PRESENTING: Festival section I AND THE ONES THAT ARE CLOSEST TO ME
The fifth section of the festival, I AND THE ONES THAT ARE CLOSEST TO ME, focuses on the key themes of our lives - identity, relationships, and questions that relate to who we are, how we are perceived by our loved ones, and the place in our lives of those who are closest to us or, conversely, those we miss. These films lead us to reflect on what it means to be part of a community, how our own identity is formed, and how relationships change as we age. Take a look at the different film blocks that await you in this section.
IDENTITY: YOUR OWN JOURNEY TOWARDS HAPPINES
The film block about finding yourself and the path to happiness is full of stories that show how each of us shapes our own path. Many of the characters in these films face challenges that lead them to question what it means to be happy, and whether this can be achieved without the support of others.
Jean Pierre - The Happiest Man in the World
In this fiction short film, we follow a lonely astrophysicist who builds a rocket to reach the sun. His journey to happiness is unexpectedly influenced by his meeting with a young girl, showing how unexpected encounters can change our outlook on life.
Big Jump
A film about an orphanage where the main character finds the courage to "jump" out of line. Find out how to find happiness in your own expression.
Chance
The story of a girl who comes to a new home and finds she can start over. This film shows the power we have when we choose to embrace a new beginning, while emphasizing the importance of friendship.
ON THE THRESHOLD OF ADULTHOOD
Think back to a time when you were on the threshold of adulthood, when the joys and pains of adolescence mingle, and when key decisions about who we want to be emerge.
At the End of Tunnel, Light
A young man struggles to find his place and calling, but is always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. An animated comedy that explores finding your place in life.
Teenagers
A documentary that reveals the joys and sorrows of today's teenagers. A brief look at how young people cope with everyday problems.
Anna McGee's Wild Ride
A film about a teenage girl facing the pressures of growing up, which she expresses through wild driving. This story shows us how wild and erratic youth can be.
Unknown
Paper boats and the last day of kindergarten. What's next? We don't know. A short film about goodbyes and the journey into the unknown.
Midnight City
Life has never been so rough, so colorful, never been at the same time such an absolute hell and an absolute heaven on earth. A short film about the transience and paradoxes of youth.
Got it?
Do you get it? A short feature film about how everyone should be accepted no matter what you're wearing.
Come on, Let's Live
A loose illustration of an excerpt from the chronicle of Félix Radu. A short animated invitation to take a long journey, to see what one really wants, and above all to enjoy life.
THE HARDSHIPS OF YOUTH
In this block, you will have the opportunity to meet young people who are facing the challenges of growing up, taking responsibility and choosing a life path. What are the key moments that shape us and what do they teach us about responsibility?
Corazón Corazón
A film about a girl in love who must come to terms with how her life will change in an instant. A story about growing up and love that makes us rethink our expectations.
Nepo Baby
Cornelia faces a dilemma when she is confronted with a challenging situation at a party. This film shows the challenges of growing up and the decisions that shape us as individuals.
The Red sweater
A number of people, their joys and pains and one red sweater that they pass on to each other. A short feature film about how we are all the same under the surface and under the red sweater.
Under Eighteen
Jacob is faced with a difficult decision that tests his moral principles. This film shows that it is not always easy to stand up for yourself and be yourself in adolescence.
Something like that
"What's your plan now?" A short feature film about the questions young people hear over and over again after leaving school. What happens to old friendships? Are we... grown up now? Or just something like that?
FAMILY - CLOSE, DISTANT, BUT OURS
The films in this block show how complex the family relationships that shape us can be. Some stories focus on loss and reconciliation, others on how family can take many forms - near and far.
Unfamiliar Familiar
Two elderly people meet in a supermarket, and their relationship gradually deepens. This film shows how even seeming strangers can share a deep bond.
Christmas Mail
Family and love can take many forms. An animated film about the Christmas season, which can mean something different to everyone.
Give me a kiss goodnight
A film about a moment that should have been special, but isn't. This story makes us think about how quickly family relationships can turn ordinary days into something unforgettable.
Three Colours
Three Colours is a short film about the perception of life after a personal loss. Using experimental visuals, land-art and soundscapes, the natural world becomes a setting to express the unspoken.
Memorial
Why is a man about to break into a cemetery? A short animated film about how love and longing has no opening hours and can overcome any wall.
TO BE YOUNG AND TO LOVE
In this film block we will present stories about love from the perspective of young people. Love is complex, confusing and beautiful at the same time - and that's exactly what these films show.
Different Glances
A film about two young people who meet again after some time, and what was once love turns into something else. A story about coming to terms with the past.
Until We Stay Half-Full
A girl and a boy walk through an idyllic world, but are their feelings real? This film shows us how fleeting love can be and how easily relationships between people change.
What you mean to me
An animated declaration of love and appreciation for the person who means everything to us. A short film that focuses on the beauty of gratitude and love.
Tea Party
Parohati Silva was invited by the Crow Lady to a tea party. But he's desperately clumsy. A short animated film about when our vulnerability is our greatest strength.
Photograph
A girl with an analogue camera. Why is she taking a picture of a half-eaten kebab lying on the floor? A boy in a red sweater. Is something bothering him? A short feature film about liking each other, about those who are lost in their own world and the moments when they meet for a while.
EQUALITY
Equality, prejudice and discrimination, the films in this block show that each of us deserves to be equal and respected.
The Pink Ball
A documentary about women's gang hockey that shows how women are still marginalised when they play the same sport as men.
In Park - until you prove yourself
Girls on skateboards confront sexism and show how they struggle to find equality in the skateboard scene in Zurich. A film about the strength of the female community and coming to terms with prejudice.
Yasmin
A young girl faces negative remarks she shouldn't tolerate. The film shows what it is like when someone close to us stops understanding us.
Kyle
When Kyle starts a new school, some of his classmates immediately bully him because of the colour of his skin. Unfortunately, Kyle is used to racism and is more worried about his history professor, who does not stand up for him and seems to agree with the racist students. A short feature film about racism and how to confront it.
Don't be so Silly Boy
"Shut the hell up!" A warrior against stupid conversation takes revenge on a few girls and bribes a number of men with outdated views to open their eyes and realize that they, of all people, would benefit from equal access. A short satirical comedy about those who should have realized their disrespect before someone gave them a taste of their own medicine.
This diverse collection of films shows us different perspectives on identity, relationships, growing up, love and equality. Each of these stories makes us think about who we are, what values shape us and how we deal with the challenges life presents. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
