Director: LING HAN
Producers: LING HAN, TZU-YING HO
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Proverb, CGI Animation
Overview: "Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. "Chain" is visually stunning and emotionally rich, expressing nature's survival instincts and prompting viewers to ponder life's deeper questions. We sincerely recommend this film to fans of animation and proverbs.
Director Statement: This film wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team. I’m so thankful for their hard work and support. Each member brought unique skills and perspectives, making "Chain" a truly collaborative effort. I hope viewers find "Chain" as engaging and thought-provoking as we intended. We hope it leaves a lasting impression on you.
Director: Mokotsi Rukundo
Writer: Fernanda Vilela
Producers: Fernanda Vilela, Johanna Thur, Jeanette Schock
Key Cast "Emilia": Fernanda Vilela
Country: United States
Genre: Drama
Overview: Emilia and Liam are preparing to welcome their new baby; as we follow their story, we learn how strong a mother's love is.
Director Statement: Raised in a household of women, I gained insight into the blind spots I faced as a male in a patriarchal world. It wasn't until a family friend experienced a miscarriage that I fully grasped the pressures on motherhood. Fernanda, the writer of "Amentalio," provided an opportunity to shed light on the unique pain of losing a child, a privilege I'm honored to share with audiences.
Director: Gus Herbert-Müller
Writer: Jude Crook
Producer: Oscar Hewitt
Key Cast "Iona": Alis Wyn Davies
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Short
Overview: Four lifelong friends embark on a daring heist to steal back a precious Tamagotchi from their childhood nemesis.
Director/Writer/Producer: Angela Andronache
Country: United States
Genre: Dark Comedy, Horror
Overview: A regular day turns into a nightmare for 25-year-old struggling artist Sarah, who can't sleep because her mind is full of thoughts, worries, and ideas. Every sound seems louder, and strange noises fill her home. As her anxiety grows, she becomes both scared and curious, eventually noticing something unexpected outside her door. This mystery pushes her to face the unknown in the night, leading to one unwavering surprise.
Director Statement: Good stories take us by surprise. They make us think and have unique feelings. They remain in our memory for years to come, they help us remember ideas and concepts in a way that nothing else can.
Director/Writer/Producer: John P Martinez
Country: United States
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror
Overview: A highly trained operative, belonging to a clandestine ancient group of expert mercenaries, is given a mission to recover a valuable item for one of the 13 most influential families on Earth. As war breaks out and alliances formed centuries ago crumble, survival becomes the top priority for everyone involved.
Director Statement: My goal is to bring something new and fresh to the cinema world.
Director/Writer: Oleksiy Andronyak
Producers: Oleksiy Andronyak, Vaiva Botyriute
Country: United Kingdom
Type: Student, Short
Overview: During the lockdown, victims of domestic violence found themselves living their nightmare - being trapped with their abuser.
Director Statement: Shortly after we went into a lockdown, it hit me. Something I wasn't experiencing myself but wasn't unfamiliar with either: victims of domestic abuse around the world were facing their worst nightmare - being trapped with their abusers. This terrifying fact, the notion that it was happening right now and everywhere and that no one was speaking about it, brought a chilling realization that nothing could be done. I had no option but to at least make this film.
Director: Olimpia Stavarache
Writer: Lara Roxana Popa
Producers: Olimpia Stavarache, Mihail Alexandru Stavarache
Country: Romania
Genre: Drama
Overview: In a subtle way, "Gloria" displays real problems that exists in the modern society, such as abuse or favoritism in the higher educational system. Built in a stylish manner, the film follows classical cultural landmarks, reinterpreted in a contemporary form. Thus, the created atmosphere also participates as a character in the seduction ritual of possible future victims. This time it’s about Gloria, a young aspirant to the title of a cinema star. The spectator, a silent witness assists and discovers how the forthcoming circumstances persuade Gloria to give up one by one, in only one terrible night, to all the mental and emotional bars that kept her in a personal comfort zone, and to involuntarily accept the perilous game of her music teacher, Valeria. The audience, already identified with the victim feels this “lesson” on their own skin while both Gloria and Valeria will go through the same ordeal. The film's action takes place in the home of the fresh graduate Gloria, one night before her license exam. A room that became a labyrinth in her own being, from which she escapes repeatedly, helped by a fertile imagination in the world of art, thus regaining its much coveted freedom somewhere in the subconscious. Only here, on a deserted and overnight beach, Gloria meets Joe Cane, a genius musician who is there, in a perpetual and fascinating improvisation of jazz.
Director Statement: I hope for a woman who can decide her own destiny.
Director/Writer/Producer: Robert Edmonds
Country: United Kingdom
Project Type: Documentary, Feature
Overview: In the face of overwhelming odds and financial constraints, Keith Oliver, an ordinary individual with an extraordinary dream, embarks on an epic journey of determination and resilience. Driven by an unwavering passion, he dedicate countless hours to constructing a 19ft boat within the confines of a makeshift tent, defying skepticism, and doubters at every turn. As the project progresses of a 24month period and the seasons pass, setbacks and challenges threaten to derail his ambitious endeavour. The burden of inflation, cost of living crisis and dwindling funds casts a shadow of doubt, pushing the dream of sailing across the Atlantic seemingly out of reach. Yet, fueled by sheer perseverance and a refusal to succumb to adversity, Keith digs deep and presses on, finding inspiration in the face of adversity. With each setback overcome and every obstacle conquered, Meraki takes shape as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Finally, against all odds, the day arrives when Keith, an everyman sets sail into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Through storms and calms, highs, and lows, he navigates the unforgiving waters with courage and determination, drawing strength from the journey itself. As the distant shores of Antigua come into view, Keith realises that the true measure of his journey lies not only in reaching the destination but in the profound transformation that occurred along the way. His story is of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown. This is Keith’s journey.
Director Statement: This is a story of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown - like running an agency. I hope that people will be inspired by Keith's story and follow their own dreams for the future.
Director: Luca Pirero
Writers: Luca Pirero, Karl Martin
Producers: Luca Pirero, Nils Eidvall
Country: Sweden
Genre: Drama
Overview: A Swedish woman, just a few hours before her retirement party, discovers that her adopted son of Indian origin has become a right-wing extremist. Later on during the party, the adopted son provokes a political argument among the guests, forcing the adoptive mother to break the silence.
Director Statement: APART is a film that explores various themes on multiple levels. At its surface, the film portrays the relationship between the adoptive mother, Ingela, and her adopted son, Jakob, who has become a right-wing extremist. However, on a deeper level, the film aims to delve into the idea of identity. There's a paradoxical element within the story: despite being adopted from another country himself, Jakob vehemently opposes immigrants, thereby either unconsciously denying his own origins or having forgotten his roots. This psychological aspect adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. Additionally, the film aims to examine how an adoptive mother might react upon discovering that her adopted son has become someone very different from what she had hoped for. It explores the emotions she experiences and the decisions she makes in such a situation. Despite the escalating political debate involving different characters, the film is not intended to be political. Instead, our aim is to allow the audience to delve into the emotional worlds of the characters, who use strong rhetorical language as a shield to protect their status and their fragile sense of self. In reality, there is a lack of communication. This is another paradoxical aspect that gives an additional dimension to the film. Moreover, an intriguing aspect we want to portray is the diverse reactions people have to news reported on TV or in newspapers, and how challenging it is in today's world to be critical and discern what is true or not. The idea of a debate taking place around a dinner table within a Swedish family context was very interesting to experiment with. In Sweden, as in many other countries, political discussions are often avoided—it's almost taboo. In contrast, in Italy, my home country, political conversations can occur at home, and people aren't hesitant to engage in them. Therefore, it was exciting for us to explore how Swedish individuals might approach such an inevitable political debate.
Director Donovan Wardroper
Writer: Jamie Nash
Producers: Tom Van Dijk, Gursevak Singh, Carlo Cofie
Country: United Kingdom
Project Type: Student, Short
Overview: Jim and Mary Wilcox are a happily married couple. They have the perfect home. A generous pension. (Too much) time on their hands. But most dear of all - their beautiful teenage daughter, Emily. There’s just one problem - her boyfriend, Leon, whose quirky career as a fashion designer shatters the parents’ expectations. After learning of their plans to rent an apartment together, Jim is inspired by his retirement hyper fixation on Halloween to scare the couple out. Together with Mary, he bugs Emily’s room, sabotages their viewing, and stages a fake cult ritual as a last-ditch attempt, before being forced to accept Emily’s autonomy. But all is not what it seems with their estate agent…
Director Statement: My primary aim for Mr & Mrs Wilcox is for it to feel familiar, as the comedy is derived from the fact that we take ordinary family situations and exaggerate them for comedic effect. Although the narrative is pushed to satirical extents, it remains based upon the universal truth that all parents fear their children leaving home and beginning a new life independent of them. By playing on this truth in the film and combining elements of realism and satire, it enables the audience to still relate to the characters, despite their absurd shenanigans, and ultimately form real connections to them. Whether you relate to a parent’s caution or a child’s desperation for freedom, a father’s protectiveness of his daughter’s heart, or a daughter’s longing to be with her boyfriend, the aim is you will undoubtedly find empathy for the characters within the film. The most important purpose of the film however, is to provide some light-hearted humour and overall enjoyment to our audience. Comedy films have always been a natural escape for me, and I wanted others to feel the same about this film.
Writer/Director/Animator: Sacha Schwarz
Music and Sound: Renzo Sartori
Country: Switzerland
Project Type:Animation, Short
Overview: A sociopathic street lamp has his donuts stolen by the Uzbek mob. Filled with rage he plots to reclaim his stolen property.
Director Biography: Sacha Schwarz is an independant Multimedia Producer with a background in computer science and journalism, focusing on documentary style video production, 3D-Animation and immersive installations. He graduated 2023 with a bachelors in Cast / Audiovisual Media from ZHdK and is currently pursuing a masters in Interaction Design.
Director/Writer: Harris Vaughan
Producer: Nataile Lauren
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Comedy, Dramedy, Melodrama, Sitcom
Overview: A motley crew of promiscuous individuals find themselves forced together in their very worst nightmare: the local STI clinic. Opening up farcical truths and mind-altering revelations, they're catapulted towards a climax of excruciating consequences...
Director Statement: STI is a small film with a big message ("a grower not a shower", if you will!) and it was inspired by an embarrassing and awkward experience I had in New York. It’s not easy bumping into someone you once "spent the night" with, it’s even worse when that happens in an STI clinic... surrounded by their friends... Sexual relations are increasingly interconnected nowadays and, as a result, STI’s are rising in all ages and demographics. Natalie and I wanted our film to use comedy to take some of the negative stigmas and mystery out of it: not just because it’s one of the most natural things we as a species do, but also for the sake of our own mental and physical health. I hope STI will be a catalyst for conversations about sexual health awareness, and serve as a fun reminder of why you should always play safe. The phrase “6 degrees of separation” comes to mind, as unlikely as you might think that seems... enjoy!
Director/Writer/Producer: Jii Zhang
Country: Japan
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama
Overview: In the year 20XX, where AI has replaced many human jobs, Sanada, a once-renowned game director, is the last human employee at his company. To save the company from bankruptcy, he collaborates with an overconfident AI to create an innovative game but struggles with a creative block. When his niece Yui, who feels isolated at school, visits, her story reignites his creativity. This encounter leads to a groundbreaking game, merging human emotion with AI precision and revitalizing his career.
Director Statement: Through this film, I hope to convey a positive message: that the fusion of passion and technology can lead to greater growth and understanding. As we continue to advance in the field of AI, it’s crucial to remember that technology is not here to replace us, but to augment our abilities, allowing us to achieve new heights that were previously unimaginable. "Heart-Ware" is a testament to the potential that lies within this collaboration, offering a heartwarming story that encourages us to embrace the future with optimism and hope.
Director/Writer: Maria Salinger
Producers: Maria Salinger, Leonard Graf
Country: Germany
Genres: Drama
Overview: A young woman finds love while piercing together her own identity after being separated from her identical twin sister for the first time in her life.
Director Statement: I believe that humans can learn from each other and get inspired by each other. That's why I focus on film projects inspired by true events.
Director: Oscar Hewitt
Writers: Jude Crook, Sara Beshiri, Gus Herbert-Müller, Oscar Hewitt
Producer: Oscar Hewitt
Country: United Kingdom
Genres:Comedy, Drama, Music
Overview: Four aspiring musicians embark on a chaotic road trip as they struggle to make it to their first-ever gig.
Director Statement: Creating my debut feature film 'A Van Called Muriel' was an invigorating experience and bringing these characters to the screen was such a joy.
Director/Writer: Damian Chapa
Key Cast "David Micheals": Damian Chapa
Producers: Damian Chapa, Patricia Robinson
Country: United States
Genres: Drama
Overview: David Michaels, a troubled New York poet (Damian Chapa) finds inspiration and heartbreak in the enigmatic, institutionalized Poet Regina Romanescu (Olga Kent) As their bond deepens, David must confront the darkness of Regina's past and oppressive forces that seem to keep them apart. Will their light shine bright enough to overcome the shadows or will it become a tragic victim of it's own beauty set against the timeless backdrop of Paris
Director Statement: "Filmmaking is not just an art form, but my lifeline. It's a vital means of self-expression, a creative outlet that saves me from spiraling into darkness and despair. Without it, I fear I'd be lost in a destructive existence. Having the freedom to create gives me wings to fly, liberating me to explore the depths of my soul and share my vision with the world."
Writer: Ryan Daly
Country: United Kingdom
Project Type: Screenplay, Short Script
Overview: Big Canadian YouTuber ‘Movie Man Mark’, announces his food delivery service ‘Movie Man Munch’ is coming to the UK. AJ sees this as an opportunity to earn money to go to ‘London Film Con’ with his crush Jaz. AJ applies to be a food delivery cyclist but soon finds out he is paired with an A.I. voice of Mark, designed to guide the user on their journey. AJ doesn’t like the idea but has no choice since it was all in the terms and conditions he didn’t read. During their journey, AJ pops his bike tyres in a rundown area. Forced to continue on foot, he runs into a trio of street gang members. Unintentionally angering them, the gang members rob AJ. In response, A.I. Mark scares the gang members away by playing a loud warning sign, flashing photos and threatening to send the evidence to the police. With minimal time left, AJ runs to the customer’s house but is met with resentment and no pay due to the food being destroyed. AJ gives up but Jaz appears at his front door, who managed to secure a free place for AJ to go to ‘London Film Con’ with her.
Writer: Enda Patrick Treacy
Country: Ireland
Project Type: Screenplay, Short Script
Overview: In 1960s Ireland, a dispute between neighbours erupts into a bitter conflict that spirals out of control. After the killing of his less-than-beloved dog, Patrick seeks justice against the ageing Christy Hannigan for the act. But is he really at fault? What follows is a deep dive into small acts of pettiness quickly descending into outright tragedy. A drama about accountability, deception and insecurities, all set in the picturesque west of Ireland.
Writer: Gunnar Garrett
Country: United States
Project Type: Feature Screenplay
Overview: John Dennis Smith , a fifteen-year-old kid with a voice as unmistakable as Elvis Presley’s, explodes onto the country music scene, by mistakenly walking onto the Lawrence Welk show, taking the mic and showing the world what he’s got. With just the one song, John won over not only the crowd, but Lawrence Welk himself, enough to convince Mr. Welk to sign John to a contract to be a part of this show. By the time he turned nineteen John was ready for the big time and headed off to Nashville. Once there, his voice and charisma propelled him to the top, allowing him to sign a record deal with Adonda Records, and cutting several albums that hit the top fifty on the charts. Having been adopted at birth, John has always wondered about his biological parents, and is now ready to meet them. After meeting with his birth mother for the first time, she applauds his voice and singing career, saying he may even be better than his father. John’s world is about to be turned upside down, but at the same time shed some light on the reason he is the way he is. Who is that man you ask? The King of Rock and Roll himself... Elvis Presley
Writer: Samuel Lee Taylor
Country: United States
Project Type: Feature Screenplay
Overview: A chilling tale of the internal struggles between the forces of good and evil within oneself, and the invisible universe that surrounds us all. Marvin Tailor, a disciple of God, falls from grace after the traumatic event he experienced as a teenager, and grows up to be a bitter man, who is constantly being tested by forces, ONLY HIS EYES CAN BEHOLD, battling to claim his soul. It is only after losing all of the intrinsic components that had forged the stability and identity of his adult life, including the trust of his family, that Marvin realizes he has to... stay on his feet, and confront the demons that has terrorized his conscience for years. During his "time and season," can Marvin overcome the harrowing trauma of his past... to reclaim his peace and salvation? Or will his discombobulating guilt continue to spew him down the path of his HELL BOUND demise?
Writer: A. S. Templeton
Country: United States
Project Type: Feature Screenplay
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Family, Period
Overview: At the turn of the twentieth century, a pampered nine-year-old girl has her humdrum life turned upside-down by a series of harrowing encounters with fantastical characters.
Writer: A. S. Templeton
Country: United States
Project Type: Feature Screenplay
Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama
Overview: Lured into what they think is a virtual reality game, girl-boy twins and their combat-veteran mother find themselves spirited away to an all-too-real microcosm, shadowed by a vengeful presence from their ancestral past.