The Focus: Emotions competition is devoted to short dramas that evoke strong emotions in the audience. Sorrow mixes with joy, excitement with powerlessness, and sometimes, it brings out some tears. This cinema from all around the world makes us realise that although our cultures often differ, we are very similar when it comes to emotions.

Oyu, dir. Atsushi Hirai (France) 2023, 22’, 15+

It is the last day of the year and night falls in the small town of Toyama, Japan. A man goes to the public bathhouse to retrieve a forgotten object. But once inside, the promise of a hot bath compels him to stay.

Film presented at the Cannes IFF and the San Sebastian IFF.

Saudade, dir. Wojciech Pokorski (Poland) 2023, 17’, 15+

The mother of nine-year-old Ula is terminally ill. The girl wants to make her happy and tries to organize Christmas Eve in the middle of summer.

Film nominated for the Jan Machulski Award.

A Perfect Night, dir. Angelo Raaijmakers (Netherlands) 2024, 19’, 18+

To celebrate his promotion, Nordin and his girlfriend Luna try to bake a perfect cake, for a perfect night.

Film presented at the Nederlands FF. Polish premiere.

Queen Size, dir. Avril Besson (France) 2023, 19’, 15+

This morning, Marina has an appointment with Charlie to sell her a mattress. Since they don’t have any transport, they decide to move it to Charlie’s apartment. This gives them a chance to get to know each other better.

Film awarded at ISFF in Clermont-Ferrand. Polish premiere.