Five films that capture the in-between, the delicate moments in community, the unfamiliar and the uncertainty. A variety of strategies reveal the different forms and complexity of documentary approaches, including classic recording and documenting, the montage of poetic scenes, and daring experimental approaches. Together, we navigate a present that is hard to grasp, one in which the past is still dominating and the future not yet fully imaginable. Whatever lies ahead for the protagonists, they embrace the uncertainty and challenges ahead of them and look into the future with confidence. (Sarah Adam)
Sarah Ledermann films her father, Gilbert, who has an incurable illness. She documents moments full of sadness, beauty, humor and love, from his diagnosis to his death. What starts as an attempt to preserve his presence gradually unfolds into a poetic portrait of the family's close bonds. Ledermann blends personal footage and poetic imagery to explore grief and memory. An autobiographical and emotional documentary and an invitation to reflect on the deeper meanings of life and death.… >>>
Nominated:
A38-Production Grant Kassel-Halle
An observational docu-fiction film set in suburban Los Angeles: Darkness, a basketball court, flickering lights, and two young men. As the shadows come and go, they talk about music, sport, girls, their life and how they imagine their future.
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Premiere:
World Premiere
Nominated:
A38-Production Grant Kassel-Halle
- Director: Andrey Kapustin
OUR HOME is a sensitive portrait of Prague's LGBTQ2+ youth, an ode to resilience and the beauty of chosen bonds. The camera observes Betka and Peta settling into their first own apartment. We listen to Betka reflecting on their situation as a non-binary person, talking about painful memories, relationships and friendships. And we witness how together they gradually transform this space into a true home, their “domov”.… >>>
Premiere:
World Premiere
Nominated:
A38-Production Grant Kassel-Halle
- Director: Manuel Orhy Pirón, Alicia Angélil-Danis
This playful experimental documentary is testing out technology and at the same time diving into personal history and politics. Trying out his new paddle, Tianji is reminded of his college friend, Bin, with whom he played ping-pong together when they were students. Just as he considers reaching out, he discovers a social media post of Bin that makes him hesitate. Seeking clarity and guidance, Tianji talks to an AI voice assistant, but instead of answers, their dialogue pulls him deeper into memories and emotions.
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Nominated:
Goldener Key
When Rupi raps, everything falls silent around him. He meets up with his brother Tando and their cousins Nero and Elgo to roam through the hood and to hang around at the youth club. As the ”Boys from Chb”, they write and rap about their background. Not referencing the classic hip-hop clichés, they live out their identity as Roma, go about their lives, and show us how much solidarity, optimism and love can be found between the lines.
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Nominated:
Goldener Key
