sister instead to find targets for his arrows.
DirectorAnna GyimesiProducersSombit MondalErika WinklerGabor SzaboScreenplayAnna GyimesiSombit Mondal
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

My Hometown

Japan | 2022 | Genre Film | 42 Min. | Japanese (English Subtitles)

A young woman named Teruko lives in a housing estate in Japan, her family doesn’t have much money. Studying in Tokyo is supposed to offer her a better life. When her father reaches out to her after a long absence, the family risks descending into an unsolvable conflict before her departure.
DirectorAoi FURUKAWA
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Przed po / Before after

Poland | 2022 | Short Film | 20 Min. | Polish (English Subtitles)

Self-doubt, fear, and loss drive the characters in Przed Po back and forth in their self-talk. They seem trapped in an intangible mood, as murky as the thoughts that won't let them go.
DirectorFilip BojarskiProducerMaria WaldowskaScreenplayFilip Bojarski
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Return

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 17 Min. | Arabic (English Subtitles)

The soldier Husam gets 24 hours of home leave. After a long absence, he visits his mother, who praises him as a hero, while he would like nothing more than to escape.
DirectorGhiath Al Mhitawi
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Schabernack / MOMS POTATOES

Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 25 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Robin's mother is a single parent and mentally ill. As her eldest son, he sees himself responsible for raising his little brother in her stead and shielding his mother from unnecessary stress. However, in an unexpected chain of confrontation, Robin finds himself at his breaking point.
DirectorLili Zahavi
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:mental problems
bullying
child abuse

Sixtine

Belgium | 2022 | Short Film | 17 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

Sixtine is 19 years old and wants to be sterilised. Before she can undergo the procedure, she must write a letter to the child she will never have and question her deepest convictions.
DirectorsEtienne BarrèreLudmila BergeonScreenplayEtienne BarrèreLudmila Bergeon
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Sprich mit mir / Talk to me

Germany | 2023 | Feature Film | 89 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

After a breakup, Karo struggles with resurfacing memories of an absent father. She is abruptly transported to the past when she meets Jochen and his daughter on vacation with her mother Michaela.
DirectorJanin HalischProducerClara GerstScreenplayJanin HalischHannah Sioda
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Sexual abuse

Stier / Bull

Austria, Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 23 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Ronja and Bruno are moving into a new flat together and thus, about to enter into domestic bliss. If only their intrusive landlord and this odd religious sect would stop appearing in their lives... Taurus is as peculiar as it is memorable in its negotiation of the current state of the housing market.
DirectorTim OppermannProducerKonrad SulzmannScreenplayUhl Lorenz
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Tabu La Rasa

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 5 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Thea's supposedly perfect life comes apart when a seemingly harmless question triggers an avalanche of possibilities that could bring down her carefully constructed facade. Will she find the courage to tear down her framework of lies?
DirectorEmma BadingProducersLisa Marie BardouxMey Woelke
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Warum begeht Helen Koch schweren Kraftwagendiebstahl? / Why does Helen Koch commit serious vehicle theft?

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 22 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

After a conflict between teacher Helen Koch and problem student Mia, they set out together to break away from their hated social roles. What follows is a cross-genre excursion through Berlin that turns social and narrative structures upside down.
DirectorMoritz GeiserProducerMilena MichalekScreenplayMoritz Geiser
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Where No One Lives

United States | 2023 | Short Film | 19 Min. | English, Mandarin

Despite huge populations, life in the big city is often defined by loneliness. A widow, a brother and sister, and a young woman – all residents of an old apartment building – coexist wall to wall until one day the rooms merge.
DirectorLi Anne Liew
Running for:Best Fiction FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

¡Sé como José! / Be like José!

Ecuador | 2023 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

José, trapped in a sitcom, has to process an endless flood of documents in order to make a career. His boss determines his amount of work and success. Once full of zest, José soon begins to rebel.
DirectorLeonardo OrtizProducerMabel QuizhpiScreenplayLeonardo Ortiz
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Suicide

Documentary Film

From a snapshot to a portrait of an interesting personality to the exposing reportage, everything that is gripping and innovative can be found in our Documentary Film section. Films of all lengths deal with historical and current developments, tell of touching fates and bigger contexts. In this section the awards Best Documentary Film (awarded to the director) and Outstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film (awarded to cinematography, montage, original film music, book or sound design) are presented.

Одеса уві сні / Dear Odesa

Italy, Ukraine | 2022 | Documentary Feature | 52 Min. | Ukrainian, Russian (English Subtitles)

Afraid of losing touch with his hometown, Kyrylo visits Odessa once again. There, he tries to find out what home means to him by talking to his mother and childhood friends. The documentary sketches a portrait of the city just before the outbreak of war.
DirectorKyrylo NaumkoProducersHeidi GronauerLorenzo Paccagnella
Running for:Best Documentary Film

Screenings:

Ama Osa

Italy | 2022 | Documentary Feature | 48 Min. | Italian (English Subtitles)

Nao works as a camgirl on the internet. Her profession is not only a job, but also an outlet for artistic, self-determined expression. Nao stages, performs and reflects her own body and thus constantly discovers new sides of herself.
DirectorMarija Stefanija Linuža
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Angelique

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 27 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

This powerful portrait takes a look at the impressive life of 70-year-old Angelique Nagel and how she found her way to her true self against all odds. A strong-willed, courageous woman who had to fight to make a living.
DirectorElisabeth Kratzer
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Aralkum

Germany, Uzbekistan | 2022 | Documentary Short | 14 Min. | Kazakh (English Subtitles)

Where once man coexisted with a vibrant nature at the Aral Sea, today there is only desert. Aralkum combines past and present in an experimental portrait.
DirectorsMila ZhluktenkoDaniel Asadi FaeziProducersMila ZhluktenkoDaniel Asadi FaeziScreenplayMila ZhluktenkoDaniel Asadi Faezi
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Dang wo wang xiang ni de shi hou / Will You Look At Me

China | 2022 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | Chinese (English Subtitles)

An intimate and personal look into the life of a young man returning to his hometown. In conversations with his mother, painful differences emerge in their views on love, family and togetherness.
DirectorShuli Huang
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Homophobia

Ein Ort des ständigen Kampfes gegen die Entropie / A place of constant struggle against entropy

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 8 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Every Monday, Peter and his friends meet at the clubhouse to reenact movie scenes from famous Hollywood blockbusters. The attention to detail (and to film) is unmistakable, but it also sometimes takes years to complete a film.
DirectorKevin KochProducerFranziska Unger
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

El cielo es muy bonito / The Sky Is Very Pretty

Mexico | 2022 | Documentary Short | 17 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

In a protected shelter in the south of Mexico, women and children talk about their violent experiences while migrating. The film offers a hopeful glimpse of motherhood, while also showing the fear of an uncertain future.
DirectorAracely MéndezProducersDaniela ContrerasNicolas Défossé
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Filho

Netherlands, Portugal | 2022 | Documentary Short | 22 Min. | Portuguese, Dutch, English (English Subtitles)

Actually, Tomas knows his parents. Born in Brazil in 1993 and adopted from there, he now lives with them in the Netherlands. Now he is faced with the question of whether he should look for his biological mother, or if there are reasons not to do so.
DirectorTomas PonsteenProducersRobijn BoekelmanMyrthe LaarakkerRoosje Vermeulen
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Geschichten Hinter Kleinanzeigen / Unexpected tales of small ads

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 23 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Simply a practical object for some, a hidden gem in the memories of their lives for others: This documentary takes a look at the different personalities and stories behind small ads.
DirectorsEric FeldmannPaul Pietrek
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Golem's Breath

United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany | 2023 | Documentary Short | 16 Min. | German

This semi-fictional short film follows the protagonist to Prague and explores how the medium of film can access the memories of a city. The film is based on the stories of the director's grandmother, who fled Czechoslovakia after the invasion of the Warsaw Pact in 1968.
DirectorVincent Rabas-Kolominsky
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Great Bugs

South Korea | 2023 | Documentary Short | 3 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

From above, people look like ants. Or like a virus, driven by consumerism and mass production, that pounces on the earth's resources.
DirectorCio ParkProducerCio Park
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Heimweh / Homesick

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 7 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

In the essayistic short film Heimweh (Homesick), a woman's voice tells of the state of her body after being sexually assaulted by a man.
DirectorMaja Bresink
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Sexual abuse

Liminal Space: Diving Within

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 22 Min. | Farsi

Das Verarbeiten von Verlust ist komplex, umso mehr für die Filmemacherin Anahita, deren Identität nah an die ihres Vaters gekoppelt ist. In einem Versuch, Tod zu verstehen und sich sich selbst wieder anzunähern, begibt sich Anahita in Liminal Space auf eine experimentelle Expedition zu sich selbst.
DirectorAnahita Safarnejad ChoobaryProducerTinett Marie Kähler
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Mi reino / My Kingdom

Mexico | 2022 | Short Film | 27 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Fernando's home is filled to the brim with knick-knacks that he has been collecting for 30 years. His estranged family doesn't seem to understand that he collects in order to replace something which has long been lost. While Fernando reflects on his life, tenderness reveals itself alongside suffering and remorse.
DirectorLuis J. ArellanoScreenplayLuis J. Arellano
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Mira el silencio / Regard Silence

Mexico | 2022 | Documentary Short | 29 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Poetry does not always require the spoken word. In a creative space, deaf people create and enact poems using Mexican sign language. Mirar el Silencio holds an impressive poetic power of impact by offering a canvas to other ways of naming the world.
DirectorSantiago Zermeño
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Mothertruckers

United Kingdom | 2022 | Documentary Short | 15 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

Lisa loves the freedom of her job as a truck driver, but since Brexit her unconventional lifestyle is increasingly put to the test. Not only does her material existence come under threat, but also the independence and creative space she has created for herself.
DirectorPaula Romero
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

SONNENSTUBE

Italy | 2022 | Documentary Short | 8 Min. | Without Dialogue

Sergio Cortesi has dedicated his life to recording the sun. The film makes use of existing archival footage and provides insights into his work.
DirectorDavide PalellaProducerSebastian Petri
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Stille Wasser / Still Waters

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 29 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Still Waters is a documentation of the destruction in the Ahr valley six months after the catastrophic flooding in the summer of 2021. In the bleak environment destroyed by masses of water, the population clings to small daily activities that promise hope and consolation.
DirectorKevin KochProducerFranziska Unger
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

The Homes We Carry

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Feature | 89 Min. | German, Portuguese, English, Zulu (English Subtitles)

The documentary follows Afro-German Sarah on her journey to Africa to visit the father of her child as well as her own, meanwhile recalling the forgotten history of Mozambican contract workers in East Germany.
DirectorBrenda Akele JordeProducersMiriam HenzeFlorian Schewe
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Unsere Zeit, Unser Zustand. / Our time, our condition.

Germany | 2023 | Documentary Short | 11 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

In fragments, three women talk about their limiting living conditions and their experiences of violence. Not showing their faces ensures a protection they have lacked in their previous experiences. Images of masculinity make what is told indirect.
DirectorChristiane Muñoz
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:sexual abuse
domestic abuse

Warren

Italy, United Kingdom | 2022 | Documentary Short | 18 Min. | English

Many fates of those affected by domestic violence remain hidden. With this film, the filmmaker tries to reconcile with her own traumatic past and overcome the shame that comes with growing up in a violent home.
DirectorGemma LynchProducerClaudio MarcedduScreenplayGemma Lynch
Running for:Best Documentary FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Documentary Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Domestic abuse

Genre Film

Whether sci-fi, western, horror, thriller, fantasy or even a classic romantic comedy – this section features films that push the boundaries of their genre conventions, rethink them and thus breathe fresh life into them. Sehsüchte offers lush genre cinema for hungry popcorn lovers! The Sehsüchte audience decides on the award Best Genre Film.

Dispatchers

Spain | 2022 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Catalan (English Subtitles)

Pau, an exhausted emergency dispatcher, is considering quitting her job. One day, however, she receives an unusual call that turns out to be a woman’s desperate cry for help. Pau is the only one who can help her in this situation.
DirectorAitor PadillaProducersMateu ParelladaIrene AguilarScreenplayIsaac Sastre
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:domestic violence
femicide

Family Toast

South Korea | 2022 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Korean (English Subtitles)

When a mother discovers her daughter with a cigarette, the father suspects that it is no ordinary cigarette. The seemingly harmonious and orderly family life threatens to fall apart.
DirectorJunhyung KIMProducerHyungwoo KIMScreenplayJunhyung KIM
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Gangrena / Gangrene

Spain | 2023 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Two brothers with contrasting personalities try to escape a dreaded plague that has spread through their home village. In the process, the disease eats away not only their bodies, but also their trust in each other.
DirectorIgnacio Gil-Toresano FernándezProducersVictor Sevilleja SilvaXavier JalloisScreenplayAlba Mocho Lizcano
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Korruption auf Erden / Corruption on Earth

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 12 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Corruption on Earth is a satire about the inhumane regime in Iran. At a fictional award ceremony for the "Best Regime in the World", the regime is honoured for its political deeds. The cinematic footage is mixed with real cell phone footage of the current Iran protests.
DirectorOmid MirnourProducersDimitri HempelOmid MirnourGregor MöllersScreenplayOmid Mirnour
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Tabu La Rasa

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 5 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Thea's supposedly perfect life comes apart when a seemingly harmless question triggers an avalanche of possibilities that could bring down her carefully constructed facade. Will she find the courage to tear down her framework of lies?
DirectorEmma BadingProducersLisa Marie BardouxMey Woelke
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Town Hall Square

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | English

Bernard works in a subway ticket office near the town hall. One day, a little tiger shows up and completely turns his orderly life upside down. An animated film about unexpected visitors, annoying radio songs and the joy of life.
DirectorChristian KaufmannProducerPaulina LarsonScreenplayChristian Kaufmann
Running for:Best Animated FilmBest Genre Film

Screenings:

¡Sé como José! / Be like José!

Ecuador | 2023 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

José, trapped in a sitcom, has to process an endless flood of documents in order to make a career. His boss determines his amount of work and success. Once full of zest, José soon begins to rebel.
DirectorLeonardo OrtizProducerMabel QuizhpiScreenplayLeonardo Ortiz
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Suicide

Animated Film

From stop motion to animation to CGI, Sehsüchte is also dedicated to the most inspiring animated works. In this section, the Best Animated Film award is presented.

宇宙人 / Alien Human

China | 2020 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

An extraterrestrial being takes a look at the human world. Poetically, it muses about love, pain, closeness to nature, and the desire to understand the universe logically. With a soft voice, the alien begs the question if, ultimately, we are aliens to everyone but ourselves.
DirectorWEN PANGProducerKoji YamamuraScreenplayWen PangYuewei Wang
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

당신의 사과나무 / The Figure of Unconscious Mind

South Korea | 2022 | Animated Film | 4 Min. | Without Dialogue

In this abstract analogy between life and an apple, one will have to face problems and suffer wounds to push boundaries. Maybe something new will grow out of it.
DirectorJaehyeon KimScreenplayKim Jaehyeon
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

2020 BEST YEAR(S) EVER / Always Continue

Germany | 2022 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | Without Dialogue

Bela struggles with the ongoing lockdown and tries to keep busy with trivial tasks. The fact that he is spiraling is obvious from more than just the disarranged state of his apartment. That is, until he realises he doesn't need to let himself be limited by isolation.
DirectorBéla Bender
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Agasim / Pears

Israel | 2021 | Short Film | 6 Min. | Russian (English Subtitles)

Small Yana wishes for a closer, more heartfelt connection with her mother. But in Yana's family, love is not communicated through cuddles, kisses and soft touches. It is communicated through pain, going by the saying "What you hold most dear, shake like a pear". Yana learns to come to terms with that.
DirectorJulia TrachtenbergProducerJulia TrachtenbergScreenplayJulia Trachtenberg
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Child abuse

Borschtsch mit Brezel / Borscht with Pretzel

Germany | 2022 | Animated Film | 8 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

This animated film tells the story of the prejudices, clichés and problems post-Soviet Jewish families faced upon immigrating to Germany. It takes a sensitive look at the history and experiences of immigrants.
DirectorAnna Ring
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Chimborazo

Spain | 2022 | Animated Film | 7 Min. | Without Dialogue

The people of the volcano Chimborazo hike for hours to gather nearby ice. This age-old tradition and the population’s livelihood is threatened by increasing climate change.
DirectorKeila Cepeda SatánProducersDaniel Barrachina EscalpesTatiana Santiago SollaScreenplayDaniel Barrachina EscalpésKeila Cepeda SatánTina Piñero DíazÁngel Povedano RuizTatiana Santiago SollaFelix Uzurrunzaga Loche
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Cinnamomum

Taiwan | 2022 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | Without Dialogue

How far does one have to go to get back into the endless stream of a child's imagination, and where does it actually lead?
DirectorYu-Hsuan Liu
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Icarus Project

Belgium | 2022 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | Without Dialogue

In Icarus Project, various bird species are confronted with a world nearly devoid of colour, in which scrupulous scientists nip every form of colourful expression in the bud.
DirectorLauren RollyScreenplayLauren Rolly
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Kolaj / Collage

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

Growing up, a girl notices that the world around her is becoming more and more complicated, with lines appearing on the faces of those around her. While she tries to interpret the strange lines, she struggles with her own lines from childhood.
DirectorGülce Besen DilekProducerGülce Besen DilekScreenplayGülce Besen DilekGülce Besen Dilek
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Naphtha Tears

Belgium | 2022 | Animated Film | 15 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

In Naptha Tears, the human body is broken up into images, fragmented and displayed in front of a
questioned in front of a seemingly infinite computer-generated landscape. On this journey we touch upon images of pop culture, capitalism and the Hollywood sphere.
DirectorDominique De Groen
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Flashing lights

Pussy Love

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 4 Min. | English

Pussy Love invites you on a seductive journey where body and gender merge and the freedom to pursue pleasure takes centre stage.
DirectorLinda KraussProducerLinda KraussScreenplayLinda Krauss
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Saft / Juice

Germany | 2022 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | Without Dialogue

In a dark and clammy space, round creatures comradely moisten each other. However, their shared bliss is disturbed by bugs time and time again. Only after the creatures squash them, does the bugs' contribution to the community become apparent.
DirectorMona KeilProducerIsabella BraunScreenplayMona KeilLion Durst
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Sierra

Estonia | 2022 | Animated Film | 16 Min. | Without Dialogue

Father and son take part in the local car race. In order to bring home the victory, however, the son must become a car tire himself. This animated film transports us into the surreal world of car racing and parental expectations.
DirectorSander JoonProducersErik HeinsaluAurelia AasaScreenplaySander Joon
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:implied suicide

Testigo del Viento / Wind Whisperer

Germany, Ecuador | 2022 | Short Film | 7 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

This narrative depicts the fragile living splendour and fading state of a cicada. The film shows an instinctive journey through love, acceptance, transformation, death and infinity.
DirectorFernanda Caicedo
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Town Hall Square

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | English

Bernard works in a subway ticket office near the town hall. One day, a little tiger shows up and completely turns his orderly life upside down. An animated film about unexpected visitors, annoying radio songs and the joy of life.
DirectorChristian KaufmannProducerPaulina LarsonScreenplayChristian Kaufmann
Running for:Best Animated FilmBest Genre Film

Screenings:

Under The Endless Sky

Austria, Ukraine | 2022 | Animated Film | 4 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

Since the war against Ukraine, daily life has changed for many. A journey through the past questions how to preserve memories and their meaning.
DirectorAlexandra Dzhiganskaya
Running for:Best Animated Film

Screenings:

Focus Production

With its Focus Production section, Sehsüchte is one of the few festivals that takes a look behind the scenes of a film. What counts here is not only what is ultimately seen on the screen, but also the process that led to this result, which is usually invisible elsewhere. At Focus Production filmmakers can, for example, score points with innovative financing methods, fair working conditions, convincing gender equality concepts, sustainable use of resources and much more. Students from German-speaking universities in the DACH region can therefore be awarded the Best Production prize. 

بطلان / Killing Bagheera

Germany, Syria | 2022 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Kurdish (English Subtitles)

Alan and Bekes are on the run from their homeland. On their way to Europe, the two Kurdish brothers get into extreme situations that push them to their mental and physical limits. Hidden fears come to the surface, dividing them profoundly.
DirectorMuschirf Shekh ZeynProducerSeren Sahin
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:War
Displacement

ALMOST HOME

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 30 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

After two years aboard a spaceship, Jacob and his mother make their way back to Earth. Their joy wanes when a threat in their home country puts their relationship to the test. Jacob matures when he is faced with a decision.
DirectorNils KellerProducerJonas LembeckScreenplayNils Keller
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Border Conversations

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 30 Min. | Polish, English (English Subtitles)

November 2021 - thousands of migrants are trying to enter the EU via Belarus and Poland. This documentary accompanies a humanitarian organisation working tirelessly at the border. They attempt to respond to the desperate calls for help they receive on a daily basis via chat.
DirectorJonathan BrunnerProducerTristan Schneider
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:War
Displacement

Das Einhorn mit der Schneehose rannte plötzlich los / The Unicorn in Snowpants Suddenly Ran Off

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 18 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

This documentary gives access to the realm of imagination of three blind children. Stories, larks and telephone calls take on new meanings.
DirectorPhilipp SchaefferProducerFabian Leonhardt
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Drei Frauen / Three Women

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Feature | 85 Min. | Ukrainian (English Subtitles)

Maria, a postwoman, Nelya, a biologist, and Hanna, a farmer, live in Stushytsia, Ukraine, near the border to Poland and Slovakia. This documentary portrays not only a foreign "cold place," but also three women who gradually seem to thaw and open up.
DirectorMaksym MelnykProducerMaksym Melnyk
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

ISTINA (Wahrheit)

Germany, Serbia | 2023 | Short Film | 29 Min. | Serbian (English Subtitles)

Jelena is a photojournalist for an investigative newsroom in Belgrade, Serbia. She courageously documents critical protests, risking her life in the process. After an attack, she decides to go to Germany with her daughter Lara. In her new home, however, she also encounters fierce resistance and violence.
DirectorTamara DenicProducerChristian SiéeScreenplayDavid Lorenz
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Violence

WAS WIR WOLLEN / Of kisses and capes

Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 28 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Isi and Finn are actually happy, but one issue puts their otherwise harmonious relationship to the test. Longing for sexual intimacy, the couple begins to explore sex with physical disabilities alongside self-doubt, ultimately exploring one thing: what they really want.
DirectorElena WeissProducerPaula Maria Martin-KargScreenplaySophie Dittmer
Running for:Best Production

Screenings:

Future

In this section we show children from the age of 6 and young people from the age of 12 exciting, unconventional and sight-seeing short and feature-length films in a wide variety of forms. The winning films are decided solely by a children’s and youth jury. The Best Kids Film and Best Teens Film prizes are awarded in this section.

Future Kids

Сальвадор Дали / Salvador Dali

Kyrgyzstan | 2021 | Short Film | 19 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorEldiar MadakimProducersMeder SuyundukovEldiar MadakimNurbek AlibashovScreenplayEldiar Madakim
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Anscht

Switzerland | 2021 | Animated Film | 3 Min. | German

DirectorMatthias HuberProducerFred TrunigerScreenplayMatthias Huber
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Darb'oħra / Another Time

Malta | 2022 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Maltese (English Subtitles)

DirectorSarah ZammitProducersJean Pierre BorgJulian GuillaumierScreenplaySarah Zammit
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Die Schule brennt und wir wissen warum / The school is on fire and we know why

Germany | 2023 | Short Film | 25 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

DirectorJanina LutterProducerPaul GalliScreenplayJanina Lutter
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Dream in Color

Belgium | 2022 | Short Film | 6 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorMarijn RaevenProducerMarijn RaevenScreenplayMarijn Raeven
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Ferme les Yeux / Close your Eyes

France | 2022 | Animated Film | 7 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

DirectorsManon BérardengoAudrey DefonteLéo DepoixDenis KoesslerClémentine LaurentPierre GuislainChloé BoursierScreenplayManon Bérardengo
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Giant & the Seed

Germany | 2022 | Animated Film | 10 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorSara ShabaniProducerSara ShabaniScreenplaySara Shabani
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

IDODO

Switzerland, Papua New Guinea, United States | 2021 | Animated Film | 10 Min. | English, German, French

DirectorUrsula UlmiProducerUrsula Ulmi
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Liberation

Iran | 2022 | Short Film | 2 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

DirectorMilad Maleki KahengiProducerMilad Maleki KahengiScreenplayMilad Maleki Kahengi
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Oliver auf Kammerjagd / Oliver's Pixie Hunt

Germany | 2022 | Genre Film | 25 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

DirectorsKai ZwettlerMirko MuhshoffProducersLeona BrunsIvan DjambovJessica KreciszMirko MuhshoffKai ZwettlerScreenplayMirko MuhshoffKai Zwettler
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Una Aprendiz Invisible / An Invisible Apprentice

Argentina | 2022 | Short Film | 12 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

DirectorEmilia HerbstProducerEduardo DriuzziScreenplayDenise Denise UmaschiMariana PlanellaEmilia Herbst
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Vigurivänt Volli / Troublemaker Tommy

Estonia | 2021 | Animated Film | 15 Min. | Estonian (English Subtitles)

DirectorsRao HeidmetsPauline HeidmetsProducerKerdi Oengo-KuusikScreenplayRao Heidmets
Running for:Best Kids Film

Screenings:

Future Teens

אצות ים / Seaweed

Germany, Israel | 2022 | Short Film | 25 Min. | Hebrew

DirectorLiel SimonProducerGal TamirScreenplayLiel Simon
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Actually literally Arm in Arm

Germany | 2022 | Documentary Short | 16 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Between deep conversations and silly sidewalk fights, between becoming a woman and wanting to stay a child, between sexist Instagram comments and Germany's Next Topmodel, we dive into the world of a girl clique and their lives.
DirectorNatalie FischerProducerLucy BetuliusScreenplayYves Guillaume
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Blaues Rauschen / Blue Noise

Germany, Austria | 2022 | Short Film | 17 Min. | German

DirectorSimon Maria KubienaProducersAnje Jule HarigTristan SchneiderScreenplaySimon Maria KubienaMalgorzata Zglinska
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Einblick / Insight

Austria | 2022 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | German

DirectorEmma BraunProducersEmma BraunSophia SzönyiScreenplayEmma Braun
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Flowerboy

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 9 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

DirectorsNicolas SchönbergerThomas HütteProducerYannik KreßScreenplayNicolas SchönbergerThomas Hütte
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Goals

Belgium | 2022 | Documentary Short | 15 Min. | Dutch (English Subtitles)

DirectorFlorinda CiucioProducerIlse Schoonekaep
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Leyla

Turkey | 2022 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

DirectorNursen Çetin KörekenProducerÜmit KörekenScreenplayNursen Çetin Köreken
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Muss ja nicht sein, dass es heute ist / It doesn't have to be today

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 8 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

DirectorSophia GroeningProducerBazon RosengarthScreenplaySophia Groening
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Oasis

Canada | 2022 | Documentary Short | 14 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

DirectorJustine MartinProducerLouis-Emmanuel Gagné Brochu
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Pilona / Bedwetter

Peru | 2022 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

DirectorJuly NatersProducerBeto Benites
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Sfat Av / Father Tongue

Israel | 2022 | Short Film | 19 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

DirectorIvgeny GashinskyProducerIris Ben MosheScreenplayIvgeny Gashinsky
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

Wheels On The Bus

Nepal | 2022 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Nepalese (English Subtitles)

DirectorSurya ShahiProducersJagadish HamalSushant ShresthaScreenplayRajesh KhatriSurya Shahi
Running for:Best Teens Film

Screenings:

360°

The virtual reality section 360° explores the possibilities of visual storytelling in virtual space. The audience thus experiences a new cinematic environment that is not limited to the big screen. Immersive storytelling creates potential for new stories and poses challenges for filmmakers, making it particularly interesting for young filmmakers. That is why we are awarding the prize for Best 360°-Film in this section.

Aguario: Estados alterados / Aguario: Altered States

Argentina | 2023 | 360° | 2 Min. | Spanish

A glowing polygon landscape in the dark shows what is on the other side of the mirror. The intro to the Metvica Paprena saga, that alludes to a reflection of Aldo van Eyck in the last Congrès Internationaux d‘Architecture Moderne in 1956.
DirectorBela PaprenaProducerBela Paprena
Running for:Best VR Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Flashing Lights
Explosions
Skeletons

Before We Eat

Germany, Denmark | 2023 | 360° | 14 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

A very normal family dinner, with all the good and bad family dinners tend to have. One seat is empty: yours.
DirectorMikkel HaynesProducersJohanna PigorsMikkel HaynesScreenplayMikkel Haynes
Running for:Best VR Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Death

Castle of Unknowing

United States | 2022 | 360° | 6 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorDamian Thorn-Hauswirth
Running for:Best VR Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Small Spaces
Large bodies of water
Height

Cycle of Violence (VR)

Germany | 2022 | 360° | 8 Min. | English

A sweet, innocent bunny rabbit girl is everything you wish for in a relationship. Then the mood shifts, and everything falls apart. But there is nothing you can’t fix with the right words, right?
DirectorFelicia BergströmProducerFelicia BergströmScreenplayFelicia Bergström
Running for:Best VR Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Body Horror

Reimagined Volume I: Nyssa

United States | 2022 | 360° | 16 Min. | English

The journey of the young witch, Nyssa, on her way to find her lost broom. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm folktale „The Story of the Boy Who Went Forth to Learn Fear“.
DirectorJulie CavaliereProducersPeter ArietRyan Genji ThomasMichaela Ternasky-HollandScreenplayJulie Cavaliere
Running for:Best VR Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Fllashing Lights
Snakes
Blood
Height
Caves

Sehsüchte Special

In Sehsüchte Special, current international events and topics will take center stage. Be it the focus on Iranian filmmakers, queer cinema from Ukraine, immigration issues or animated films that have been created in a very short timeframe: This section allows us to broaden our horizons and look beyond our own backyards.

Animation Unplugged

A Visitor

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorAnna Dokuchaeva
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

An einem schnöden Tage / Once upon a dull day

Germany | 2011 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | German

DirectorJonas Lieberknecht
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Cleaning Day

Germany | 2015 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorVeronica Solomon
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Der Tag / The Day

Germany | 2022 | 1 Min. | German

DirectorEmilia Zieser
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Der Tag, an dem ich die Trägheit besiegte / The day I conquered inertia

Germany | 2011 | Short Film | 1 Min. | German

DirectorMaxi Alker
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Grau / Grey

Germany | 2011 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorJakob Besuch
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Halt still, ich kämme dir deine Gedanken schön

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 60 Min. | German

DirectorElina Gkekas
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Introspektion

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorAnna Makarova
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Little Singer

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 0 Min. | Without Dialogue

The curtain is up, the stage is clear, the microphone on: Let the show begin. The little singer steps forward and everyone is waiting with bated breath what singing talents are about to be heard. She clears her throat one more time and then it starts. But what is this? She’s not really going to lick the microphone like a popsicle, is she? Surely an idea we’ve all had at one time or another!
DirectorHao Yu
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Mondtanz / Moon Dance

Germany | 2022 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorLaura Isabel Schneider
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Profil

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorGiulia Falciani
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Song of a snail

Germany | 2019 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | English

DirectorSophie Kalinowsky
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Sternenbad

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 1 Min. | German

DirectorElina Gkekas
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

What Gil has to say

Germany | 2023 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | English

DirectorHao Yu
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Widerstand / Fight Back

Germany | 2017 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | Without Dialogue

DirectorVeronica Solomon
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Wüste

Germany | 2011 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | German

DirectorJakob Besuch
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Iran

Baalaa Oftadan / Falling Up

Iran | 2022 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

One night, a man has an inexplicable dream. To get to the bottom of it, he visits the Institute of Dreams, where dreams are controlled and examined. He has an unexpected encounter in the process.
DirectorMaryam BakhtiariScreenplayMaryam BakhtiariAmin Chadegani

Screenings:

Digari / The other

Iran | 2022 | Animated Film | 14 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

Farhad is given the task of sorting the memoirs of a long-dead woman. While working, he falls in love with the old lady's supposed niece. During their first date, he notices many new mysterious details.
DirectorNegah SohrabiProducerAbolfazel Amir

Screenings:

Hanged

Iran | 2019 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

Parvaneh is a 40-year-old hangwoman from Yazd province. In her daily life, she is regularly confronted with having to hang people.
DirectorRoqiye TavakoliProducersMohammad Hadi AkhondiGholamreza DastjerdiScreenplayFarshad Rezaei
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Horn

Iran | 2018 | Short Film | 8 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

During her urgent search for a parking space in Tehran, a young woman is distracted by men on the street, but ultimately manages to find a solution.
DirectorGhasideh GolmakaniProducerGhasideh GolmakaniScreenplayGhasideh Golmakani
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Icky

Iran | 2017 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | Without Dialogue

In the world of people with a solved Rubik's Cube head, there is a child who is different from the others...
DirectorParastoo CardgarScreenplayParastoo Cardgar
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Korruption auf Erden / Corruption on Earth

Germany | 2022 | Short Film | 12 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Corruption on Earth is a satire about the inhumane regime in Iran. At a fictional award ceremony for the "Best Regime in the World", the regime is honoured for its political deeds. The cinematic footage is mixed with real cell phone footage of the current Iran protests.
DirectorOmid MirnourProducersDimitri HempelOmid MirnourGregor MöllersScreenplayOmid Mirnour
Running for:Best Fiction FilmBest Genre FilmOutstanding Artistic Achievement in a Fiction Film

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Explicit violence

Left'Over

Iran, Austria | 2018 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | Without Dialogue

In a poetic journey between two worlds, East and West, Austria and Iran, gender stereotypes within both cultures are questioned.
DirectorYasaman Hasani
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Man khod, man ham miraghsam / And Me, I´m Dancing Too

Germany, Czech Republic, Iran | 2023 | Short Film | 21 Min. | Farsi (English Subtitles)

Dancing makes Saba feel free. A feeling she doesn't know in her home country, Iran. In this poetic production, Saba rebels against the Islamic Republic and blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
By: Mohammad Valizadegan
DirectorMohammad ValizadeganProducersKaveh FarnamFarzad PakScreenplayAmineh Mazrouie AraniMohammad Valizadegan
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Sexual and abusive violence

Moment and Forever

Iran, Australia | 2019 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | Without Dialogue

Moments and Forever is about a woman struggling for her freedom and identity. As she dances through the whispering silhouette of men, she walks her path undaunted.
DirectorYasaman Hasani
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Report on a Termination

Iran | 2021 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

A young journalist documents a series of dismissals in a reportage until she herself gets into a predicament and is fired.
DirectorTahereh ShabanianScreenplayArezoo Shabanian
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Tangle

Iran | 2019 | Animated Film | 7 Min. | Without Dialogue

A young woman loses her home in the war and with it all her memories and loved ones. It is now a matter of surviving and crossing geographical borders to leave the old life behind.
DirectorMaliheh GholamzadehProducerJavad Hosseininezhad
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:War depiction

Taxi is Here

Iran | 2020 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

A mysterious woman decides to share a secret with a taxi driver who looks familiar. This supposed secret tempts her to invite him to her home.
DirectorSara AghababayanProducerSara AghababayanScreenplaySara Aghababayan
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

The Region

Iran | 2022 | Short Film | 23 Min. | Farsi (English Subtitles)

A young woman is confronted with the challenges of being a woman on set and fights for her freedom as a creative actress.
DirectorASMA Ebrahimzadegan
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

The Toaster I used to live in

Iran, Canada | 2016 | Documentary Short | 7 Min. | Persian (English Subtitles)

Four Iranian girls of the same age express their opinions on extramarital sex.
DirectorRojin Shafier
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Montage Forum

Sonne

Austria | 2022 | Feature Film | 87 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

DirectorKurdwin AyubProducerUlrich SeidlScreenplayKurdwin Ayub
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Queer Cinema: International

Дубравка / Dubravka

Ukraine | 1967 | Feature Film | 75 Min. | Russian (English Subtitles)

A girl called Dubravka plays football with other children, climbs trees and swims in the sea. But childhood ends and she enters adulthood. She wants to be alone, dream and think about life. And suddenly she falls in love for the first time in her life...
DirectorRadomyr Vasylevsky
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Море. Вітер. Нахуя. / Sea. Wind. WTF.

Ukraine | 2017 | 12 Min. | Ukrainian (English Subtitles)

An abandoned house on the sea coast, an overcast sky and a camera shared by 3 friends.
DirectorSashko Protyah
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Фільм-пісок / The film of sand

Ukraine | 2019 | 13 Min. | Ukrainian (English Subtitles)

'The Film of Sand' is an auto-fictional essay about a gay community that makes use of a communication network consisting of amateur radio and grassroot hook-up apps. While the air is constantly interrupted by homophobic messages made of the intercepted military ciphers used by the Russian army, networks of love, empathy, and support become ever stronger. Produced as a close observation of everyday media practices and the social life of love relations, The Film of Sand takes a close look at the interrelations of war and intimacy, threat and empathy, fiction and documentation.
DirectorSashko Protyah
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Щасливі роки / The Wonderful Years

Ukraine | 2018 | Documentary Short | 9 Min. | Russian, Ukrainian (English Subtitles)

The research film “The Wonderful Years” tells stories of women dealing with heterosexuality in late Soviet Ukraine. The film is based on the archive video materials and interview excerpts from three research projects.
DirectorsGalina YarmanovaSvitlana Shymko
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Dendro Dreams

Ukraine | 2018 | Documentary Short | 24 Min. | Ukrainian, Russian, English (English Subtitles)

A film about the relationships of humans and trees. An attempt to question human gaze upon nature, recognize subjectivity of a tree and approach its radical otherness.
We look into the case of fifteen “winners” of the National Trees of Ukraine competition and explore the image of a tree as reflected in the language of legislation, journalism and poetry.
DirectorsElias ParvulescoTeta Tsybulnyk
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Remember the Smell of Mariupol

Ukraine, Australia | 2022 | Documentary Short | 5 Min. | English

Director Zoya Laktionova talks about her 2 months of experience abroad in a state of two realities. Her documentary essay interacts with two landscapes in the same space of the video work. The work uses archival family photos of the artist and texts written in the first weeks of the war. The work absorbs one landscape into another, but it is difficult to understand what kind of landscape this act carries out.
DirectorZoya LaktionovaProducerZoya Laktionova
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

The Secret, The Girl, And The Boy

Ukraine | 2017 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Ukrainian

The Secret, The Girl and The Boy was shot in a course of one day in Tatarka neighborhood, Kyiv, Ukraine. The neighborhood is a hilly territory, part of which is summer houses and gardens. The garden The Girl and The Boy play in is an abandoned one. They have time and space to experience certain behaviors out of its’ usual order.
DirectorOksana Kazmina
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

VIDEOACT

Bogaz / Bosphorus

Turkey | 2017 | Short Film | 7 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

Bogaz follows a curious young woman in a dystopian Istanbul. Two different states in dispute govern the two different sides of Bosphorus (strait). Communication and transport between the two sides are prohibited. The woman has a pair of binoculars, and she is obsessed with watching the other side which she has never been to and knows nothing about.
DirectorsEmre BirismenFatma BelkisProducersFatma BelkisEmre BirismenScreenplayFatma BelkisEmre Birismen
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Buhar / Vapor

Turkey | 2020 | Short Film | 9 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

Three women stop for a break at a highway rest area and cheerfully chatter away in an unfathomable language. But after a while, two of the women mysteriously disappear.
DirectorEmre BirismenProducersEmre BirismenIpek ErdenScreenplayEmre Birismen
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Hepgece / Evernight

Turkey | 2015 | Short Film | 18 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

At this endless night when the sun does not come up, and the darkness prevailed, Woman and Man search for a solution in leaving their normal life, property, and civilization as we know it, and going to nature. They depart and leave their friends after a dinner which has less excitement than before to test their hope about social revival.
DirectorsEmre BirismenFatma BelkisProducersFatma BelkisEmre BirismenScreenplayFatma BelkisEmre Birismen
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Kule / Tower

Turkey | 2022 | Short Film | 21 Min. | Turkish (English Subtitles)

The sun rises on Sunday morning in Berlin. On her way home, Derin finds herself thinking about what she left behind. She remembers why and how she moved abroad.
DirectorEmre BirismenProducerZeynep EkmekçiScreenplayEmre Birismen
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Retrospective

The Retrospective is Sehsüchte‘s look into student film history. The programme not only brings older films from the archives back to light, but also updates their meanings and aesthetic experience.

Ein Herbst im Ländchen Bärwalde / An Autumn in the Little Country of Bärwalde

Germany | 1967 | Documentary Short | 30 Min. | German

Gautam Bora (director) only knew the descriptions of German farms from children's books. This film compares and contrasts his preconceived ideas with the realities of farm families’ daily and working life in Germany and India.
DirectorsGautam BoraHelmut Kießling

Screenings:

Erste Begegnung / First Encounter

Germany | 1979 | Documentary Short | 22 Min. | German

Gabriela Hochneder (director) tells the story of a married couple who ventures to new shores by adopting two sisters, a teenager and a toddler. The film addresses the question of the meaning of family with an empathetic eye.
DirectorGabriela Hochneder

Screenings:

Glück auf - Bilder einer Begegnung / Good Luck - Pictures of an Encounter

Germany | 1981 | Documentary Short | 25 Min. | German

Rainer Burmeister (director) tells a story about everyday working life of 46 young Mozambican people in the GDR who were employed as contract workers. Among them is 20-year-old Luisa, who worked in the mining industry and, like the others, is now training to be a craftswoman. 
DirectorRainer Burmeister 

Screenings:

Ich lache, um nicht zu weinen / I Laugh so as Not to Cry

Germany | 1982 | Documentary Short | 30 Min. | German

This portrait shows Black cartoonist Oliver Harrington from New York, who fled to the GDR. For his political drawings, he drew on worldly anecdotes and his love of storytelling. Director Hans Hattop later taught videography at the University of Film and Television.
DirectorHans Hattop

Screenings:

Meiningen-Meiningen

Germany | 1980 | Documentary Short | 29 Min. | German

The documentary is about the everyday work of a brigade in a MITROPA dining car. It begins with the preparations for work and accompanies the staff throughout the day. The film portrait addresses and problematizes the challenges of the workforce in the GDR.
DirectorsGudrun SteinbrückJulia Kunert

Screenings:

Zwei aus Soweto / Two from Soweto

Germany | 1977 | Documentary Short | 21 Min. | German

The film tells the story of Hans and Peter, who protested in the Johannesburg ghetto in 1976. There, they witnessed the murder of 300 black pupils and students by racist police forces. The film allows them to talk about what happened. 

DirectorHashim SaidScreenplayErwin Burkert

Screenings:

Showcase

Every year we offer films from the Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF as well as from an international partner university of the Filmuniversität the opportunity to present their most exciting or successful films in a showcase. The programme will be presented out of competition.

Universitário de Lisboa

Days Without

Estonia, Portugal, Scotland | 2021 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Russian, Estonian (English Subtitles)

After a chaotic episode with his wife, Russian-Estonian worker Nikolai is left alone with his one-year-old daughter Sophia. As time passes, he begins to doubt his abilities as a father and his ability to reunite with his wife.
DirectorÍvar Erik YeomanProducerBia TafnerScreenplayStella Carneiro

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Displacement
Domestic Violence

In the Middle of Nowhere

Portugal | 2022 | Animated Film | 3 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

Three people struggle with living up to the expectations of a society based on the gender binary. Gender as we know it is deconstructed in conversation.
DirectorSam MarquesProducerSam Marques

Screenings:

Kumaru

Portugal | 2021 | Animated Film | 4 Min. | Portuguese

Kumaru is a strange creature. It collects fireflies to light its way through the darkness. The only light it knows. But suddenly, something else catches its attention.
DirectorsBruno MaravilhaPatrícia SantosTânia Teixeira

Screenings:

Leidsin

Estonia, Portugal, Scotland | 2021 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Estonian (English Subtitles)

When Agnes notices a suspicious group of men, she decides to follow them. In an abandoned house, she discovers a Russian man tied up. What has put him in this position? Is it a game or revenge? No matter what, she must free him before Mihkel arrives to finish the job.
DirectorRagne MandriProducerLaura García BaezaScreenplayStella Carneiro

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Death
Violence

Sink Away

Portugal | 2021 | 12 Min.

A young, lonely man expresses his feelings for a ghost stuck in a changing room. A cycle of attraction and suppression begins. Once they finally connect, there’s no turning back.
DirectorFelix CognardProducerMatheus PeçanhaScreenplayKelton Smith

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Mental Illness
Displacement

When The Earth Bleeds

15 Min.

The plague brings out the worst in people. The protagonist, however, remains immune. He desperately tries to save his wife and protect his son. He travels through a village where nothing is as it seems. A loss of reality, saturated with memories of another life.

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Blood
Death
Violence

Film University Babelsberg

Entbandung

Germany | 2022 | 10 Min.

In a palace where humans serve giants, the servants wear blue ribbons as a sign of oppression. A day later, the ribbon is around a new neck. They fear what will happen when it is taken off.
DirectorAnita BruneburgProducerAnita Bruneburg
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Death
Violence

I Was Never Really Here

Germany | 2022 | 23 Min.

One summer, two boys, and a lifetime of change. Sam and his mother Rita take in their old friend, Gifty, and her son, Kwesi. As Sam begins to fall in love with Kwesi and question his identity, the bond is threatened by Kwesi's lack of residency status.
DirectorGabriel ArrahnioProducersVincent EduseiFrithjof StückemannScreenplayJudith Rose GyabaahJohanna Bungarten
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Scheisswetter

Germany | 2022 | 18 Min.

Lotte is mad at Tobi: In the middle of his midlife crisis, he seems to have traded his rainy home and his best friend for sunny, cheerful places. With his brief return, the question arises as to how the friendship can continue in spite of distance and injury.
DirectorJens Kevin GeorgProducersLuis MoratJelena BohnetScreenplayJens Kevin Georg
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Schwarmtiere / The Swarmers

Germany | 2022 | 30 Min.

Karla doesn't have it easy as a newcomer at boarding school. Between bullying and exclusion, the 16-year-old is confronted with power struggles amongst teenagers. This adaptation of Rainer Maria Rilke's "Gym Class" shows Karla's attempt at dealing with these challenges.
DirectorAlison KuhnProducersLaura ZeuchAngelina HermannScreenplayAlison Kuhn
Running for:Out of Competition

Screenings:

Content WarningContains mentions/depictions of:Abuse
Death

Schreibsüchte

The screenplay is more than the mere preliminary stage of a finished film, but an artistic work in its own right. In this section it takes centre stage. Innovative stories, brought into form through precise narrative craft, have a chance to win the Best Screenplay award. The nominated, previously unfilmed screenplays will be presented to the festival audience in the staged reading “Kopfkino”. But authors who have not yet finished a book also have the opportunity to present their ideas. In the Pitch, students can convince the jury with their idea and receive the prize for the Best Pitch.

Kopfkino

Alles geschieht heute

Germany | 2022 | German

Everything is too much for Wes right now: an essay is due for school, his little sister wants to go to the movies with him, he's supposed to take care of his bedridden mother, and then there's that uncertain togetherness after the night with Lucy... A heartwarming coming-of-age novel adaptation about the trials and tribulations of growing up.
Screenplay Jacqueline Jansen
Running for:Best Script

Screenings:

Die Libau-Unternehmung

Germany | 2022 | German

World War I is raging. Wilhelm, a disgraced German cryptographer, agrees to help an Irish nationalist rebel against British power. Disguised as a teacher, he goes to an Irish school where his national pride is put to the test.
Screenplay Maximilian Stolz
Running for:Best Script

Screenings:

Die Schlachten der Madame Kaulla

Germany | German

For decades, Jewish merchant Karoline Kaulla has made a name for herself, even rising into the royal circles. Her political, as well as familial and existential struggles in the anti-Semitic climate of 18th century Southern Germany are illustrated in this three-hour historical drama.
Screenplay Mathis Van Den Berg
Running for:Best Script

Screenings:

Rosanna, Jaris & die Anderswelt

Switzerland | 2023 | German

Eight-year-old Rosanna experiences a tremendous blow of fate: her brother falls seriously ill and is hospitalised. The only remedy is the inviting circus outside Rosanna's window, which allows her to escape to a magical parallel society and lets her work through her fear of loss.
Screenplay Sandra Moser
Running for:Best Script

Screenings:

The Chocolate Trap

Germany | 2022 | German

Having just moved in with her mischievous aunt, Emma finds a book written by her missing mother that opens the door to a fairy tale universe. Along with Arthur the pirate, Emma sets off on a magical adventure filled with mysteries and secrets to uncover the reason for her parents’ disappearance.
Screenplay Pia Schuster
Running for:Best Script

Screenings:

Pitch

Die Bischofskrone

Germany | German

After murdering the encroaching Bishop Hilarius, the nun Magdalena is on the run from his followers. She meets the notorious robber Albrecht Moorbrunn and rebels with him against Catholic rule in the early 16th century. A fictional revenge film.
Author Leif Eisenberg
Running for:Best Pitch

Events:

Die Seeräuber-Jenny Lotte Lenya

Germany | German

While Bertolt Brecht's Threepenny Opera achieved worldwide fame, Lotte Lenya, performer of the buccaneer Jenny, became known predominantly as composer Kurt Weill's "wife and muse." It's high time to hear Lotte's perspective on the turbulent 1920s and 30s.
Author Wiebke Becker
Running for:Best Pitch

Events:

Ich weiß, was du nicht weißt

Germany | German

When computer-savvy teen Robert meets the mysterious Maria on the Darknet, she makes him an unusual offer: program troll and bot armies for a right-wing underground organisation? The order is tempting - the consequences hardly foreseeable.
Author Georg Reinke
Running for:Best Pitch

Events:

Proof of Soul

Germany | German

Assassinations under seemingly arbitrary motives have become commonplace in the near future. The biologist Olivia therefore puts forward an explosive thesis: Not every human being possesses a soul and each:r soulless could become a danger. A socially critical series about empathy.
Authors Sandra Gordon-SchneiderPaul Ploberger
Running for:Best Pitch

Events:

Sir Michael, Paladin von Lisas Gnaden

Germany | German

Family man Michael is completely overwhelmed by his daughter's sudden cancer diagnosis. He takes refuge in pen-and-paper adventures, roaming the countryside as a paladin in search of a cure for his daughter. But the real world and Lisa call for a true family hero.
Author Martin König
Running for:Best Pitch

Events:

Exhibition

In addition to the festival’s film programme, the exhibition will present media art that uses modern technologies in a creative way and is dedicated to innovative forms of narration. This includes, for example, topics such as XR, artificial intelligence, projection mapping, sensor- or web-based systems.

DOR

Germany | 2023 | Exhibition Piece | 25 Min.

"DOR" is a musical journey through the landscape of the soul, a sound expedition that interweaves the intimate whispers of nature and the timeless echoes of folk belief. The harmonies and sound structures invite the participants to connect with their Dor.
ArtistsAndreea-Cristina Mircea NINANIÑAMaurício Brito

Events:

Das Ding / The Thing

Germany | 2021 | Exhibition Piece | 16 Min. | English

"The Thing" is an interactive installation that puts a forgotten tube television set into the spotlight and gives it a voice and identity. Through text boxes and film footage, visitors can communicate with the TV and discover its feelings and memories.
ArtistsMargarita GehlJonas PeschelConstantin Ruchay

Events:

From The Main Square

Germany | 2022 | Exhibition Piece | 19 Min. | Without Dialogue

A new city is being built around its main square. A place full of stories, edifications and conflicts. Relationships and cultures mature. Groups turn against each other. A civilization blossoms, with all its contradictions, only to endanger itself.
DirectorPedro HarresProducerLorena JunghansScreenplayAngelina UrbanczykRafael Loss

Events:

I'm not a robot

Germany | 2023 | Exhibition Piece | 25 Min. | English

The installation "I'm not a robot" allows the visitors to interact with the internet of an alternative timeline through a telephone. Created as a place of social exchange, it now contains only AI systems without purpose and cultural artefacts that have become irrelevant.
ArtistsMarco BrauneAnna BrauwersJonathan HoTim RumpfTillman Jex SchäubleVivien SchreiberJannis VolzMarco Winter

Events:

In der Hölle sind die Flammen türkis / In hell the flames are turquoise

Germany | 2022 | Exhibition Piece | 15 Min.

"In Hell, the Flames are Turquoise" is a VR experience conceived as a walk-through poem and digital performance. At first glance. you find yourself in an idyllic place that turns out to be a grotesque world full of glitches and unsettling encounters.
ArtistKatia Sophia Ditzler

Events:

Lehrsprüche der Bauernschlauen / Maxims of the cunning

Germany | 2022 | Exhibition Piece | German

Farmer’s Wisdom is a cycle of poems that refers to the farmer’s almanack in an ironic way and is extended through alternative reality. An opulent and surreal baroque aesthetic underlines the character of the poems, which were partially conceptualised as streams of consciousness. Developed and realised in cooperation with the AURORA School of Artists.
ArtistKatia Sophia Ditzler

Events:

Mythological Practice

Exhibition Piece

"Mythological Practice" is an immersive VR installation that encourages users to discover a part of the mythological landscape of Romanian space through interactions. Each user interaction triggers a narrative.
ArtistFlorin-Adrian Marc

Events:

Remote

Germany | 2021 | Exhibition Piece | 15 Min. | English

"REMOTE" presents a game excerpt in which the players explore a part of a space station whose contact with Earth has been broken. In doing so, they can explore what is happening on board via the environment and the playing of holograms previously recorded by the crew.
ArtistVivien Schreiber

Events:

The Vanish

Germany | 2022 | Exhibition Piece | 20 Min. | German

The interactive VR experience "The Vanish" brings one of the most serious human diseases to life: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. In doing so, "The Vanish" moves between film and game as a 20-minute immersive narrative experience.
ArtistLinda Maas

Events:

Event programme

In addition to the films, the event programme ensures that your Sehsüchte experience will be unforgettable. Live music, parties, interesting workshops, masterclasses and panels as well as a festive opening and awards ceremony ensure a unique time during the festival.

Events

Opening Ceremony

On Wednesday evening, we will celebrate the kick-off of the 52nd International Student Film Festival Sehsüchte. At the festive opening ceremony, we’ll welcome our guests and give insights into this year's film programme. Our host, dubbing artist and actress Derya Flechtner, will guide us through the night. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lyhre will provide musical accompaniment.
Host: Derya Flechtner
Music Act: Lyhre
Language: German
Registration required

Award ceremony

After four full days of the festival, the best films of the Sehsüchte Festival will be honoured on Saturday evening at the festive awards ceremony at the Filmmuseum. A total of twelve prizes will be awarded in ten categories. RBB presenter Julia Vismann will host the evening with musical accompaniment by MOREA. The award ceremony will be broadcasted live by our partner ALEX Berlin.
Host: Julia Vismann
Music Act: MOREA
Language: English

Opening Party

After the opening ceremony, we will end the first evening with good music in the Waschhaus and get in the mood for the upcoming festival. Everyone is kindly invited to celebrate the start of Sehsüchte and have lots of fun.
Music Acts: Ele & Aal live
Stampfi das Tekno Keinhorn

Sehsüchte Party

Good mood & comfortable shoes - that's all you really need for this wild party on Saturday night. On two floors, we will go on an intense auditive journey with tunes to suit every musical taste, including post-punk, 90s, trash-pop and techno, just to name a few. So come around and party with us!
Musical Acts: Miese Mau
TEMMIS
DJ Hornhaut
Beka
Tilman Riddelt
JAMIIE
Marion D‘Muse

Sunset Hours (Thursday)

What could be better than coming together in one place after an intense day full of touching films and inspiring events to share what you have experienced? The Sunset Hours invite you to wind down with a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, get lost in good conversation and let the day come to an end.

Active Break - Mindful Moving

Let's recharge our batteries together at Mindful Moving! Loosening movements, stretches and relaxation techniques will wake up the body and calm the mind. This active break will take place outdoors and in fresh air. Sportswear or experience are not required.
Language: English
Cancelled in case of rain!

Writers & Producers Speed Dating

Find your development dream team! We're all about the HOW, not the WHAT: Match with people who share your understanding of creative teamwork and start your next project together. In several speed dating rounds you can get to know each other, exchange ideas and network. On-site registration. No pre-registration necessary!
Host: Das Kollaborativ
Language: German/English

Meet the Industry - Filmmakers Get Together

Need a little help with networking? Das Kollaborativ is here to help: Network with other filmmakers over drinks! Pick up your free shot at the bar until 8:00 pm. Do you write or produce? Then come to our speed dating event at 16:30 and make your first contacts right there.
Host: Das Kollaborativ
Language: German/English

Late Night Karaoke

Live your main character moment, grab a mic and sing your heart out solo or with others! For the festival half-time, we want to have fun together, let loose a bit and get to know each other in the best company. No better place to do that than at a karaoke session!

Active Break - Dance & Motion

Looking for an active break? At our Dance & Motion Workshop, you can move, dance and improvise together. Take your time and loosen up your body in fresh air. Sportswear or experience are not required.
Host: Anastasia Putsykina
Language: English
Cancelled in case of rain!

Sunset Hours (Saturday)

What could be better than coming together in one place after an intense day full of touching films and inspiring events to share what you have experienced? The Sunset Hours invite you to wind down with a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, get lost in good conversation and let the day come to an end.

Initiative Grün | Green Space (Thursday)

Since its founding in 2018, the students "Initiative Grün" is the loudest voice when it comes to raising awareness for sustainability at Babelsberg Film University. In the Green Space, they provide insights into green film producing and report on their multifaceted work. We look forward to welcoming them as guests.

Exit Pangea | Green Space

The Filmuni film "Exit Pangea" was produced in an environmentally conscious production process. How this was done, the producer of the film Sarah Dreyer explains to us in the Green Space. Come by and learn more about the exciting cyberpunk film and its production.

Initiative Grün | Green Space (Friday)

Since its founding in 2018, the students "Initiative Grün" is the loudest voice when it comes to raising awareness for sustainability at Babelsberg Film University. In the Green Space, they provide insights into green film producing and report on their multifaceted work. We look forward to welcoming them as guests.

Ökofilmtour | Green Space

As a festival for environmental and nature films, the Ökofilmtour entertains and informs its young and old visitors with great films and exciting post-film discussions about nature and environmental protection. Especially young filmmakers are encouraged to check out this exciting and inspiring event. But all others should also take the chance to get to know the Ökofilmtour.

Panels

Creative process as a reverse journey

The Digital Interactive Arts collective from Cluj Napoca will discuss their creative processes, like a reverse journey from the final product to the creative process. The best practices resulting from combining their different backgrounds and experiments and interaction with the public will be explored. A reverse journey: from code to concept and from final product to creative process, exploring the opportunities arising from the diversity of an emerging artistic group.
Registration required

The future of collaborative screenwriting

How does the next generation of European filmmakers want to collaborate in screenwriting? This is the question Das Kollaborativ asks the guests on the panel stage. With Timo Gössler (Development Producer & Prof. Serial Writing Filmuniversität), Viktoria So Hee Alz (head author Para Season 2) and Selina Mayer (Program Lead Corporate Innovation and Leadership, HPI).
Host: Das Kollaborativ
Language: German/English
Registration required

Social and Ecological Sustainability in Film

What is green producing and can I afford it? Get in touch with filmmakers with exciting careers that are characterised by the demand for (social) sustainability. This format allows you to ask industry professionals questions to your heart's content. The panel will be broadcast live by our partner ALEX Berlin.
Host: Diversity & Sustainability
Language: German
Registration required

“Big Ego = Big Cinema?“

Do you need big egos for good films? Or is there another way? Where does teamwork begin and end? Where can hierarchies be broken down and what are the benefits of working collectively? In the panel discussion "Big Ego - Good Film?" we will discuss these questions with our guests and examine how we work together. With Štepán Altrichter, Raquel Dukpa and Gergana Voigt.

The panel will be followed by a get-together at the bar of the Theaterschiff.

The Panel will be broadcasted live by our partner ALEX Berlin.

Host: Fritzie Benesch & Judith Frahm
Language: German
Registration required

Queer Cinema: Renegade Joy Till the End of the World

At the panel discussion with filmmakers and researchers Svitlana Shymko, Zoia Laktionova, and Galina Yarmanova and the program curator Yulia Serdyukova, we invite you to think about grassroots queer and subversive cinema in Ukraine, queerness in the eye of the beholder, and how the war influenced the vectors of our lives and struggles.
Moderation: Prof*in Dr. Skadi Loist, Susanne Foidl

Svitlana Shymko
is an independent director from Ukraine, a graduate of the DocNomads international MA program in documentary film directing. Her short films were shown and received awards at numerous international film festivals. Having a particular interest in montage and archive films, Svitlana is working on developing political, social and feminist topics in documentaries.

Zoya Laktionova
is a Mariupol born documentary filmmaker and video artist. Zoya now resides in Paris as a recipient of the 2022-23 Harriman Residencies of Columbia University. She works with themes of war, memory and personal stories.

Galina Yarmanova
teaches feminist and queer theory at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine. They work with visual and textual archives and use decolonial queer feminist approaches in research and activism.

Yulia Serdyukova
is a film producer, photographer and curator. Member of Freefilmers cinemovement, co-founder of Filma. Feminist Film Festival. In her work and activism, relies on queer feminist approaches.

Screenings:
Queer Cinema - Focus Ukraine I: 21.04.2023, 17:00, Cinema 2
Queer Cinema - Focus Ukraine II: 22.04.2023, 10:30 am, Cinema 2

Language: English
Registration required

Where are they now? Former DMK students talk about their careers

What does one actually do with a degree in Digital Media Culture (DMK)? At the networking panel, former DMK students will give insights into the many possibilities for graduates. The perfect opportunity to ask questions and make contacts. Students and young professionals from all fields are welcome!
Host: Friederike Jage-D'Aprile
Language: German
Registration required

Dramaturgy Live - Diversity in Story and Script Development

The panel Dramaturgy Live is all about the challenges, perspectives and practice of diversity-sensitive story development: What does diversity in film actually mean? How can we tell stories in a way that is critical of discrimination? And what role do aspects such as authorship, narrative perspective and attitude play? The Panel will be broadcasted live by our partner ALEX Berlin.
Host: Canan Turan
Language: German/English
Registration required

Women, life, freedom, film - Iranian filmmakers in conversation

How can you make film art in a country where you are not allowed to speak freely? Iranian filmmakers talk about censorship, freedom and the possibilities we have to provide concrete support from here.
Language: English
Registration required

Workshops

Show Me the Money - Successfully applying for, retrieving and accounting for film funding

Film funding can be a challenge, especially for up-and-coming filmmakers. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Sebastian from the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg will guide you through the funding process and offer tips and tricks to master film funding.
Host: Sebastian Storm
Language: German
Registration required

Accessibility in Film

How does sound become visible and animation become audible? The team of Kinoblindgänger gGmbH explains what needs to be done to make films accessible for people with auditory and visual impairments with an audio description(AD) and extended subtitles (SDHs). Participation in film as a cultural asset must be considered at an early stage.
Host: Ralf Krämer
Barbara Fickert
Stefanie Georgi
Language: German
Registration required

Entry and success in the film industry - start package ver.di

How do you make a living in film and television? What do you need to know to take advantage of the collective bargaining agreement? What should one look out for in employment contracts? These and other questions are discussed here using practical examples.
Host: Hikmat El-Hammouri
Language: German
Registration required

The Appeal of Action: Developing Emotional Stories with Guts!

ACTION CONCEPT, the production company behind Alarm for Cobra 11 and the new Sky series Drift, invites you to a crash course in developing action-packed film and series material made in Germany. The event is intended to encourage young filmmakers to pursue new developments in the action genre. Because the genre is more than explosions, stunts & fights.
Host: ACTION CONCEPT
Language: German
Registration required

Audible - Introduction to Audiobook Writing

Remember those long car rides as a kid and the magic that audiobooks provided? Auditory storytelling can not only create wonderful images in your head, but can also be a great opportunity for up-and-coming authors. In this workshop, Dorothea from Audible shows what is important when writing for audiobooks.
Host: Audible
Elnas Isrusch
Language: German
Registration required

Masterclass: The best editing workflow in Premiere Pro

Post-production is constantly changing - thanks to new job profiles, artificial intelligence, and the need to produce more content in less time, only to name a few. In this session, we'll show you how to edit short and feature-length projects in Premiere Pro more efficiently, and how new features can help you spend more time on actual creative work. The masterclass will be broadcasted live by our partner ALEX Berlin.
Hosts: Rainer Nigrelli (“How To Sell Drugs Online (Fast)” & “King of Stonks” on Netflix) & Sinja Mirel
Language: German
Registration required

Creative Script Writing in Two Hours

This workshop by Hamed Soleimanzadeh will define the difference between the verbs (To Look), (To See) and (To Watch), explain how creativity is applied to script writing, and demonstrate how to write a short script using the (card and shot) method.
Host: Hamed Soleimanzadeh
Language: English
Registration required

Tours

Future Tour: The “Dream Factory” - What's going on in the media city Babelsberg?

The guided tour at Filmmuseum Potsdam provides insights into the colourful history of the world's oldest film studio - Studio Babelsberg - and the UNESCO Film City Potsdam by means of many examples and original exhibits. Additionally, the trades involved in film production are presented in various thematic rooms. Interactive elements invite visitors to participate.
Host: Sebastian Stielke
Language: German
Meeting point: Film Museum ticket office
Registration required

Exhibition „Dream Factory“ at the Film Museum

Studio Babelsberg is the oldest large-scale film studio in the world. From Metropolis to DEFA fairy tales, to Sonnenallee and blockbusters like Matrix and The Hunger Games, TV shows like Babylon Berlin and Dark were produced here. Countdown was invented in Babelsberg and Alfred Hitchcock worked here. Look forward to exciting glimpses behind the scenes.
Host: Sebastian Stielke
Language: German/English
Meeting point: Film Museum ticket office
Registration required
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