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Fiction Film

In this section, the short or full-length feature films tell the stories that are important to up-and-coming filmmakers from all around the world. The films draw their inspiration from current trends in filmmaking being either poignantly funny or epic in scope. In this section the prizes for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film are awarded.

Best Feature Film

Canción de Invierno / Wintersong

Mexico | 2020 | Feature Film | 80 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Silvana LázaroProducers:Silvana Lázaro, Diana MataScreenplay:Silvana Lázaro

After her separation from boyfriend and band member Bruno, guitarist Danielle departs on a road trip through Mexico going North together with her buddy Diego. At the US border, they perform their music in bars, meet mysterious Alex and discover unknown things about themselves.

Offline:
22. July 18:30h until 20:30h at Thalia Kino (Candlelight)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Candlelight)

Dominio Vigente – Der Wert Der Erde / Dominio Vigente – The Value of the Land

Chile, Germany | 2020 | Feature Film | 74 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Juan Mora CidProducers: Mora Cid, Samuel Nerl

After his father’s death, Carlos Kindermann returns to Chile’s Araucania region where he spent his childhood. Although he plans to sell the inherited property as soon as possible and go back to Europe, Carlos can’t resist his paternal roots.

Offline:
23. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 2 (Under Fire)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Under Fire)

Jiyan

Germany | 2019 | Feature Film | 70 Min. | Turkish, Kurdish, German (English Subtitles)

Director:Süheyla SchwenkProducers:Sara Fazilat, Roxana RichtersScreenplay:Süheyla Schwenk

Hayat has to leave her home behind. She reaches Berlin together with her husband and gets accomodation with his relatives. His aunt rejects Hayat because she is Kurdish and makes it difficult for them to settle. When they finally have hope again, a stroke of fate and a ruthless system force Hayat to make an inhumane decision.

Offline:
23. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Fireproof)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireproof)

Karani Ngufu

Rwanda | 2019 | Feature Film | 88 Min. | English, Kinyarwanda (English Subtitles)

Directors:Njata Joseph, Carine Munyana, Wanny Bernaud Musabe, Deve ShemaScreenplay:Regina Pacis Agabe, Peace Kinani, Wilson Misago, Wanny Bernard Musabe, Joseph Njata

Theft, adultery and feud between traders are all part of Laila’s life in Kigali. This is where she makes her living under marginalized circumstances. She receives unexpected support from a local kiosk where she meets Sandra and Yvette. The three women find creative ways to resist against their working conditions.

Offline:
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Thalia Kino (Night Light)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Night Light)

NICO

Germany | 2021 | Feature Film | 75 Min. | Persian, English, German, Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Eline GehringProducer:Sara Fazilat

Nico loves meeting her best friend Rosa at the kiosk, and her job as a geriatric nurse - nobody can mess with her. But when she gets beaten up by a group of neo nazis, she is confronted with her changed self image as a survivor of racially motivated violence. This makes Nico go through the painful and healing aspects of her anger: Against fear and desperation.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Thalia Kino (Lava Stream)

Supernova

Poland | 2019 | Feature Film | 78 Min. | Polish (English Subtitles)

Director:Bartosz Kruhlik

A Greek tragedy under the blazing heat of the Polish summer sun: After separating from her husband, Iwona puts a chain of fatal events in motion. Her moral and personal decisions change the lives of everyone involved, and in the midst of the chaos of human relationships and raging group dynamics, a simple country road becomes the stage of a horrible car accident.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 16:00h at Kino 2 (Blinding Light)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blinding Light)

Best Short Film

خیره شدن / Gazing

Iran, Iran | 2020 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Farsi (English Subtitles)

Director:Namira Hafizi

Siavash gets off his meds to be able to dream again. But what is real now, and what is only in his mind? On a journey between reality and insanity, he meets his childhood self and is confronted with horrifying manifestations within himself. A film about lived and passed-on traumas.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)

AM (Antes Meridiano) / AM (Before Meridian)

Mexico | 2020 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Tanya AlvarezScreenplay:Tanya Alvarez

Hector sold his grandfather’s old radio player to ask a girl out on a date. His attempt to get it back leads Hector through the entire city and reveals a difficult truth about his grandfather, whose loss of memory makes him unpredictable. Why is he fighting so hard to get his radio back?

Offline:
23. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Kino 1 (Fireflies)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireflies)

Aujourd'hui / Today

France | 2021 | Short Film | 20 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

Director:Francis ChilletScreenplay:Isis Ahsam, Mathieu Defemme

After several years in Canada, Felix returns to the little French seaside town of his teenage years. In the old dive bar, he meets Océane and Hugo, his former best friends. Their reunion brings back old memories - Felix’s escape from the known and the tender connection between the three of them.

Offline:
22. July 18:30h until 20:30h at Thalia Kino (Candlelight)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Candlelight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Auster

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 49 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Antonia Uhl

25-year-old Ida and her depressive mother Ildikó seem inseparable. But when Ida finishes her marine biology degree and considers moving to Fehmarn to pursue her dream job, their symbiotic relationship’s balance is challenged. A sensitive film about the mental illness of a parent.

Offline:
24. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Thalia Kino (Blue Flame)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blue Flame)

Beseder Gamur / Fine

Israel | 2019 | Short Film | 9 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Director:Maya YadlinScreenplay:Maya Yadlin

Driving to see the relatives: The father’s favorite song blasts from the speakers, very much to the dislike of his daughters. Instead of happy family vibes, several little conflicts arise, in which each one tries to reach their minimum of prestige.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 2 (Highly Flammable)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Highly Flammable)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Catsitter

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 20 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Lukas BeckerScreenplay:Lukas Becker

Day after day, the feeding bowl is empty, but cat sitter Helen simply can’t find her mysterious client’s cat. Out of curiosity, she decides to spend the night in the apartment, leading to a surprising and tender encounter.

Offline:
22. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Thalia Kino (Spotlight)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Spotlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

DA YIE

Ghana, Belgium | 2019 | Short Film | 22 Min. | English, French, Asante (English Subtitles)

Director:Anthony NtiProducers:Anthony Nti, Chingiz Karibekov, Dimitri VerbeekScreenplay:Anthony Nti, Chingiz Karibekov

On the streets of Madina, the two worlds of childish carefreeness and ever-present crime clash. Best friends Prince and Matilda embark on a trip with a charismatic stranger who promises them a lush buffet. It quickly becomes apparent though, that the stranger Bogah has dubious motives.

Offline:
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)
23. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Kino 1 (Fireflies)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Deers love Blueberries

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 20 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

Directors:Laura Nai, Selena Goedeke Tort, Ada LabahnProducers:Selena Goedeke Tort, Ada Labahn, Laura Nai

Dating in times of corona. SHE invites him to a picnic in the park. Nude HE serves as a reflective object for a feminist cinematic discourse. Inspired by Manet’s painting ‘Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe’, the filmmakers reflect on love and happiness in the era of late capitalism.

Offline:
22. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Thalia Kino (Spotlight)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Spotlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Dustin

France | 2020 | Short Film | 20 Min. | French (English Subtitles)

Director:Naïla GuiguetProducer:Jean-Etienne BratScreenplay:Naïla Guiguet

From a drug-oversaturated techno event at 145 bpm to the after party at dawn: In an apartment, still showing the traces of last night, Dustin, a young trans* person, and their crew search for sense and connection in the melancholic atmosphere of the fresh of day - an exploration of affection, desire and identity.

Offline:
22. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Thalia Kino (Spotlight)
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Spotlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

El Cairo

Mexico | 2020 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Martín MontellanoScreenplay:Heriberto Mojica, Martín Montellano

1926, the last spurs of the Mexican revolution: After the death of Mexican General Pancho Villa, his remaining supporters are ruthlessly chased by the US army. In the midst of the last fights, two old friends face each other at the border.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

El silencio del rio / The Silence of the River

Peru | 2020 | Short Film | 14 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Francesca CanepaScreenplay:Francesca Canepa

On his journey through the jungle, Juan, who lives in a floating house on the Amazon river, explores the mythology of his dreams and the mystery around his father. A meditation on telling stories, pulling us in the little boy’s world.

Offline:
23. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Kino 1 (Fireflies)
25. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireflies)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Free Flow

France | 2020 | Short Film | 26 Min. | French, Persian (English Subtitles)

Director:Sâm MirhosseiniProducer:Martin BerléandScreenplay:Sâm Mirhosseini, Julien Gittinger

Zak lives in Dunkirk working as a professional diver, Keivan’s goal is to get to England. Both are united by their abandoned home in Iran, but the circumstances and times of their flight couldn’t be any more different. When their paths cross, one of them has to risk it all to help the other.

Offline:
23. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Fireproof)
25. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireproof)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

Handbook for a Privileged European Woman

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 10 Min. | English

Director:Alma Buddecke

Whether it’s sexual harassment or the glass ceiling: Jackie is aware of how bad and also how good she has it as a white European woman. With a decent amount of pussy power and the efficacy of postmodern Hollywood aesthetics, Jackie offers tips for the privileged and sometimes not-so-privileged life in the postfeminist patriarchy.

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Hay una sirena bajo la cama / There is a mermaid under the bed

Colombia | 2020 | Short Film | 24 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Omar E. Ospina GiraldoProducer:Daniela SegreraScreenplay:Omar E. Ospina

Late at night, in between heated discussions and memories of the past, a family crafts a jellyfish costume for little Manuel. In the meantime, the boy is visited by a mermaid. The kid’s fantasy and the family dispute make the focus shift to the complex relationship between the women.

Offline:
23. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Kino 1 (Fireflies)
25. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireflies)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

I AM

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 27 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Jerry HoffmannProducer:Petra BarkhausenScreenplay:Florens Huhn

Her self-chosen solitude in the thick forest comes to a sudden end for Noé, when she finds the broken body of a female android. While she slowly approaches the mechanic woman, Noé’s past is revealed and brings up questions about how alike she and the android can become.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

Jakna / The Jacket

Serbia | 2019 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Serbian (English Subtitles)

Director:Aleksandra NestorovProducer:Snezana PenevScreenplay:Aleksandra Nestorov

Beaten up by his classmates, Nenad returns home from school with a dirty jacket. His mother then takes his - once white - jacket to the dry cleaner. But as a Romani woman, she is denied service wherever she goes. And a rather trivial errand turns into running the gauntlet, full of rejection and hostility.

Offline:
23. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 2 (Firekeeper)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Firekeeper)

Kosher

Israel | 2021 | Short Film | 12 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Director:Gideon ImagorScreenplay:Yudit Kantor

As an orthodox Jewish woman, Rachelie not only has to undergo the monthly purifying bath (Tvilah) after her period, but also endure the degradation she suffers for allegedly being an impure woman. She decides to flee from this control and takes a small opportunity granting her more autonomy.

Offline:
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)
24. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Thalia Kino (Blue Flame)
25. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blue Flame)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)

Kräfte / Forces

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 39 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Annelie BorosProducers:Matthias Greving, Janina Sara HennemannScreenplay:Timo Baer

Johanna’s dangerous talent is showing early - after a traumatizing loss of control she is forced to keep her powers in check. As she gets older, it’s getting harder and harder to do, so she contacts a secret group. The members want to unleash Johanna’s powers and tempt her to more drastic steps.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

Magic Muscle Moments

Finland | 2020 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Finnish (English Subtitles)

Director:Iivo Korhonen

Caught in between infomercials of the 90ies, home videos and super hero body culture: With the right equipment only, every man can have an attractive, athletic body to bump up their positivity. But does this supposed promise hold up, even when one’s body is marked by illness?

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Männerabend / Between Men

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 24 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Ares CeylanProducer:Maximilian GreilScreenplay:Ares Ceylan

Two men joint by their grief: Rolf has lost his son, Çem has lost his friend. Rolf sees the handover of the belongings as a chance to learn more about his son. What started with awkward politeness turns into an evening full of revelations.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 2 (Highly Flammable)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Highly Flammable)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Nategh / Talker

Iran | 2020 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Mehrshad RanjbarProducers:Reza Fathollah PourReza, Mojgan Rayegan

For many years, the old lady has been taking care of her sick husband and their goat. Far away from any village, the couple lives a secluded life in their house - until their silent rituals all change in one fell swoop.

Offline:
23. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 2 (Firekeeper)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Firekeeper)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

RAmén / RAmen

Spain | 2019 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Rubén SecaProducer:Eduard Perisé

Welcome to the Holy Mass of the one and only God: The flying spaghetti monster! Even if some heretical pasta spurning idiots haven’t found their path to this delicious faith yet, the ever-growing community has already become a divine delicacy. Ramen!

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

SALIDAS / Departures

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish, Arabic (English Subtitles)

Director:Michael Fetter NathanskyProducer:Virginia MartinScreenplay:Michael Fetter Nathansky

A mortician sends deceased people off to the afterlife to the rhythm of Spanish flamenco. Shot in an old ship lift, a flow of associations between farewell and eternity, song and silence arises from this fictitious dance film.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Sometimes a little Sin is good for the Soul

Canada, Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 9 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Alex Beriault

A head suspended between two rods, bodies coiling around a rod and an architectural maze with an exit sign promising a way out. This experimental film comes across as an essay on the digital gaze regime, disengaging from all visual habits at a peculiar speed.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Swelling

South Korea | 2021 | Short Film | 24 Min. | Korean (English Subtitles)

Director:Sangkyu KIMProducer:Tacksu SHINScreenplay:Sangkyu KIM

North-Korean refugee Mu Taek works as a boxing coach in South Korea. At the same time he is still looking for his wife who disappeared during their flight. But help is not for free. A sparring fight against the boxing world’s rising star could help him solve all his financial problems - but he never wanted to be back inside the ring.

Offline:
22. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Thalia Kino (Spotlight)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Spotlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Viimeinen päivä / The Last Day

Finland | 2020 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Finnish, Swedish (English Subtitles)

Director:Lauri-Matti Parppei

Laura takes the train across the Swedish border to meet her boyfriend Niklas. They have sex in the bed and in the shower. They eat takeaway pasta at candle light. This will be their last time. A musical melodrama about the end of a long distance relationship.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Zurück in den Westen / Back to the West

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 5 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

Director:Boris HadžijaProducer:Marina GhersinichScreenplay:Esther Preußler

Serving the tourist attraction at Checkpoint Charlie, Maxim puts on his GDR army uniform. It’s tiring, but that’s how he makes his money. For a cigarette, he steps over the former border and meets a waitress in front of a fast food temple who puts a smile on his face.

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Documentary Film

In this section you can find films that feature a single snapshot in time, films presenting personal portraits, or films revealing a shocking investigation. Both the short and full-length films explore current issues and touching twists of fate in their larger contexts. In this section the prizes for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short are awarded.

Best Documentary Feature

Displaced

Germany | 2020 | Documentary Feature | 90 Min. | German, English, Yiddish (English Subtitles)

Director:Sharon Ryba-KahnProducer:Alex Tondowski

Sharon is a filmmaker and is a third generation survivor of the shoah. Life as a Jewish woman in Germany doesn’t only impose inner conflicts on her. Exploring her German-Jewish identity demands confrontation in her circle of friends, and dealing with family and transgenerational traumas within the context of German culture of remembrance.

Offline:
22. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Searchlight)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Searchlight)

Mein Vietnam / My Vietnam

Germany | 2020 | Documentary Feature | 70 Min. | Vietnamese (English Subtitles)

Directors:Hien Mai, Tim EllrichProducer:Leopold Pape

When married couple Bay and Tam fled Vietnam and came to Germany 30 years ago, their children’s future was the priority. With great restraint, the film observes and reveals melancholic connections to their old home, which they sustain through video chats, boozy karaoke nights and streamed funerals.

Offline:
24. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 1 (Striking Matches)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Striking Matches)

Negra

Mexico | 2020 | Documentary Feature | 72 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Medhin Tewolde SerranoProducer:Daniela Contreras

On her search for self-acceptance, the director fathoms her environment and that of other Black women in Mexico. Through engagement, exchange and confrontation, Medhin, Asuscena, Geidy, Helen and Mónica make a stand against not only white people’s racist resentments, but also the internalized racism within their own community.

Offline:
22. July 19:30h until 21:30h at Kino 1 (Broad Daylight)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Broad Daylight)

Wem gehört mein Dorf?

Germany | 2021 | Documentary Feature | 96 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Christoph EderProducer: Marcel Lenz, Guido SchwabScreenplay:Christoph Eder

At Baltic Sea resort Göhren on Rugia island, the inhabitants fight over the popular vacation destination’s future and the planned construction project in the natural reserve. The only way to protect the idyllic place they call home is to run in the communal elections - because the community council has been controlled by the “Four-off-the-rack” for many years already.

Offline:
24. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Thalia Kino (Shopping Fever)

Best Documentary Short

A Letter from Raqqa

Germany, Syria | 2020 | Documentary Short | 9 Min. | English, Arabic (English Subtitles)

Director:Arash AsadiProducers:Antonia Kilian, Azad Evdike

An essay on war, loss, and what remains - silent images of deserted, war-torn Raqqa impressively remind us of how valuable our everyday life is, and how it hurts when it’s gone.

Offline:
22. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Searchlight)
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)
24. July 22:30h until 00:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Showcase II)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Searchlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase II)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Das Spiel / The Game

Switzerland | 2020 | Documentary Short | 17 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Roman Hodel

Breaking with viewing habits in the world of football: No illusion created by the wide angle, but a focus on the referee. Together with Fedayi San, we can experience the ups and downs of a football match. This doesn’t only make us understand what it means to control the energy of a whole stadium with a single whistle, but also how reality and staging diverge.

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Deutschland ist ein Trampolin / Germany is a Trampoline

Germany | 2021 | Documentary Short | 28 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Marc Sebastian Eils

Romeo got a major in philosophy in Germany and misses his home country Cameroon. Demian was deported back there after graduation and has been selling second hand products at the market ever since. It’s his biggest wish to return to Germany. Both of them want to live an autonomous life, but simply can’t.

Offline:
22. July 19:30h until 21:30h at Kino 1 (Broad Daylight)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Broad Daylight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Entre el monte y la marisma / Between the hill and the marsh

Spain | 2020 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Niete  Screenplay: Niete

Rafael and Juan have been living on the streets of Sanlúcar de Barrameda since the late '90s. Their unconditional friendship with each other and their love for singing carries both of them through life. Gracefully, with confidence and outside of the social structures, they create their own world.

Offline:
22. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Thalia Kino (Spotlight)
25. July 16:00h until 18:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Spotlight)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Disco Inferno)

Homo Bankiva

Germany | 2021 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Felix Maria BühlerProducers:Frithjof Stückemann, Tim Van Brakel

To Suzy van Zehlendorf, all humans are crazy homo bankivas. In this portrait in documentary form, the artist shows us her process while working on a bust of Sophie Charlotte, the calming benefits of her favorite castle and the useful combination of spiked helmets and MP3 players.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Kuoriutua, kukoistaa, kuolla / To Feather, to Wither

Hungary | 2020 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | Hungarian (English Subtitles)

Director:Hanna HovitieProducers:Patricia D'Intino, Daniel Donato, Hanna HovitieScreenplay:Hanna Hovitie

One species especially fascinates this young taxidermist: Crows. With devotion, she breathes new life into these mythical creatures that seem to be from the world between life and death. A vibrant film in black and white on physicality, craft and aesthetics.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Lake Women

Rwanda, Germany | 2020 | Documentary Short | 26 Min. | English, Kinyarwanda (English Subtitles)

Director:Deve Shema

Mariana is the first independent fisher woman with her own boat and employees by lake Kivu. Fishing used to be a male-dominated business, and women were only in it for selling the fish. This documentary traces Mariana’s revolution: Her persistent negotiation skills, networking meetups with other women and her fight against stigmatization.

Offline:
23. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 2 (Firekeeper)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Firekeeper)

Priezjai k nam v gosti, mama / Don't Hesitate To Come For A Visit, Mom

Russia, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary | 2020 | Documentary Short | 12 Min. | Russian (English Subtitles)

Director:Anna ArtemyevaProducer:Daphne Pascual

Due to the lack of a visa, three-year-old Grania is separated from her mother - their only contact happens through the pale light of a smartphone. It’s a tiring mantra that the corona pandemic has moved interpersonal interaction to the digital sector. But when even intimate relationships are mere tiles, this omnipresent technology gets a new urgency.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 2 (Highly Flammable)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Highly Flammable)

Saudade

Germany, Brazil | 2019 | Documentary Short | 30 Min. | English, German, Portuguese (English Subtitles)

Director:Denize Galiao

‘Saudade’ describes the emotion between longing, loss and joy. When her father’s health worsens, Brazilian filmmaker Denize Galiao embarks on a beautifully painful journey between two continents - searching for her roots and the feeling of belonging.

Offline:
24. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 1 (Striking Matches)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Striking Matches)

Syn Ulicy / Son of the Streets

Poland, Germany, Lebanon | 2020 | Documentary Short | 33 Min. | Arabic (English Subtitles)

Director:Mohammed AlmughanniProducer:Agata Golanska

Palestinian boy Khodor grows up in the refugee camp Shatila, close to Beirut, without any papers. While fighting for citizenship, his right to education and health care, harrowing family secrets are revealed.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 2 (Highly Flammable)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Highly Flammable)

The battle for our voices

Germany, Poland | 2020 | Documentary Short | 13 Min. | Polish (English Subtitles)

Director:Jennifer Mallmann

Natalia is the founder of the Polish women’s strike and one of many activists who fight against the strict abortion ban in Poland. The film accompanies the union and gives an insight into the structures of socio-political involvement, and the worldwide network of women who fight for their right to have autonomy over their bodies.

Offline:
24. July 14:00h until 16:00h at Kino 1 (Set Aflame)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Set Aflame)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Tmunat Nitzachon / Image of Victory

Israel | 2019 | Documentary Short | 30 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Director:Adi MishnayotProducer:Adi Mishnayot

Uri, an IDF soldier, takes a bullet during an offensive in the Gaza Strip. At the hospital, he and his family find themselves in the midst of a seemingly never ending heroic celebration. Caught in between feeling both overwhelmed and relieved, political criticism and questions about forming and presenting the Israeli identity awake.

Offline:
23. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 2 (Under Fire)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Under Fire)

Genre Film

This section shows films that give you insight into other worlds, reviving the classic genres such as Sci-Fi, western, horror, thriller and fantasy. There is no limit to your creativity. Reach outside the limits of genre convention and breathe fresh air into them by thinking differently. Sehsüchte offers rich genre cinema for hungry popcorn-lovers.

El Cairo

Mexico | 2020 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Martín MontellanoScreenplay:Heriberto Mojica, Martín Montellano

1926, the last spurs of the Mexican revolution: After the death of Mexican General Pancho Villa, his remaining supporters are ruthlessly chased by the US army. In the midst of the last fights, two old friends face each other at the border.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

I AM

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 27 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Jerry HoffmannProducer:Petra BarkhausenScreenplay:Florens Huhn

Her self-chosen solitude in the thick forest comes to a sudden end for Noé, when she finds the broken body of a female android. While she slowly approaches the mechanic woman, Noé’s past is revealed and brings up questions about how alike she and the android can become.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

Kräfte / Forces

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 39 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Annelie BorosProducers:Matthias Greving, Janina Sara HennemannScreenplay:Timo Baer

Johanna’s dangerous talent is showing early - after a traumatizing loss of control she is forced to keep her powers in check. As she gets older, it’s getting harder and harder to do, so she contacts a secret group. The members want to unleash Johanna’s powers and tempt her to more drastic steps.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

Pilar

Netherlands, Belgium | 2020 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Yngwy Boley, Janis Joy Epping, Diana Van HoutenProducers:Arnoud Rijken, Michiel Snijders

Movie-turned paintings capture the dystopian world of two people. They are the only ones living in a ghost town, whose makeshift traps are the only thing that protects them from the wild creatures coming from the thicket around. An almost deadly encounter with one of the animals however reveals mystical powers.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

RAmén / RAmen

Spain | 2019 | Short Film | 10 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Rubén SecaProducer:Eduard Perisé

Welcome to the Holy Mass of the one and only God: The flying spaghetti monster! Even if some heretical pasta spurning idiots haven’t found their path to this delicious faith yet, the ever-growing community has already become a divine delicacy. Ramen!

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)

Animated Film

From stop motion via animated cartoon through to CGI: Sehsüchte dedicates this section to the most inspiring animated works. In this section the prize for Best Animation Film is awarded.

Cucaracha / Roach

Argentina | 2020 | Animated Film | 13 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Agustín TouriñoScreenplay:Touriño Agustín, Ayala Lucarelli Exequiel, Deon Matías

Gregorio lives a rather dreary life. After work in the factory, only his TV awaits him at home. One day he starts taking care of a little cockroach. But after a while, the beetle starts taking over Gregorio’s everyday life.

Offline:
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Dieser Film heißt aus rechtlichen Gründen Breaking Bert / Due to legal reasons this Film is called Breaking Bert

Germany | 2020 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Anne IsenseeProducer:Lorena Junghans

Vacuuming, house plants, Brecht and the fourth wall: Amusingly, this concise tale reveals the political consequences of staying at home.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)

Have a Nice Dog!

Germany, Syria | 2020 | Animated Film | 13 Min. | Arabic (English Subtitles)

Director:Jalal Maghout

Held captive in Damascus, surrounded by war, a lonely man waits for his chance to leave the country. His isolation causes him to lose himself more and more in escape fantasies and monologues. Only his dog Baroud is there to respond with silence.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Megamall

Switzerland | 2020 | Animated Film | 4 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Aline Schoch

A world of escalators, where remote-controlled figures follow their longing for consumption. Everything’s flowing in its predetermined rhythm, until one of the figures is pulled into a weightless room through the escalator, and a dog disturbs the megamall's monotony.

Offline:
24. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Thalia Kino (Shopping Fever)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shopping Fever)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Mmm...Cat

Germany | 2021 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | English

Director:Yongxin Wang

A young woman is talking on the phone, when a puss in boots knocks on her door, dismantling the world as she knew it. A cat-tastic trip begins!

Offline:
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Thalia Kino (Night Light)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Night Light)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Obervogelgesang

Germany | 2020 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Directors:Ferdinand Ehrhardt, Elisabeth WeinbergerProducer:Malin KrügerScreenplay:Ferdinand Ehrhardt, Elisabeth Weinberger

“Those freaking 33 percent, where were they?” Lovis asks herself as she discovers a clearly right radical slogan on the regional train. She starts counting: “One, two, Nazi. One, two, Nazi.” In anger, she exits the train at the next stop. Stranded on the platform, she is confronted with the question: What now?

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Thalia Kino (Lava Stream)
25. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Lava Stream)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Boiling Point)

Oikeita miehiä / Real Men

Finland | 2020 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | Finnish (English Subtitles)

Director:Iiti Yli-Harja

What begins with a hippopotamus, a crocodile and a bear taking a walk in the woods, quickly turns out to be a very human conversation: A documentary about what moves (young) men, what hurts them and at the same time empowers them.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 16:00h at Kino 2 (Blinding Light)
25. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blinding Light)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Implode/Explode)

One Left

Austria | 2020 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | English

Director:Sebastian DoringerProducer:Sebastian DoringerScreenplay:Sebastian Doringer

Tik tok - the life of people waiting in the waiting room at the doctor’s is slowly coming to an end. While some may get to experience a few more months, the unlucky ones have but a few seconds left. Is there a chance for the magician in the white coat to extend the lives of their patients?

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)

Pilar

Netherlands, Belgium | 2020 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Yngwy Boley, Janis Joy Epping, Diana Van HoutenProducers:Arnoud Rijken, Michiel Snijders

Movie-turned paintings capture the dystopian world of two people. They are the only ones living in a ghost town, whose makeshift traps are the only thing that protects them from the wild creatures coming from the thicket around. An almost deadly encounter with one of the animals however reveals mystical powers.

Offline:
23. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Genre: Firework)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Genre: Firework)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Takamaan Tapauksia / Tales of the Outback

Finland | 2021 | Animated Film | 13 Min. | Finnish (English Subtitles)

Directors:Lauri Ketonen, KOnsta Verta

Three mystic figures rise from a little room in a sleepy little cabin, taking us to a lake scenery with red skies and traditional fairy tales. “Takamaan Tapauksia”, that’s hazy images of nature, mesmerizing narrators and Finnish mythical creatures.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Whispers of Gasoline)

The Art of Living

Lithuania | 2020 | Animated Film | 3 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Ieva Repeckaite

When the head is separated from the body and floats into the universe, we have to be hopeful that both parts find their way back to each other. An homage to surrealist René Magritte: We discover dancing sardines, a unicorn at the seaside and the seductive glow of the sun.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Trübes Wasser / Troubled Water

Germany | 2020 | Animated Film | 10 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Elena Wiener

An octopus, sand paper, a prison: Autoimmune diseases don’t only take over your physical experience, but also the everyday life of everyone who is affected, although it often remains invisible. A moving, tactile visualization.

Offline:
24. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Thalia Kino (Blue Flame)
25. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 1 (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)
25. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 2 (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blue Flame)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Smoke Under Water)
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Shortlist: Fried Dynamite)

Focus Production

With its section Focus Production, Sehsüchte is one of the only festivals that throws a glance behind the scenes and into the production offices. What we worship here is not only what is ultimately to be seen on the screen, but also the oftentimes long and exhausting process that led to the result. At Focus Production, filmmakers can score points with innovative financing methods, fair working conditions, convincing gender equality concepts, sustainable use of resources and much more, which is often forgotten elsewhere. In this way, students from German-speaking universities can be awarded for Best Production.

ADISA

Germany, Kenya | 2021 | Short Film | 29 Min. | English, German, Swahili (English Subtitles)

Director:Simon DendaScreenplay:Laura Anweiler

Susanne travels to Kenya as a EU representative in order to estimate possible aid for a village that was attacked by terrorists. While the survivors hope for a collaboration on eye-to-eye level, it’s not more than a usual procedure for Susanne. She only realizes the consequences of her behaviour when it’s already too late.

Offline:
23. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 2 (Firekeeper)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Firekeeper)

Dear To Me

Germany, Indonesia | 2020 | Short Film | 19 Min. | Indonesian (English Subtitles)

Director:Monica TedjaProducers:Astrid Saerong, Felix Schwegler

Tim, an Indonesian, spends a family vacation with his parents on a secluded island. The islanders believe that a reincarnated deer lives by the beach. Looking at it means that you’re about to meet your soulmate, they say. Tim hopes to get a glance at the animal, but keeps the wish from his strictly Christian parents.

Offline:
23. July 20:00h until 22:00h at Kino 2 (Phoenix)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Phoenix)

Der kleine Tod / The Little Death

Austria | 2020 | Short Film | 17 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Christoph RohnerProducer:Christoph RohnerScreenplay:Christoph Rohner

“The little death” tells about the poetic encounter between anarchist Luigi Lucheni and Austrian Empress Elisabeth, whose murder he is planning. An intimate connection between two strangers, coming to a surprisingly consensual ending in one melancholic touch.

Offline:
23. July 15:00h until 17:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Wildfires)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Wildfires)

Funkschatten / Silent Zone

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 29 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Caren WuhrerScreenplay:Caren Wuhrer

Due to her electronic hypersensitivity, Alice lives a secluded life in a container in the forest. One day, sex worker Lucia’s camper van enters her radiation free zone and turns her life upside down.

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)

Goldilocks

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 25 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

Director:Philipp StraetkerProducers:Sabrina Kleder, Mirjam WeisflogScreenplay:David Benke

Day after day, Mara, known as “Goldilocks”, helps people who have locked themselves out of their apartments. She, however, prefers to lock herself in her dark apartment, painting eggs and dreaming of California beaches - until a late night call has the potential to change everything.

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)

Liebe, Pflicht & Hoffnung / Look For The Silver Lining

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 29 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Maximilian Conway

When failed jazz singer Elisabeth Gramm loses her job as a cashier in a supermarket, the next catastrophes are already around the corner. Will the friendly court officer be able to keep her from being evicted from her apartment?

Offline:
24. July 12:00h until 14:00h at Thalia Kino (Blue Flame)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Blue Flame)

Nicht Wie Du / Not Like You

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 19 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Nicolas SchönbergerProducers:Jenny Kleine, Frederike Merkel, Pia MozetScreenplay:Leon Brandt, Nicolas Schönberger

Chris, in his mid thirties, successful car salesman, only knows one direction in life: Straight ahead. A life in the fast lane. He avoids his past. But when his father’s old car is brought to the car dealership for maintenance, Chris’s reality and his self-confidence starts to crumble.

Offline:
24. July 18:00h until 20:00h at Kino 2 (Highly Flammable)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Highly Flammable)

Nicht zu Nah! / Not too close!

Germany | 2021 | Short Film | 16 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Luis SütterProducer:Nadja SauerScreenplay:Pia Stummer, Luis Sütter

Lockdown. Hypochondriac Christian escapes into the solitude of the mountains in order to pursue his big passion: Dancing. But he gets disturbed by Pauline. He leaves, but Pauline breaks her leg, and Christian is forced to help her. But how, in times of social distancing and without body contact?

Offline:
22. July 17:00h until 19:00h at Kino 2 (Neon Lights)
22. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Firestarter)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Neon Lights)

REINA

Germany, Mexico | 2020 | Short Film | 19 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Ozan Mermer

Lola turns 15 tomorrow. She is allowed to dress up for her quinceañera - her princess dress and the golden shoes are prepared. First, she has to help her uncle out as a waitress. But in the event’s shady atmosphere, Lola is expected to do more than just waiting tables.

Offline:
23. July 15:30h until 17:30h at Kino 1 (Fireflies)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Fireflies)

The Case You

Germany | 2020 | Documentary Film | 81 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Alison KuhnProducer:Luis Morat

After five young actresses have experienced systemic sexual violence in Germany, they take legal action. Until now, not much about this has been made public. “The Case You” highlights what happened back then - and what it means for their lives today.

Offline:
24. July 14:00h until 16:00h at Kino 1 (Set Aflame)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Set Aflame)

Future

This section of Sehsüchte features films for children from the age of six onwards and for young adults from the ages twelve and up. We present exciting, entertaining and unconventional short and feature film productions from different genres. Not only this particular target group, but people of all ages are cordially invited to join. However, the award winners will solely be selected by young judges. In this section the prize for Best Children’s Film and Best Youth Film will be awarded.

Best Children’s Film

יש פילים בחלל / Elephants in space

Israel | 2020 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Directors:Chani Goodman Winkler, Tali GenshaftProducers:Chani Goodman Winkler, Tali Genshaft

Daniel, Noga and Oren play together on the staircase. During their play, they discover an old coat which leads them into a world full of adventures, while using their dreams and imagination. But where is the line between reality and fantasy?

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

Affenmädchen / Monkey girl

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 24 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Isabelle Caps-KuhnProducer:Michaela FinisScreenplay:Isabelle Caps-Kuhn

All of Alva’s friends are boys. Together, they spend a never ending summer full of adventures in Berlin. The ten-year-old girl is the wildest one of them all: loud, cheeky, untamed - but still the day comes when her friends don’t want to have her around anymore. Only because she is a girl.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

BLANK PAPER

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 15 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Bastian EipertProducers:Lukas Schwarz-Danner, Danilo PejakovicScreenplay:Lavina Stauber

The big art competition is the right chance for Fleur to prove that she is as great an artist as her grandmother. When she notices she left her favorite paintbox at home, a fight with the blank sheet of paper begins. In this mix of feature and animated film, she escapes the pressure of the exam by using her fantasy.

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

Bunga

Brunei Darussalam | 2019 | Short Film | 9 Min. | Malagasy (English Subtitles)

Director:Hanis HashimProducers:Izzuddin Jali, Rahim SofriScreenplay:Hanis Hashim

A student feels emotionally neglected by her father. She lives a lonely day-to-day life, until she becomes friends with a cat at the bus stop. The new furry addition to the family seems to have an impact on the situation between father and daughter as well.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

Ein Mädchen und Ihr Schatten / A Girl and her Shadow

Germany, Argentina | 2020 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Vanessa HeegerScreenplay:Vanessa Heeger

A girl discovers a shadow following her and tries everything to get rid of it. But then she realizes that there is more to the unknown shadow.

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

Grietas / Broken roots

Spain | 2019 | Short Film | 12 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Alberto GrossScreenplay:Albert Aynés, Laura Egidos, Alberto Gross, Albert Aynés Clapés

A family is falling apart. Marcos and his little brother Sergio have to decide which parent they want to live with. While Marcos is very attached to his father, Sergio doesn’t want to let go of his mother. The fight between the grown ups turns into a fight between the two brothers.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

Karla & Nordahl

Norway | 2019 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | Norwegian (English Subtitles)

Director:Elisabeth AspelinProducers:Halvor Nitteberg, Elisabeth Aspelin

Karla is six years old. Why does she see her older brother Nordahl as her little brother at the same time? A peak into Karla’s world shows how she handles his learning disorders. The director follows her children through their everyday life, full of challenging situations and heartwarming love.

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

Latitude du printemps / A Tiny Tale

France | 2020 | Animated Film | 8 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Sylvain Cuvillier, Chloé Bourdic, Théophile Coursimault, Noémie Halberstam, Maylis Mosny, Zijing YeProducer:Philippe Meis

A dog is abandoned by the roadside. Tied to a lamp post, he is left alone and miserable, until an aspiring astronaut and a racing cyclist discover him. Together, they make quite a special team.

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

OF / Sigh

Moldova | 2019 | Animated Film | 15 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Vladislav BolgarinProducer:Vladislav BolgarinScreenplay:Vladislav Bolgarin, Lucia Lupu

In a gray city, covered in fog and smog, lives a man. He’s got everything he needs to live a simple and ordinary life, but there seems to be no joy in it. He lets out one sigh after the other, without a reason, until he meets a boy with colorful balloons.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

Paper Boys

Australia | 2020 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Wendy Lu, William Savage

When Marcian finishes his newspaper route, he finds himself in the street of his old friend, Alden. A photo album helps him reminisce over their friendship and their adventures that coined their childhood.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

TOC

Spain | 2020 | Animated Film | 6 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Aitor HerreroProducer:Susan MilánScreenplay:Aitor Herrero

A stone age man with OCD? Toc needs for everything to be spick-and-span. Until love puts him to a test, leaving traces of organized chaos that echo until the present.

Offline:
22. July 11:00h until 12:30h at Kino 1 (Rainbow Lights)
24. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Rainbow Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Rainbow Lights)

URBAN OASIS

France | 2020 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Hervé BressaudProducer:Hervé Bressaud

Caught in the hustle and bustle of the big city, the life of a citizen is turned upside down, when he meets a strange bird in the midst of the urban surroundings. He comes to discover the existence of an unexpected urban biodiversity, and shares his discovery with the people from his neighborhood.

Offline:
23. July 13:00h until 14:30h at Kino 1 (Play of Lights)
25. July 10:30h until 12:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Play of Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Play of Lights)

Best Youth Film

צל בקיץ / Summer Shade

Israel, United Kingdom | 2020 | Short Film | 16 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Director:Shira HaimoviciProducer:Yuli ShiloachScreenplay:Shira Haimovici

On a hot summer’s day, strong-willed teenager Gal takes a dive in her favorite pool near her vacation home. Unexpectedly, she meets a group of boys who want to claim the pool for themselves.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

שלח לי מלאך (Shlach Li Malach) / Send Me an Angel

Israel | 2019 | Animated Film | 10 Min. | Hebrew (English Subtitles)

Director:Shahar ArapovProducer:Adi GreenbergScreenplay:Shahar Arapov

Tom is really unhappy. His desperate parents give him a little puppy. But his new friend suffers from an incurable skin disease and has to take meds. A special connection between the two grows, as Tom also notices that something is up with his body: He doesn’t feel right in a girl’s body.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

An Anna

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 22 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Denise RiedmayrProducers:Philipp Link, Lillian MalanScreenplay:Denise Riedmayr

Anna and her gang enjoy the last days of summer together. Outdoor pools, parties, skating. She feels the peer pressure to finally make her first physical experiences, just like everyone else. But something just doesn’t feel right to her.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

Bandsalat / The Purple Child

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 17 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Tanja HurrleProducer:Patrick BüchtingScreenplay:Tanja Hurrle

After a depressive episode, Lou’s mother can’t get out of bed anymore. All while this was supposed to be a special birthday for the sixteen-year-old. When her crush surprises her with an invitation to a concert, Lou is torn between taking care of her mom, and following her growing feelings for Matz.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

Being Someone Else

United Kingdom, Norway | 2020 | Documentary Short | 8 Min. | English (English Subtitles)

Director:Øyvind AamliProducer:Øyvind Aamli

Imogen’s passion for cosplay leads the thirteen-year-old to a convention in London. Her meticulously thought through costume lets her get into a different character. But the process of becoming someone else quickly triggers an inner conflict in the autistic girl.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

Dojd Ili Veter / Rain or Wind

Russia | 2020 | Short Film | 20 Min. | Russian (English Subtitles)

Director:Maria ProninaProducers:Sergey Anokhin, Maria Pronina, Alena SmirnovaScreenplay:Maria Pronina

Senya tries to avoid the other teenagers in the camp. To him, this place is merely a cage with gross food, weird games and kids, who he feels too mature for. A girl’s lost ring could just be his ticket home.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

El Mejor P*&! Día de mi Vida / The Best F*&ing! Day of my Life

Spain, Colombia | 2020 | Short Film | 7 Min. | Spanish (English Subtitles)

Director:Juan González HenaoProducers:Juliana Ruiz Valencia, Erika Boscán ArzalluzScreenplay:Juan González Henao, Lucia Casañ Rodríguez

As a contribution to his school’s graduation video, Sergio talks about the best moment of his life, which he prepared for in a very special way. But his friends have doubts about the story, as it is about Marta, the most beautiful girl of the school.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

Köpfer / Header

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 12 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Mark KuhlmannProducer:Mark KuhlmannScreenplay:Mark Kuhlmann

Lars and his younger brother Kai spend a hot summer’s day playing football and swimming in their garden. When the two boys’ mom comes home, an increasingly unfair duel fighting for her attention and love commences, quickly stepping over the line between fun and seriousness.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

Mansa / Meek

Germany, Portugal | 2021 | Short Film | 22 Min. | Portuguese (English Subtitles)

Director:Mariana BártoloProducer:Mariana BártoloScreenplay:Mariana Bártolo

Portugal in the year 2000: Eleven-year-old Maria lives in a small village and is exposed to the influences of her conservative upbringing. Her relationship with her family and her best friend Ana are changing. A newly discovered sensuality and desire lead her to new body sensations and interests.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

Migrants

France | 2020 | Animated Film | 8 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Hugo Caby, Antoine Dupriez, Aubin Kubiak, Lucas Lermytte, Zoé DeviseProducer:Carlos De CarvalhoScreenplay:Lucas Lermytte

A polar bear mom and her cub are forced into exile due to global warming. On their journey they meet brown bears who they try to cohabitate with. But the situation is everything but simple.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

Seepferdchen / Seahorse

Germany | 2020 | Documentary Short | 16 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Nele DehnenkampProducer:Christine Duttlinger

When Hanan and her family crossed the Mediterranean Sea in a rubber raft, she didn’t know how to swim yet. The images of the sea and the fear of drowning are etched into her memory. In order to overcome her trauma, she learned how to swim and now teaches others. But she simply can’t forget the haunting images of the ocean.

Offline:
22. July 13:30h until 15:30h at Kino 1 (Sparkling Lights)
24. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Sparkling Lights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Sparkling Lights)

Sense Postre / There's Cake

Spain | 2020 | Short Film | 13 Min. | Catalan (English Subtitles)

Director:Clàudia VernisProducers:Clàudia Vernis, Marc MuñozScreenplay:Clàudia Vernis

Marina’s everyday life and thoughts are dominated by food. Today is Saint John, the hottest and longest day of summer. Her mother made a chocolate cake to celebrate.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

Zwischen Ich und Wir / Between Me and Us

Germany | 2020 | Animated Film | 9 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Sabrina ReisProducer:Sabrina Reis

Twins Maria and Sabrina have spent their whole lives together. For the past 20 years, they and their lives have been connected. However, they tend to have different memories of the same events.

Offline:
23. July 10:00h until 12:00h at Kino 1 (Flashlights)
25. July 13:00h until 15:00h at Kino im MedienCampus Babelsberg (Flashlights)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Flashlights)

360°

The section 360° explores the possibilities of visual storytelling. The audience 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, which makes it particularly interesting for newcomers to the film industry. This section awards the Best 360° Film.

ECHO - Eine Sonosphäre / ECHO - a sonicsphere

Germany | 2019 | 360° | 4 Min. | Without Dialogue

Directors:Michael Gamböck, Franziska Hauber

An immersive journey through audio-reactive worlds.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
23. July 12:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
24. July 10:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
25. July 10:00h until 14:00h at 360° Space (360°)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (360°)

Naturwälder: Schatzkisten heimischer Artenvielfalt / Natural Forests: Treasure Troves of Biodiversity

Germany | 2020 | 360° | 9 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Sandra JütteProducer:Sandra Jütte

Germany's last great natural forests can be experienced from a new perspective.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
23. July 12:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
24. July 10:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
25. July 10:00h until 14:00h at 360° Space (360°)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (360°)

Schweigespirale / Spiral of Silence

Germany | 2021 | 360° | 5 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

Director:Beatrice Aliné

A protective bunker in the last days of the Second World War, becomes a place of confrontation.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
23. July 12:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
24. July 10:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
25. July 10:00h until 14:00h at 360° Space (360°)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (360°)

Sector

Poland | 2020 | 360° | 15 Min. | English

Director:Wojciech Olchowski

An atmospheric performance leads through nature and destruction.

Offline:
22. July 14:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
23. July 12:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
24. July 10:00h until 19:00h at 360° Space (360°)
25. July 10:00h until 14:00h at 360° Space (360°)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (360°)

Retrospektive

The section Retrospektive has been a part of the festival since 2016, and is developed out of a cooperation with the master program “Film Cultural Heritage”. The programme’s material is mostly provided by the university’s very own large film archive, displaying the film university’s production history since the 1950ies up to today. Not only does the program shed a light onto older films from the archive, but also presents their meaning and aesthetic experience in the programme’s bigger context.

Aktfotografie - z.B. Gundula Schulze / Nude Portraits - Gundula Schulze

German Democratic Republic | 1983 | Documentary Short | 12 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Helke MisselwitzScreenplay:Christiane Hein, Helke Misselwitz

This portrait of nude photographer Gundula Schulze shows her mission to capture the personality of the women who pose for her in her work. A vivid narration of the endeavor of fighting against restrictive beauty ideals.

Offline:
24. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Auf der Oder / On the Oder River

German Democratic Republic | 1969 | Documentary Short | 29 Min. | German

Director:Winfried JungeProducers:Klaus-Dieter Dörrer, Kazimierz GorzkiewiczScreenplay:Hans-Eberhard Leupold, Winfried Junge

The iced up river Odra runs along the 160 km long border area between the GDR and Poland. Icebreakers from both countries unite every year in order to make the international waterway between Frankfurt and Szczecin free from ice again. The solidarity between the crews is put to contrast with impressive images of the landscape.

Offline:
24. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Einsamkeit / Loneliness

German Democratic Republic | 1979 | Animated Film | 2 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Otto SacherProducer:Ingrid TzschoppeScreenplay:Otto Sacher

An old man spends Christmas at home, sad and lonely. He would love nothing more but to celebrate it with someone else. Then he has an idea.

Offline:
23. July 21:00h until 23:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Essay über ein Fischweib oder Min Herzing / Min Herzing or Essay on a Fishwoman

German Democratic Republic | 1974 | Documentary Short | 15 Min. | German

Director:Uwe BelzScreenplay:Uwe Belz, Georg Kilian

“Min Herzing”, is what fish saleswoman Hedwig Anke lovingly calls her customers. On her last day of work, the 72-year-old gives us an insight into her busy life. Her stories are underlined by private photos of the Baltic Sea, throwing us back to the everyday life of fishermen and fisher “gals'' in the North of Germany.

Offline:
24. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Haus und Hof / Poor Soil

German Democratic Republic | 1980 | Documentary Short | 31 Min. | German

Director:Volker KoeppProducer:Frank LöprichScreenplay:Volker Koepp

Isolde Sperling and her family live in Hennickendorf in Luckenwalde county. She is an agriculturalist and head of an agricultural collective for soil improvement. The discrepancy between her ecological views and the political reality at work really gets to her. But she tries not to give up.

Offline:
23. July 21:00h until 23:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Heim / Children's Home

Germany | 1978 | Documentary Short | 26 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Directors:Angelika Andrees, Petra TschörtnerProducer:Manfred RengerScreenplay:Angelika Andrees

Produced as a supporting film for Roland Gräf’s ‘PS’, and prohibited until 1989, this work tells about the teenagers at the children’s home in Metin. They openly share their future visions with us, their problems and sorrows, talk about their families and how they ended up here. This causes both friction, but also tender moments while playing and dancing together.

Offline:
23. July 21:00h until 23:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Hör zu / Listen!

German Democratic Republic | 1980 | Animated Film | 5 Min. | Without Dialogue

Director:Otto SacherProducer:Ingrid TzschoppeScreenplay:Otto Sacher

A little fire breaks out in a man’s apartment. He panically tries to call the other inhabitants in the house for help, but nobody lets him speak. Instead he is being happily pulled from one apartment into the next one, making him more and more nervous. Eventually, he runs into the streets and gets into a big group of heady-with-victory football fans.

Offline:
24. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Shanty ... oder Schwierigkeiten mit der Jugendmode / Shanty Jeans: Youth Fashion in the GDR

German Democratic Republic | 1989 | Documentary Short | 20 Min. | German

Director:Jürgen RohneProducer:Doris NuckeScreenplay:Jürgen Rohne

Stylist Christiane Stürmer is responsible for developing and designing teenage fashion for VEB Shanty Rostock. In the style of a music clip from the 80ies, this dynamic and colorful fashion report explains the requirements the young clients have for the final product. In the end, they’ll have to pay it from their trainee's salary.

Offline:
23. July 21:00h until 23:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Wer fürchtet sich vorm schwarzen Mann / Who's Afraid Of The Bogeyman

German Democratic Republic | 1982 | Documentary Feature | 52 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Helke MisselwitzProducer:Herbert KruschkeScreenplay:Helke Misselwitz, Thomas Plenert

Profile of coal bearers in Prenzlauer Berg: While we accompany them at work, their boss, a dynamic Berliner, takes care of her regular customers’ social problems. At the same time, a young teacher talks about her experiences in problem schools. An empathetic and pragmatic illustration of the working class in 1989.

Offline:
24. July 21:30h until 23:30h at Lottenhof (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 2. Asche und Salz)

Wäscherinnen / Laundry Women

German Democratic Republic | 1972 | Documentary Short | 23 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Jürgen BöttcherProducer:Dieter KönigScreenplay:Jürgen Böttcher

Working women in the GDR would have a hard time doing care work on top of their job, if it weren’t for the laundresses. But the trainees at combine Rewatex are still often unmotivated and can’t fully identify with their profession. They talk about discrepancies within their pay grade, youth culture and their relationship goals.

Offline:
23. July 21:00h until 23:00h at Kino Filmmuseum (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Pyromania Vol 1. Röcke und Rock)

Showcase

Every year we offer both films from the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, which hosts the festival, as well as an international partner university the opportunity to present their most exciting or current films in this section. The programme will be presented outside the competition.

University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest (SZFE)

Családi kör / Family Circle

Hungary | 2018 | Short Film | 28 Min. | Hungarian (English Subtitles)

Director:Marcell TörökScreenplay:Fruzsina Danszki

Sári and her daughter Beni are on their traditional Sunday visit with her grandmother. While Beni enjoys the food, Sári silently bears all the reproaches coming from her mother. Only the appearance of a soaked stranger makes her break her silence. Suddenly the conversation shifts to the vanished grandfather, and an old family tragedy enters her consciousness again.

Offline:
22. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 1 (Showcase I)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase I)

Mióta velem jár / Since She's with Me

Hungary | 2019 | Short Film | 26 Min. | Hungarian (English Subtitles)

Director:Rozália SzeleczkiProducer:Miklós BosnyákScreenplay:Ádám Fekete, Zsigmond Kungl, Rozália Szeleczki

Rockstar Lóránt Bögös responds with arrogance, helplessness and charm to his 8-year-old daughter Málna’s admiration. He takes her into his world of resistance - or into the world of excess? A day turns into night in communist Budapest of the 1980ies.

Offline:
22. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 1 (Showcase I)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase I)

Mónika nem akar a földön járni / Mónika doesn’t Want to Be Down on Earth

Hungary | 2020 | Short Film | 40 Min. | Hungarian (English Subtitles)

Director:Anna KoromProducer:Bianka MarityScreenplay:Péter Dobány

Feeling hopeless and desperate, Mónika can’t seem to find her way neither in the real world, nor in her whole life. Her suicide attempt is blocked by an appearance of Virgin Mary. She announces to Mónika that she is pregnant - a true miracle for the young trans woman! A mystical modern musical, redefining the borders of reality, develops.

Offline:
24. July 22:30h until 00:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Showcase II)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase II)

Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF

Das Leben ist sonnig und schön / Life is full of sunshine and beauty

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 27 Min. | German (English Subtitles)

Director:Christian Zipfel

Tobias missed his big sister Mitzi’s birthday. After a sundance in the dorms, an emotionally challenging encounter with a dog’s placenta and a violent tantrum in front of his family, Tobias has to secure his future as an attorney for European law.

Offline:
22. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 1 (Showcase I)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase I)

Interstate 8

Germany, United States | 2019 | Short Film | 15 Min. | English

Director:Anne ThiemeScreenplay:Anne Thieme

A solo traveler finds herself on the backseat of a police car in the South of the US. A latina of the same age is already in there. While the officers casually chatter on the front seats, the two women on the backseat come to understand that their destinies - despite all similarities - are still very different.

Offline:
22. July 16:30h until 18:30h at Kino 1 (Showcase I)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase I)

Kollegen / Good German Work

Germany | 2020 | Short Film | 14 Min. | German, English (English Subtitles)

Director:Jannis Alexander Kiefer

For an internationally produced historical film, Uli and Didi are supposed to build a concentration camp on German soil. A bizarre culture clash between a Brandenburg village community and the world of film, while one question is ever so present: Is all this entirely normal or is it pure insanity?

Offline:
24. July 22:30h until 00:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Showcase II)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase II)

THE VOID INSIDE

Germany, Iran | 2020 | Documentary Short | 18 Min. | Farsi (English Subtitles)

Director:Julian DieterichProducer:Milena Schäpers

19-year-old Vahid tries to sell one of his kidneys in Teheran. He needs the money, as he has to pay blood money to a victim after a fight. Otherwise a long time in prison awaits him.

Offline:
24. July 22:30h until 00:30h at Waschhaus - Outdoor (Showcase II)

Online:
Available online from 21. July 20:15h (Showcase II)

Schreibsüchte

Not as a pre-stage of the future film, but as its own piece of art – this category is all about innovative ideas brought to life by outstanding writing and narrative skills. Innovative stories that are brought to form through precise narrative craft have the chance to win the award Best Screenplay (German only). The nominated screenplays will be read out loud by professional dubbing actors at a scenic reading called “Kopfkino”. But also before the completion of a book, authors have the opportunity to present their ideas. Students can convince the jury and win the prize for Best Pitch (German AND English).

Best Screenplay

Kettenhunde

Germany | German

Screenplay: Nicolai Zeitler, Marlene Bischof

Wenn es in ihm brodelt hat Lukas einfach keine Kontrolle mehr. Als er sich in der Klinik einmal zu viel etwas zu Schulden kommen lässt, wird er aus dieser entlassen und mit der Realität konfrontiert. Dabei hatte er gerade begonnen an Lilli heranzukommen - auch wenn ihm physische Nähe schwerfällt.

Offline:
23. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 1 (Schreibsüchte | Kopfkino)

Milch ins Feuer oder Katinkas Ballenpresse / Milk in fire or Katinka's baler

Germany | German

Screenplay: Justine Bauer

Nichts als Wiesen erstrecken sich am Horizont Katinkas ländlicher Idylle. Hinter der nüchternen harten Arbeit des Bauernlebens kommen allerdings die Probleme der eigentümlichen Landgesellschaft zu Tage, die es erschweren, das Leben einfach hinzunehmen wie es ist.

Offline:
23. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 1 (Schreibsüchte | Kopfkino)

Swimming Pool

Germany | German

Screenplay: Filip Malinowski

Einen Volksdienst zu Ehren des verstorbenen Vaters zu leisten, ist das, was Julia stark macht. Insbesondere nachdem sie ihre Zukunft für die Mutter aufgegeben hat und ihr Freund sie verschmäht. Doch wie weit kann sie gehen, wenn die eigenen Überzeugungen, Vaterlandsverbundenheit und Freundschaft in Konflikt geraten?

Offline:
23. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 1 (Schreibsüchte | Kopfkino)

Um Uns die Wellen

Germany | German

Screenplay: Hilke Rönnfeldt

Die Jugendreise der 13-jährigen Hella führt sie zwischen verregnete Sandhügel und Dünen. Die Ferien mit ihrer Freundin Elham hat sie sich anders vorgestellt. Sowieso benimmt sich Elham in letzter Zeit ganz anders. Ist das dieses Erwachsenwerden?

Offline:
23. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 1 (Schreibsüchte | Kopfkino)

Vermächtnis

Germany | German

Screenplay: Ellen Holthaus

Ein Konzentrationslager 1944: Lore und Marie, zwei junge Frauen, die als “asozial” gekennzeichnet sind, ereilt das grausame Schicksal im Lagerbordell anschaffen zu müssen. Die darin ausgelösten Traumata ziehen ihre Spuren durch die Geschichte bis in die Gegenwart.

Offline:
23. July 19:00h until 21:00h at Kino 1 (Schreibsüchte | Kopfkino)

Best Pitch

Braunstadt

Germany | German

Authors: Johannes Oschwald, Peter Rinaldo-Horn

Konzept Serie
Wegen eines rechten Posts muss Ralf seinen Lehrerjob an den Nagel hängen. Zum Glück wird er liebevoll von den Wurst-Enthusiasten der rechten Szene Braunstadts aufgenommen. Darin fühlt er sich so bestärkt, dass der eigentliche Außenseiter nun nach den Sternen greift und Bürgermeister werden will.

Offline:
24. July 13:30h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Schreibsüchte | Pitch!)

Elara (AT)

Germany | German

Author: Natascha Zink

Konzept Serie
Elara möchte ihrem Freund näher kommen und endlich ihr erstes Mal haben. Jedoch macht ihr Körper bei jedem Versuch komplett dicht. Mit der Diagnose Vaginismus werden Sex, Sexualität und Frausein für die Teenagerin zum identitären Konflikt.

Offline:
24. July 13:30h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Schreibsüchte | Pitch!)

Ella

Germany | German

Authors: Jenny Elisabeth Kleine, Pia Mozet

Konzept für Spielfilm
Die als Krake visualisierte Depression nimmt Ella Stück für Stück ein und zieht sie ins Dunkle. Immer weiter driftet die junge Anwältin von Job, Freundschaften und ihrem Partner Louis ab. Doch die Abdrücke der Fangarme lassen sich nicht so leicht beseitigen.

Offline:
24. July 13:30h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Schreibsüchte | Pitch!)

Tanken.Essen.Weiter. / Gas.Food.Drive on.

Germany | German

Author: Lukas Wesslowski

Konzept Serie
Jonathan von Strickenberg ist jung, reich und gebildet. Jedoch wird er von seinem Vater auf die Probe gestellt, indem dieser ihm die Leitung einer kleinen Raststätte aufträgt. So lernt Jonathan sich mit dem Leben am Rande einer deutschen Autobahn sowie mit den Personen, die sich dort aufhalten, anzufreunden.

Offline:
24. July 13:30h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Schreibsüchte | Pitch!)

Tinika

Croatia, Germany | Croatian

Author: Julia Klier

Konzept Serie
In der Woche vor Ihrer Firmung wird die junge Valentina Zeugin von einem sexuellen Übergriff auf ihre beste Freundin. Die konservative Dorfgemeinschaft sieht darüber hinweg, was Valentina dazu treibt, den Abgründen in ihrer patriarchalen Gemeinde nachzugehen.

Offline:
24. July 13:30h until 15:00h at Kino 2 (Schreibsüchte | Pitch!)

Exhibition: Beyond the Frame

The section Exhibition: Beyond the Frame features projects which involve the creative use of technology and novel forms of storytelling next to the traditional movies of the festival programme. These could involve for example XR, artificial intelligence, projection mapping, sensor-based systems, or web-based experiences.

Contact us

50th International Student Film Festival Sehsüchte
Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF

Marlene-Dietrich-Allee 11
14482 Potsdam-Babelsberg
GERMANY

  +49 (0)331 6202 780

 

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