GREEN IS THE NEW RED by Anna Recalde Miranda | France | 2024 | 95'
IDFA, 2024, World Premiere
A gripping, character-driven documentary that investigates the murder of over 1,500 environmental defenders in Latin America since 2012, revealing how today’s violence is rooted in the legacy of Operation Condor—the Cold War-era “multinational of repression” that enabled mass disappearances, land grabs, and impunity across the region. Blending intimate personal stories with powerful historical insight, the film traces a haunting lineage from past state terror to the present-day ecological crisis, exposing how the foundations of the global agribusiness empire were built on blood and silence.
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IDFA, 2024, World Premiere
A gripping, character-driven documentary that investigates the murder of over 1,500 environmental defenders in Latin America since 2012, revealing how today’s violence is rooted in the legacy of Operation Condor—the Cold War-era “multinational of repression” that enabled mass disappearances, land grabs, and impunity across the region. Blending intimate personal stories with powerful historical insight, the film traces a haunting lineage from past state terror to the present-day ecological crisis, exposing how the foundations of the global agribusiness empire were built on blood and silence.
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CANONE EFFIMERO by Gianluca & Massimiliano De Serio | Italy | 2025 | 120'
Berlinale, 2025,**Special Mention, World Premiere
Traveling across Italy’s diverse regions, the De Serio brothers discover an alternative popular culture that inspires their uniquely square-format film. Exploring polyvocal songs, music ethnology, and oral tradition, the film unfolds boldly and lyrically, blending modern energy with deep-rooted local authenticity and nature. Beginning as an ode to the slow crafting of a Calabrian zampugna, it expands into an ethnological tour of Italy’s small, orally transmitted musical traditions—from Calabria and Marche to Liguria and Sicily. With calm, choral care, the film intertwines landscapes and inhabitants, forging a network of countercultures that redefines nostalgia as radically contemporary. A true cultural masterpiece.
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THE ARTIST WHO DISAPPEARED by David Kew | UK | 2025 | 74'
World Premiere available
When Soviet émigré and artist Sergei Ivanov vanishes without a trace on a remote Scottish island, filmmaker David Kew sets out on a deeply personal journey. Through his search, Kew unravels the mysteries surrounding Ivanov’s life and disappearance, exploring the profound questions of artistic success, failure, and the enduring impact of loss.
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WOMEN'S VILLAGE by Victorien Vialar | France, Burkina Faso | 2025 | 65'
World Premiere available
In the heart of Wassoulou, Tengrela—once known as the "Women’s Village" by Samory Touré—stands as a beacon of resilience and transformation. This documentary unveils the powerful stories of the women who keep its legacy alive. Guardians of ancient traditions, they blend the wisdom of their ancestors with bold dreams of modern emancipation. Through their voices and actions, a vivid tapestry of sisterhood, strength, and cultural renewal emerges. Witness how these remarkable women are reshaping their heritage and forging a future where tradition and freedom unite in a celebration of identity and empowerment.
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(IN)VISIBLE by Luiz Ferraz | Brazil | 2025 | 77'
World Premiere available
Science has never been more necessary for humanity. And at the same time it has never been questioned so much. The accumulation of knowledge and its evidence based on experiments has provided us with countless innovations and adaptations to our daily lives. And to continue advancing, we need increasingly modern and complex instruments. The documentary "(IN)VISIBLE" has as its backdrop the construction of one of the largest science projects in the world, the Sirius electron accelerator. A project that began 40 years ago and that today puts Brazil under the spotlight of global science. Sirius came into operation in 2019, being the most advanced electron accelerator on the planet, arousing the interest of the world's largest scientists, universities and companies from different sectors, who seek innovations and new discoveries in all areas of knowledge.
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FOOTBALLS by Bruno Badain & Luiz Ferraz | Brazil | 2025 | 71'
Cinefoot festival, 2025, National Premiere
Footballs provides a socio-political examination of the diverse relationships fostered by football in Brazil. Whether in the Quilombo da Conceição in the hinterlands of Pernambuco, on the outskirts of Santo André, or in the amateur football leagues of São Paulo's East Zone, the game of football remains a constant presence. Despite challenges such as muddy floodplains, racism, and infrastructural difficulties, football perseveres, serving as a catalyst for community development. In fact, these obstacles inspire changes in laws and public policies. It's evident that football transcends mere sport—it symbolizes resilience and drives societal transformation.
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SUDDEN GLIMPSE TO DEEPER THINGS by Mark Cousins | UK | 2024 | 88'
Karlovy Vary, 2024, **Winner of the Grand Prix Crystal Globe, World Premiere
Mark Cousins explores the life and art of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, a Scottish modernist painter whose encounter with a Swiss glacier in 1949 transformed her vision. Through her synaesthetic perception, feminism, and resilience, she defied artistic trends, creating bold works until her death in 2004. Featuring Tilda Swinton as her voice, A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things reassesses her legacy, linking her story to climate change and contemporary artistic reflection.
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THE NEON PEOPLE by Jean Baptiste Thoret | France, Belgium | 2024 | 124' & 72'
Thessaloniki IFF, 2025, International Premiere
Beneath the glitzy, glamorous Las Vegas Strip lies a hidden world—thousands of homeless souls struggling to survive in a maze of dark, filthy tunnels. The Neon People sheds light on this forgotten underworld, focusing on a small group of individuals who call it home. Through their stories, we witness their harsh reality: cramped spaces, constant danger, and a daily battle for survival. Yet amid the despair, there’s hope. Dreams of escape, connection, and a better life linger in their hearts, painting a raw and poignant picture of humanity beneath the neon glow.
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BLACK LIMBO by Lorenzo Benitez | Spain | 2024 | 75'
Seville European Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere
In the shadows of Spain’s colonial history, Black Limbo unravels the mysterious disappearance of Acacio Mañe, a key figure in the independence movement of Spanish Guinea. Through six years of meticulous research, this poignant film exposes the lingering impunity of Spanish decolonization and confronts a hidden chapter of democratic memory, shedding light on a silenced struggle for justice and freedom.
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MARTIN POLLACK: LOOKING INTO THE ABYSS by Jaro Vojtek | Slovakia | 2024 | 60'
Jeden svet Bratislava Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere
What does it mean to be the son of a Nazi war criminal? Austrian journalist Martin Pollack grapples with this question in his book, *The Dead Man in the Bunker*, where he delves into the dark history of his father, Gerhard Bast, who committed atrocities in Slovakia during WWII. In a powerful continuation of this reckoning, Pollack's translator, Michal Hvorecký, retraces Bast’s footsteps, visiting the sites and speaking to those who can bear witness to Slovakia’s harrowing wartime past. Together, they confront the lingering shadows of history, exploring the burden of inherited guilt and the struggle to reconcile with a painful legacy.
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THE RETURN OF MACISTE by Maurizio Sciarra | Italy | 2024 | 80'
Rome International Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere
In the present day, legendary silent film strongman Maciste steps off the screen during a screening of Pastrone's "Cabiria," organized by film critic Steve Della Casa. Together, they embark on a journey through history, uncovering Maciste's true identity as Bartolomeo Pagano, a Genoese dockworker whose life was forever changed by a chance encounter with director Giovanni Pastrone.
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WAYS OF TRAVERSE A TERRITORY by Gabriela Domínguez Ruvalcaba | Mexico | 2024 | 73'
Locarno Film Festival, Semaine de la critique, 2024, World Premiere
In Ways to Traverse a Territory, a Tsotsil family herds sheep in the misty mountains, preserving their cultural identity. The filmmaker’s personal connection to the land sparks a reflection on belonging, memory, and transformation. Blending archival imagery and intimate conversations, the film explores how landscapes shape identity and questions the artistry of filmmaking itself.
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THE AGE OF WATER by Isabel Alcántara Atalaya & Alfredo Alcántara | USA | 2024 | 76'
Morelia International Film Festival, 2024, World Premiere
In rural Mexico, a community mourns as three young girls die of leukemia within a year. Local women, led by a teacher and a mother, push for answers and, with help from a hydrogeologist, uncover the cause: industrial farms have drained the aquifers, leaving radioactive contamination in the drinking water at 300% over safe limits.
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THE ALEXANDER COMPLEX by Neasa Ní Chianáin | Ireland | 2024 | 84'
Thessaloniki International Film Festival, 2024, World Premiere
Embark on a modern-day quest as a secretive international crew races to solve the mystery of Alexander the Great's missing tomb. Led by an ex-soldier code-named The Inventor, who claims to have found it in Jordan, this discovery—packed with treasures—ignites a high-stakes thriller. Royal families, diplomats, and military forces collide in perilous desert expeditions and power struggles. The Alexander Complex is a gripping saga of ambition, mystery, and legend.
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AT THE END (In Ultimo) by Mario Balsamo | Italy | 2024 | 75'
Torino Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere
In 1997, Claudio, a former surgeon, recognized the neglect many patients face after unsuccessful surgeries. Moved by this, he established a palliative care center in Turin, where he now leads a hospice dedicated to providing compassionate care. Claudio offers spiritual guidance, helping patients navigate the emotional and physical challenges of serious illness and the reality of approaching death. His work focuses on easing suffering and providing comfort, ensuring that patients are supported not only medically but also emotionally and spiritually in their final journey.
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DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER by Ross Killeen in collaboration with the artist, Asbestos | Ireland | 2024 | 77'
Dublin International Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere / Nominated for IFTA (Irish Film and Television award)
A deeply moving film that explores memory, love, and resilience in the face of Alzheimer’s. Renowned artist Asbestos invites viewers into an intimate journey through his mother’s experience with advancing Alzheimer’s, capturing both the heartbreak of memory’s fragility and the enduring beauty of family bonds.
Through stunning visuals and powerful storytelling, Don’t Forget to Remember celebrates the moments that shape us, reminding us that love and connection live on, even as memory fades. This film offers a hopeful perspective on loss, revealing that through shared memories, a loved one is never truly gone.
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SAVAGE BEAUTY by Janne Tanskanen | Finland | 2024 | 57'
Galway Film Fleadh, 2024, World Premiere
Underdog Finnish artist Kari Kola attempts the impossible by creating the world’s largest light installation on a rugged Irish mountain. This documentary captures his journey, turning Oscar Wilde's inspiration into reality, while overcoming personal challenges and defying limits to achieve a breathtaking spectacle.
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DREAMS TRAVEL WITH THE WIND by Inti Jacanamijoy | Colombia | 2024 | 71'
Sheffield Doc Fest, 2024, International Premiere
An intimate journey of a Wayuu grandfather and grandson, revealing the profound connection between their language and indigenous community. Eschewing ethnographic or exoticist approaches, it tells a personal family story, delving into the layers of life, sleep, and death within their culture. Through its dream-like tone and haunting familial dialogue, the film captures the essence of an endangered community on the brink of oblivion, serving as a powerful testament to resilience against cultural erasure.
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SENDA INDIA by Daniela Seggiaro | Argentina | 2024 | 79'
Festival des 3 Continents, 2024, World Premiere
In 1991, the young Wichí man Miguel Ángel Lorenzo filmed with a Hi8 video camera. With humor and sensitivity, he recorded, along with his fellow community members, journeys through the forest, visits to neighboring houses, school events, archaeological investigations, and the visit of a judge, as part of the evidence for a legal case his community had been pursuing since 1986. The film is constructed from these images and episodes, where the Indigenous protagonists convey to the white world the significance of the forest, the language, and community life as the fundamental foundations of their territorial claims.
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SENDA INDIA by Daniela Seggiaro | Argentina | 2024 | 79'
Festival des 3 Continents, 2024, World Premiere
In 1991, the young Wichí man Miguel Ángel Lorenzo filmed with a Hi8 video camera. With humor and sensitivity, he recorded, along with his fellow community members, journeys through the forest, visits to neighboring houses, school events, archaeological investigations, and the visit of a judge, as part of the evidence for a legal case his community had been pursuing since 1986. The film is constructed from these images and episodes, where the Indigenous protagonists convey to the white world the significance of the forest, the language, and community life as the fundamental foundations of their territorial claims.
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BREAKING THE CYCLE by Aekaphong Saransate & Thanakrit Duangmaneeporn | Thailand | 2024 | 116'
Hot Docs, 2024, World Premiere
Breaking The Cycle captures the political awakening among Thais after the rise and fall of Thanathorn, a young politician who calls to end the cycle of
coups d’etat. The film explores the 2019 election in Thailand, which marked the end of five years of full military rule and a new group of young politicians who campaign against an authoritarian constitution, sparking hope and a once-in-a-generation youth movement.
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GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT by Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster | USA | 2023 | 103'
Sundance Film Festival, 2023, **Winner Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary Competition, World Premiere
This documentary portrait follows poet and activist Nikki Giovanni as she nears her 80th birthday, delving into her Afrofuturist-feminist philosophy, her deep familial bonds, her fearless political voice, and her lyrical artistry. Woven with Giovanni’s own vibrant aesthetic, the film reflects on her personal journey and a history shaped by the legacy of American racism, while envisioning hopeful futures. Guided by Giovanni’s narration, filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson break free from traditional formats, opting instead for a bold, non-linear approach. Going to Mars is a testament to radical imagination and intellectual curiosity, exploring emotional and political fulfillment amid a world marked by disenfranchisement.
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A POEM FOR LITTLE PEOPLE by Ivan Sautkin | Ukraine, Lithuania, UK | 2024 | 86'
CPH:DOX, 2024, World Premiere
A cinéma vérité examination of the most vulnerable people on the front lines of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the brave volunteers risking everything to evacuate them to safety. The film weaves together two parallel narratives: one follows a volunteer evacuation team in Eastern Ukraine, led by the young and remarkably stoic volunteer, while the other depicts the wartime daily lives and surprising friendship of two elderly women who chose to remain in their homes in the now de-occupied Chernihiv region.
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THE TAKE BACK by Ricardo Martensen | Brazil | 2024 | 72'
It's all True International Film Festival, 2024, National Premiere
In the conflict-ridden Baixo Tapajós region between the Tapajós and Amazon rivers, local communities face the encroachment of agribusiness, mining, and illegal logging, causing deforestation and environmental pollution. Despite these challenges, traditional populations are uniting to reclaim their land and cultural identity. Amidst centuries of cultural suppression, they proudly embrace their indigenous heritage, fighting to revive beliefs, languages, and culture. "THE TAKE BACK" captures this resilient struggle, initiated in the early 21st century, enduring through the Bolsonaro government, and emerging stronger than ever.
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THE FIRST WOMEN by Adriana Yañez | Brazil | 2024 | 78'
Jeonju International Film Festival, 2024, International Premiere
This documentary unveils the lives of women in Rio de Janeiro's suburbs, nearing their 60s, who were the foundation of Brazil's first women's soccer team. Despite their global football journeys in the 80s and 90s with the national team, their stories remained untold, yielding minimal financial returns. Post-retirement, they navigate informal jobs like street vending, Uber driving, and coaching soccer in social projects. The film intimately explores their present-day routines, reflecting on unrealized dreams, memory, choices, and aging. Amidst their routine, their decades-long friendship shines through, challenging the neglect of these pioneering players in Brazil's football history.
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PASSING THROUGH by Sarah Ingram | USA | 2024 | 92'
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs), 2024, National Premiere
In the vast expanse of a deserted landscape, the town of Bombay Beach experiences a remarkable resurgence as a collective of artists descends upon its quiet streets. "Passing Through" narrates the compelling tale of this small community, which emerges from obscurity to confront the imminent environmental crisis surrounding the Salton Sea. Despite grappling with a relentless and unforgiving environment, the town becomes a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, leveraging the transformative force of art to draw attention to the ecological challenges at hand. Against all odds, "Passing Through" explores how the bonds of community breathe life into Bombay Beach, transforming it into an unexpected haven amid adversity.
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THE VILLAIN by Luis Ziembrowski & Gabriel Reches | Argentina | 2024 | 77'
Festival Cine de las Alturas, 2024, National Premiere
In "The Villain," follow the life of acclaimed actor Luis Ziembrowski, a dedicated family man who grapples with the unsettling paradox of being typecast as villains despite his genuine persona. As the documentary unfolds, we explore the roots of Luis's internal conflict, leading us to a poignant tale of familial abandonment and a father's perceived descent into criminality. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses, "The Villain" unravels the complex interplay between personal identity, societal perceptions, and the indelible impact of childhood trauma on the roles we inhabit in both reel and reality.
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LILI by Sylwia Rosak | POLAND | 2024 | 76'
Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 2024, World Premiere
Since her parents’ separation, Lili has been sharing her time between two homes. This is the story about an 8 year old girl bonding with his father whilst globetrotting, hitchhiking and learning to adapt to her new family situation. A father supporting her daughter to grow strong and independent and to show her the world.Their fearless journeys are an opportunity to tighten their bond. With a baby sister on the way Lili’s life is about to get even more exciting.
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HONG KONG MIX TAPE by SAN SAN F YOUNG | UK | 2023 | 86'
HOT DOCS, 2023, International Premiere
In *Hong Kong Mixtape*, director San San F. Young weaves a powerful narrative about creativity and resistance in the face of growing authoritarian control. As a sweeping national security law restricts words, images, slogans, and songs, Young shares her personal journey alongside those of Hong Kong's bold artists—rappers, stunt collectives, and more—who dare to defy the silence. Through their stories, the film captures the raw tension between self-expression and survival, exploring what it means to risk everything for art in a city caught in a battle for its soul.
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BIOCENTRICS by Fernanda Heinz Figueiredo & Ataliba Benaim | Brazil | 2023 | 108'
International Wildlife Film Festival, 2023, International Premiere
A documentary that delves into the intricate connections among all living organisms and underscores the critical need to preserve biodiversity. Featuring breathtaking visuals and insightful interviews with scientists and environmentalists, the film showcases the biomimicry design methodology and emphasizes the urgent necessity of adopting a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
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THE ABSOLUTION
by Juan Alfredo Amil | Spain | 2024 | 84'
MIRADASDOC, 2024, National Premiere
When filmmaker Juan Alfredo Amil is told by his doctors that his morbid obesity could put his life at risk; he only finds one way to combat his panic state: Make a film about it.
But the tension he feels arises old personal demons to surface, and what at first seemed to be a fable about the fear of death, will end up becoming the filmed testimony of how his personal life collapses in front of him. Soon, he realizes that he is not the hero of his own story... He might be the villain.
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PAINTING DHAKA by Lukas Zeilinger | Germany | 2023 | 91'
Human Rights Festival Berlin, 2023, National Premiere
The film immerses viewers in Bangladesh's slums, questioning perceptions tainted by corruption. From a graffiti workshop for underprivileged kids to unraveling societal challenges, the film exposes the intricate dynamics between a privileged elite and pervasive poverty. Bangladesh Railway symbolizes systemic issues. Exploring power struggles, the documentary showcases art's transformative impact, breaking free from constraints. A poignant narrative of resilience unfolds, challenging preconceptions and highlighting art's profound role in shaping a nation's story.
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WHAT'S TO BE DONE? by Goran Dević | Croatia | 2023 | 77'
Sarajevo International Film Festival, 2023, World Premiere
Zeljko, the head of the union at the Gredelj railway car factory, faces a profound personal and professional crisis after his deputy, Mladen, commits suicide following large public protests and internal union clashes. Torn between his guilt over Mladen's death and the workers' expectations, Zeljko must navigate the pressures to lead a strike against the government's EU-mandated plans to bankrupt the company. Filmed over the course of 11 years, 'What's to Be Done' provides an in-depth exploration of the turmoil of a man caught in the crossfire of loyalty, responsibility, and the fight for justice.
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THE LAST DAUGHTER by Brenda Matthews & Nathaniel Schmidt | Australia | 2023 | 87'
Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 2024, International Premiere
In 'The Last Daughter,' witness Brenda's poignant journey as she navigates the complex tapestry of her identity. Initially raised in a loving white foster family, her abrupt return to her Aboriginal roots leaves her torn between two worlds. Decades later, haunted by unresolved traumas, Brenda embarks on a quest to reconnect with her lost foster family, unraveling buried secrets, governmental deception, and the potential for profound familial and cultural ties. This compelling documentary delves into Brenda's inspiring pursuit of truth, offering a powerful exploration of her quest to reconcile the two halves of her family.
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WITH YOU, WITH YOU AND WITHOUT ME
by Amaya Villar | Spain | 2023 | 86'
Abycine Film Festival, 2023, National Premiere ~ Nominated Spanish Academy’s Goya® Awards 2024
A audiovisual love letter to future children, helps the filmmaker explore in-depth her life decisions. It becomes a powerful resource to heal old wounds, to understand empowerment and the painful learning about what a relationship should be in order to work for every individual.
A poignant and intimate statement, masterfully crafted with a diversity of techniques using animation and personal videos.
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CELLULOID UNDERGROUND by Ehsan Khoshbakht | UK | 2023 | 80'
Morelia International Film Festival, 2023, International Premiere
A powerful and immersive cinematic journey, offering a riveting portrait of post-revolutionary Iran. In the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, a tenacious movie collector in Tehran becomes an unlikely hero as he undertakes the courageous mission of safeguarding thousands of films from the clutches of the new Islamic regime. Despite facing the grim specter of arrest and torture, he steadfastly guards his precious secret—a story of resistance and obsession, retold through the eyes of the boy who stood by his side. Recalled years later from exile in London, their extraordinary tale unfolds on the screen.
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NOWHERE IN THE WORLD by Vanina Lappa | Italy | 2023 | 82'
Festival dei Popoli, 2023, National Premiere - "Audience Award"
Transhumance was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2019. It has been practised on the Cilento mountain Cervati for millennia, and yet institutions seem to obstruct the work of shepherds who have been taking their livestock for the pastures since time immemorial. According to a new local bylaw, herders now have to pay a tax to take their livestock to the mountain, as they’ve done for ages. Exasperated by bureaucracy, shepherd Antonio seems to be able to communicate only with the animals and that luxuriant mountain that he has been going to since he was a baby, getting to know all its meanders. The film tells the story of a man who finds his place thanks to the relationship with his animals while men and their laws won’t allow him to. It also invites to reflect on how exploitation and profit systems cut the oxygen from the relationship between human beings, livestock, and land that could be a response to the climate crisis and more evolved forms of coexistence.
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CREATING PARADISE by David Baute | Spain | 2024 | 67'
World Premiere Available
`The ultimate goal of an architect is to create a paradise’, Alvar Aalto said.
After a trip to Finland in 1960, Vicente Saavedra (1937-2021) plans the construction of TenBel, a touristic area in the Canary Islands where he applied some of Aalto's principles. Nowadays TenBel is in complete decline.
The film repeats that journey to the Baltic country by the hand of poet Alejandro Krawietz, reflecting on the idea of 'dwelling' and looking for the 'paradise' meeting point between the North and the South of Europe.
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BURDEN
by Miguel Eek | Spain | 2023 | 65'
FIDBA, 2023, International Premiere
Thirteen men retreat to a country house where they undergo a personal and collective transformation in search of new ways of being men.
For three days they will live a tribal and cathartic experience, for which not all of them are prepared, where they confront their trauma and inner wrath, through physical and emotional dynamics that will put them to the test.
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HUMMINGBIRDS by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños & Estefanía Contreras | USA | 2023 | 78'
Berlinale, 2023, International Premiere / Grand Prix award
In Laredo, a city in southern Texas on the Mexican border, best friends Silvia and Beba know that the long summer nights of their youth cannot last forever. Their hang-out spots are so familiar but, stuck in an immigration process over which deportation hangs as a constant possibility, home still seems a fragile concept. Between bars, drive-thrus, friends’ couches and the borderlands, they confront the stresses of survival, the future, and community building. For them, this means protest action for legal abortion and against border control abuses, in a politically divided America. But the dusty half-light is also a time for poetry and dreams. Their laughter and creative expression cement a sense of solidarity and belonging in togetherness.
THE TRIAL
by Ulises de la Orden | Argentina, Norway, Italy and France| 2023 | 177'
Berlinale, 2023, World Premiere
1985, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The trial of the Military Juntas of the last dictatorship (1976/83), accused of crimes against humanity. As in Nuremberg after World War II, the trial is entirely recorded in U-matic tapes. For 90 days, the testimonies of the horror were heard and a final sentence: Never Again. The defenders and the political and ideological positions of those who supported the dictatorship. In the voice of the victims, the stories of torture and pain. Life and death in the same room. An archive of the past and a film that raises a starting point.
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ONLOOKERS by Kimi Takesue | USA | 2023 | 72'
Cinema du Reel, 2023, International Premiere
A visually striking, immersive meditation on travel and tourism in Laos, reflecting on how we all live as observers. Traversing the country's dusty roads and tranquil rivers, we watch as elaborate painterly tableaus unfold, revealing the whimsical and at times disruptive interweaving of locals and foreigners in rest and play. Drawn to spectacle, tourists swarm to magnificent Buddhist temples, the ordered rituals of monks, and sites of dazzling natural beauty, then recede like a passing tide, leaving Laotians to continue with their daily lives.
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THE PAVILION ON THE WATER
by Stefano Croci & Silvia Siberini | ITA, NL, UK | 2023 - 52'-77’
Biografilm, 2023, National Premiere
A cinematic journey into the world of Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa and his passion for Japanese culture. Japan, to him, was an inspirational universe but also the place where he eventually died in 1978, at the height of his career. A nostalgic feeling permeates the whole film. Nostalgia for that rare event which is the birth of an artist. Although he passed away, he left behind a great and beautiful body of work that, still to this day, delights and amuses.
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LA RICERCA
by Giuseppe Petruzzellis | ITA | 2023 - 62'
Visions du Reel, 2023, World Premiere
In a captivating exploration of humanity's essence, Luigi Lineri meticulously gathers and categorizes pebbles bearing uncanny resemblances to both human and animal figures, akin to enigmatic prehistoric sculptures. These stones serve as a gateway to probe the profound depths of human nature, evoking primal memories and prophetic foreshadowing of what lies ahead. Drawing upon mythological imagery, Lineri's art pays tribute to the ancestral struggles of early humans, molding our present existence. This collective journey traverses time, symbols, art, ecology, and technological advancement, forming an existential quest that unites us in the shared tapestry of human experience.
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ROWDY GIRL
by Jason Goldman | USA | 2023 | 72'
HOT DOCS, 2023, World Premiere
Unable to come to terms with the cruel reality of animal agriculture, a former Texas cattle rancher goes vegan and transforms her husband's beef operation into a farmed animal sanctuary. When their story goes viral, she realizes her true calling: to help farmers transition to plant-based and end their business of animal agriculture. "Rowdy Girl" showcases the inspiring work of an animal activist who has been on both sides and proves that there is a common ground between farmers and vegans - a shared mission of compassion and sustainability.
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REMEMBER MY NAME
by Elena Molina | SPAIN | 2023 | 76'
Malaga International Film Festival, 2023, National Premiere
After crossing the Melilla fence from Morocco, Ihsane enters the “Divina Infantita” nuns’ reception centre for girls, where Assia, Mounia and Nuhaila also live. Hamza turns 18 and has to leave La Purísima, the reception centre for unaccompanied boys. They all arrived alone in Melilla but have found a new family: the NANA dance company. After months of hard work, they are selected to participate in a famous TV talent show, where they experience a mirage that seems to take them away from their reality for a few days and that vanishes in a flash when the spotlight goes out. Back to Melilla, when they turn 18, they have to leave the children’s centre and start a new life. Once again, alone.
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MUCH ADO ABOUT DYING by Simon Chambers | UK | 2022 | 84'
IDFA, 2022, World Premiere
When filmmaker Simon Chambers gets a dramatic call from his aging uncle David proclaiming, “I think I may be dying,” he abandons his project in India and returns to London. What unfolds is a poignant, tragicomic exploration of life, legacy, and the flamboyant spirit of an actor who refuses to bow out quietly.
David, a Shakespeare-quoting drama queen with a flair for the theatrical, turns his supposed final act into an unforgettable performance—often stark naked, always reciting monologues, and navigating his cluttered, chaotic home with unapologetic grandeur. As Simon captures his uncle’s eccentricity and their bond deepens, the film transforms into both a comedic ode to David’s unyielding independence and a heartfelt portrait of family, love, and life’s final curtain call.
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A PARTNER TO CALL MY OWN by Kelly Cristina Spinelli | Brazil | 2022 | 72'
Gramado Film Festival, 2022, National Premiere - Awarded Best Feature Documentary
In the aftermath of her husband's death, Eni Spinelli, mother of filmmaker Kelly Cristina Spinelli, faces solitude. Years later, she tackles this by hiring a "taxi dancer" – young male dancers from Sao Paulo's outskirts charging up to $50 nightly to accompany elderly upper-class women. In "A Partner to Call My Own," Kelly explores her mother's journey and that of four other women engaging taxi dancers, delving into themes of loneliness, sexuality, and privilege among the elderly.
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CADÊ HELENY? by Esther Vital | BRA, SP | 2022 | 29'
E Tudo Verdade, 2022, World Premiere
This acclaimed stop-motion animated documentary masterfully weaves Heleny Guariba's life history, stitch by stitch, frame by frame, and memory by memory. A philosopher, professor, and theatre director, she vanished during the Brazilian dictatorship in 1971. Drawing inspiration from the arpilleras, a potent form of protest born from Chile's Pinochet regime, the film skillfully employs tapestries made of fabric remnants and simple stitches to convey unspoken truths. As each scene unfolds, the documentary pays a heartfelt tribute to Heleny's remarkable journey, capturing the essence of her spirit and the resilience of those who bravely challenge oppressive forces through art and storytelling.
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NATURE MUSIC by Lucas Weglinski | Brazil | 2022 | 100'
In Edit International Film Festival, 2022, World Premiere
Masculine nicknames haunt Léa Freire, "The contemporary Villa-Lobos", "The new Tom Jobim", "Hermeto in skirts".
An exceptional woman, an instrumentalist, a jazz improviser, arranger and symphonic composer, universes that are still very much dominted by male artists. Léa crosses prejudice and breaks the barriers between classical and popular, creating a unique, Brazilian but also universal music. In Nature Music, iconic figures of Brazilian Music, legends of Jazz and the New Female Generation tell us about the influence of Léa and her Music, the delights, difficulties and challenges of being a woman musician. Even today.
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THE CABINET
by Živilė Mičiulytė | Lithuania | 2023 | 61'
World Premiere Available
The two investigative journalists, their closed closet office, and the monotonuous and nervous routine of their work. Politicians are about to gradually and systematically restrict media freedom, and the concept of truth is becoming increasingly complex in these post-truth times.
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EDUCATION AND NATIONALISM
by Hisayo Saika | Japan | 2022 | 78'
BAFICI International Film Festival, 2023, World Premiere
An impactful documentary delves into the revision of Japan's history within its classrooms. The film uncovers the government's systematic eradication of Japanese textbooks, scholars, and educational integrity, as revealed through candid testimonies from politicians, textbook writers, company employees, and teachers. In 1997, the inclusion of military comfort women in middle school history textbooks faced vehement opposition from right-wing politicians. The resulting backlash against a respected publisher led to its ultimate bankruptcy for daring to cover the lawsuit of a former Korean comfort woman named Hak-sun Kim and exposing the Japanese army's atrocities. Amid mounting political pressures, plans emerge to reshape historical terminology through the lens of the Japanese government's perspective.
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LIGHT FALLS VERTICAL
by Efthymia Zymvragaki | Spain, Netherlands, Germany | 2022 | 84'
IDFA International Film Festival, 2022, World Premiere ~ Nominated EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS 2024
When I left the island where I was born, it wasn’t a departure, it was an escape. Years later, I arrive on another island, a barren place that feels strangely familiar. I have come here for an encounter with a man. He says he is willing to expose the violence that he carries within. But when I venture to get closer to the harmful, desperate man, I realize that he also holds the key to my deepest fears, echoing in the violence of my own past. Now his story will never be separated from mine.
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PORT DESIRE
by Juan M. Bugarín | Argentina | 2022 | 75'
IDFA International Film Festival, 2022, World Premiere
In a poignant tale, a Malvinas' War veteran endeavors to fix a small boat and set sail to the islands, determined to plant Argentina's flag four decades later, without a passport. Amidst preparations, cherished family ties resurface, alongside haunting memories from the past, sparking a profound inquiry: How enduring is the impact of war? And how does it reverberate through the lives of those closest to you?
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CHILDREN OF LAS BRISAS
by Marianela Maldonado | USA, France, United Kingdom | 2022 | 84'
Sheffield DocFest, 2022, World Premiere
An inspiring journey of resistance, resilience, and unwavering determination, delving into the transformative might of discipline and classical music as beacons of survival. This captivating documentary intimately traces the paths of three Venezuelan children hailing from the impoverished Las Brisas neighborhood as they strive to transcend their circumstances and fulfill their dreams of becoming accomplished musicians through the esteemed "El Sistema" music program. Witness their unwavering dedication to their craft, and how the harmonious notes they create become a resounding anthem of hope amidst adversity. Through their arduous yet extraordinary pursuit, the film reveals the profound impact of music in igniting the human spirit and transcending the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future.
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RISING SUN BLUES by Renata Ferraz & Maria Roxo | Portugal | 2022 | 83'
- Ann Arbor Film Festival, 2022, World Premiere - Eileen Maitland Award
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PONGO CALLING
by Tomás Kratochvíl | Czech Republic, Slovakia, UK | 2022 | 78'
Sheffield DocFest, 2022, World Premiere
When the president of the Czech Republic makes a remark that Romani people are ‘socially unadaptable’ and refuse job opportunities, truck driver Stefan Pongo initiates a social media campaign for the Romani in the country to post selfies from their workplaces. His activism through online posts and live broadcasts brings him huge audiences across Europe and eventually results in the establishment of the Czechoslovak Romani Union. But as the campaign evolves, the crisis affects Pongo’s family life. Tomáš Kratochvíl’s film captures the spirit of one determined campaigner and the challenges faced by grassroots activism.
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FIONA CLARK: UNAFRAID by Lula Cucchiara | New Zealand | 2021 | 83'
New Zealand International Film Festival, 2021, National Premiere
It follows the life and work of Fiona Clark, a pioneering New Zealand photographer known for her fearless portrayal of marginalized communities. Through documenting the LGBTQ+ scene, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and her personal journey after a life-changing accident, Clark's art challenges societal norms, fights for equality, and highlights environmental and cultural issues.
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SERGIO LARRAIN, THE ETERNAL MOMENT
by Sebastian Moreno | Chile | 2022 | 83'
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An in-depth film exploring the life of Sergio Larraín, the only Chilean photographer to have become a staff member of the prestigious photo agency Magnum, who developed a unique and enigmatic way of constructing images, became a photographic legend. He captured the edges of reality and ended up inhabiting them. Some of his work has been bought by MoMa. Yet, having arrived at the peak of success in his career, he unexpectedly decided to retreat to hermithood in northern Chile.
BI ARNAS
by J. M. Fernandez Elorz | Spain | 2022 | 58'
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This documentary tells the story of two breaths: on the one hand Iratxe Sorzabal's breath; on the other, her mother's, Mari Nieves Diaz. This story wants to narrate those two invisible breaths, their suffocation, their double suffering. This is the story of Iratxe's agony, heard mainly through the mother's voice and memories, and supported by her daughter's own voice when possible.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
by Paul Chambers | UK | 2022 | 63'
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The film follows Sam as he makes an autobiographical spoken word film about his battles with addiction, whilst living in an abstinence based recovery centre in Liverpool .
It helps its residents find purpose by introducing art, sport, culture and community back into their lives.
THE BUILDING
by Goran Dević | Croatia | 2022 | 68'
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The Sisak Iron Mill, one of the largest industrial plants in former Yugoslavia, built an "ideal" settlement for their workers who had thus far lived in huts around the factory.
A town was erected around the plant. Sixty years later, The film follows a week in the everyday life of inhabitants on a particular building. A subtle clash between past and present around culture, ideology, lifestyle and values.
REXHEP - WHAT KILLED THE ARCHITECT
by Mathieu Jouffre | Kosovo | 2022 | 83'
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The filmmaker follows the life and work of architect and urbanist Rexhep Luci, and the story of Prishtina, the city he loved and where his murder is still unsolved for over 20 years. The documentary follows his personal and professional relationship with the city, from his dedication to urban growth during the Yugoslav period to his determination to prevent illegal construction in the post-war period. His niece, Besa, leads us through his life and Prishtina’s development through intimate conversations with family and Rexhep’s former colleagues, while following an architectural intervention on the street that bears his name. The documentary explores what puts a halt to an architect.
8 STORIES ABOUT MY HEARING LOSS
by Charo Mato | Arg. & Uruguay | 2022 | 86' TRAILER
The film addresses the issue of deafness based on the testimonies from the personal experience of the director, the Argentine Charo Mato, who was diagnosed with progressive hearing loss at a very young age, until she became completely deaf at the age of 23 .
Mato traces her history as a person with hearing loss from the time she was diagnosed until she underwent her first cochlear implant, dialoguing with the memory of her mother, who died just a short time later.
LINES
by Barbora Sliepková | Slovakia| 2021 | 80' TRAILER
Bratislava is an exemplary post-socialist city. Its massive construction replaces the old with the new. The changing features of the city speak to us not only through the silhouettes of new buildings but also through its inhabitants. . Where does public space cease and where does intimacy begin? This is what everyday sociology comprises.
THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS
by E. Giusto & C. Tejeda | Spain | 2021 | 75' TRAILER
This documentary is a journey in everyday reality that reflects on the concept of success. Internationally renowned figures, like Placido Domingo or Rossy de Palma and the film main character 80year old María Teresa – an delightful retired singer – and the neighborhood of Lavapiés, in Madrid, serve the purpose of reflecting on success and on all those ingredients that are part of the existence. With a style that follows the spirit of the “enfants terrible” of the Nouvelle Vague, but with the Madrid feel, the film leaves space for spontaneity.
by E. Giusto & C. Tejeda | Spain | 2021 | 75' TRAILER
This documentary is a journey in everyday reality that reflects on the concept of success. Internationally renowned figures, like Placido Domingo or Rossy de Palma and the film main character 80year old María Teresa – an delightful retired singer – and the neighborhood of Lavapiés, in Madrid, serve the purpose of reflecting on success and on all those ingredients that are part of the existence. With a style that follows the spirit of the “enfants terrible” of the Nouvelle Vague, but with the Madrid feel, the film leaves space for spontaneity.
NOSTROMO
by Fisnik Maxville | Switzerland | 2021 | 82' TRAILER
A raw and visually captivating film that delves into the captivating dream of living a solitary existence in the wilderness. The narrative unfolds through compelling characters, offering a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between humanity and Nature. It artfully portrays the delicate balance between the relentless quest for survival and the profound yearning for happiness and connection in a harsh and unforgiving world. Against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, the film navigates the internal and external challenges faced by those who dare to embrace solitude and independence. Through evocative storytelling, "Nostromo" invites viewers to reflect on the deep-seated human desire to find meaning, purpose, and communion amidst the raw beauty and untamed majesty of the natural world.
by Fisnik Maxville | Switzerland | 2021 | 82' TRAILER
A raw and visually captivating film that delves into the captivating dream of living a solitary existence in the wilderness. The narrative unfolds through compelling characters, offering a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between humanity and Nature. It artfully portrays the delicate balance between the relentless quest for survival and the profound yearning for happiness and connection in a harsh and unforgiving world. Against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, the film navigates the internal and external challenges faced by those who dare to embrace solitude and independence. Through evocative storytelling, "Nostromo" invites viewers to reflect on the deep-seated human desire to find meaning, purpose, and communion amidst the raw beauty and untamed majesty of the natural world.
THE COMMUNE
by Jakub Julény | Slovakia| 2020 | 80' TRAILER
In the backdrop of Communist Czechoslovakia, a powerful desire for freedom gave rise to a group of individuals who embraced the principles of the underground movement. They willingly became outsiders to live life on their own terms. Yet, even in the present day, they remain entangled in the past, haunted by lingering suspicions of betrayal and collaboration with the secret police. The spirit of their departed guru hovers over their collective story, adding a poignant layer to their experiences.
THE GOLDEN LAND
by Dominik Jursa | Slovakia | 2019 | 65' TRAILER
- Set on the backdrop of a seemingly unassuming dispute between the citizens of three small villages in Eastern Slovakia and a big American oil company, we observe how the voice of an individual transforms from a droll yelp to a fundamental attitude towards life.
A HOLE IN THE HEAD
by Robert Kirchhoff | Slovakia | 2017 | 90' TRAILER
Little is known about the tragedy of the Roma and Sinti during the Second World War. They were murdered by the tens, hundreds and thousands; in concentration camps, by the edges of mass graves and roadsides, by rifle butts, hammers or gas. Silence surrounds them. For years they existed and still exist on the edge of society. They survived and keep their memory and scars as proof. In a world where fascism is once again prevalent, they are one of the last living witnesses to the Holocaust. They exist with a hole in their head, an imprint from the past.
MY NAME IS HUNGRY BUFFALO
by Pavel Jurda | Slovakia | 2017 | 90'
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Jan calls himself Hungry Buffalo, loves westerns, is blind and is in danger of losing his hearing too. He and his wife, Zuzana, have a common bond - a longing for adventure. That is why they undertake a trip to America to meet a medicine man from the Navajo tribe who, through a ritual, is supposed to improve his hearing. Will Hungry Buffalo´s romantic notions about the lives of Indians survive a confrontation with reality? The charismatic Jan amongst the Indians gives the impression of Wild West´s Don Quixote - a naive adventurer in a world that is much more ordinary than his imagination.
DRUMS OF RESISTANCE
by Mathieu Jouffre | Kosovo | 2016 | 52' & 65'
When ex-Yugoslavia began to dissolve, the Serbian regime excluded Kosovar Albanians from public life, firing them from public institutions, shutting down media outlets, and closing schools and universities. In 1990s Kosovo, education continued in private homes and basements. This documentary explores the creation of a parallel society under segregation and apartheid. Written by Besa Luci and Mathieu Jouffre, it captures people reminiscing over food and conversation about one of Kosovo’s most turbulent and poignant eras.
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