The Focus: Transgression competition is dedicated to films that experiment with form and explore new modes of storytelling. These works often approach complex subjects in surprising ways, blurring the boundaries between types and genres of film. You will find here bold experiments, intimate reflections, and original documentaries. The competition screenings are divided into thematic sections that reflect the diverse ways in which filmmakers push the boundaries of cinema.

La Première Image, dir. Olia Verriopoulou (Greece) 2025, 25’, 15+
Athens, April of 1967. The first days of the military dictatorship. Young Loukas is not allowed to leave the apartment, so he invents a new game that connects him to the outside world: answering the telephone. He discovers that the home telephone line gets mixed up with that of the Studio cinema.
Film presented at e.g. Athens IFF. Polish premiere.

Bloodline, dir. Wojciech Węglarz (Poland) 2024, 12’, 15+
A wall on the Polish-Belarusian border prevents a lone bison from returning to its native herd. In a forest full of guards and soldiers, an abandoned animal becomes a witness to dramatic events.
Film awarded at e.g. KFF and KFDF Młodzi i film.

Barlebas, dir. Malu Janssen (Belgium, Netherlands) 2024, 20’, 16+
It is the year 1595. Heylken lives in the southern Netherlands. She composes songs and helps other women in need. Her unconventional behavior brings suspicion of witchcraft upon her.
Film awarded at e.g. Fantasia IFF. Polish premiere.

Sammi, Who Can Detach His Body Parts, dir. Rein Maychaelson (Indonesia) 2025, 19’, 16+
Sammi was born with the peculiar ability to detach parts of his body. Throughout his life, he shared them with the people he loved. After his death, only his torso with a faceless head remained. His mother is trying to recollect his body parts before the funeral.
Film awarded at e.g. KFF and HIFF.