FOCUS: THEME PT. 3

Focus: Theme is a competition in which we pay special attention to the content of the film and the way in which the authors talk about the problems they present in their films. Short films very quickly respond to current trends and phenomena, and often pave new paths for full-lengths. In this competition can be found many themes that trigger both local and global discussions. We hope that the films we have selected will help us understand different points of view on a complicated reality.

Bird of Paradise, dir. Mareike Engelhardt (France) 2020, 22’, 15+

Nadia, a 16-year-old French girl, wakes up in her house for the last time. Today she will leave her everyday life to pursue a dream. This day becomes a race against time and destiny. Film presented e.g. at Palm Springs ISFF. Polish premiere.

Juillet 96, dir. Michele Jacob (Belgium) 2020, 25’, 16+

July 1996, the beach, the sea, the sun. Sophie, 10, spends her summer vacations with her mother and her cousin Laurence. Sophie wants to play, but Laurence already feels like a grown-up. Their holidays are going to be special. Film presented e.g. at Moscow IFF. Polish premiere.

Empiric, dir. Ioana Țurcan (Romania) 2021, 15’, 16+

Communist Romania. A 20-year-old Alexandra lives with her mother and disabled brother, she works at a textile factory. Because of the anti-abortion decree, women are used to the monthly gynecological check-ups. But this time, Alexandra is forced to make a drastic decision.

We Are Not Dead Yet, dir. Joanne Rakotoarisoa (France) 2020, 30’, 16+

As they spend one last summer night together, a group of young Ukrainians shares their hopes and dreams for the future. But one of them must choose before the sun rises: reporting to the draft office calling him to war or fleeing the country? Film awarded at Clermont-Ferrand ISFF. Polish premiere.