Chemical Somnia (Canada) by Scott Portingale

A sonorous trip into chemical landscapes.

A cross-continental collaboration between filmmaker Scott Portingale and composer Gorkem Sen. The film transports the viewer into chemical dimensions, exploring phase transition, fluid dynamics, and chemical reactions. Timelapse and high-speed photography were used on a macro scale to capture these elemental relationships in less than a square inch area on a petri dish. Uniquely resounding original music preformed by Gorkem Sen on an instrument he invented, the yaybahar.

Running time: 00:03:47

The Horsemen of Mallorca (Spain) by Grace T.S.P

A cinematic story of Legacy - The Horsemen of Mallorca chronicles the history of the Rojo family and the creation of their ranch in the mountains of Mallorca where they rescue and rehabilitate Spanish racehorses. Xavier tells the story of his fathers journey into horsemanship, the symbolism of horses and the passing of the torch onto the next generation. 

Running time: 00:05:00

Caged (United States) by Sarah J Cordner

Approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 dogs are slaughtered in South Korea each year. "Caged" is a student documentary following the controversial subject of the South Korean dog meat trade. Through its compelling storytelling and insightful plot, the film urges viewers to reconsider their beliefs and engage in dialogues about animal protection, cultural heritage, and the decisions we make when tradition meets modernity.

Running time: 00:14:27

For The Better (United Kingdom) by Jay Dixon

A viral infection in my brain has kept me bound to my room for the past two years. This short documentary opens a window into what it's like to live with chronic illness, and explores why I wouldn't choose not to suffer from it.

Running time: 00:03:19

Unique Transport (Belgium) by Florence Boone

'Trafique unique' shows the world of a Congolese parcel office in the Matonge neighborhood of Brussels, where Congolese Belgians bring parcels to be shipped to Congo. Through the conversations between customers and the operators of the office, we get to know better the unique world of shipping From Belgium to Congo. 

Running time: 00:18:07

For You (United Kingdom) by Luca Paulli

'For You' is a heartfelt letter from a father to his two-year-old son, capturing a summer day in the park, a world filled with wonders yet to be discovered and  a looming danger. Set in Peckham, South East London, the director narrates the story in Italian, the language he has spoken to his son since birth. This project is deeply intimate and personal, yet carries a universal and resonating message: what lies ahead might be uncertain, but with love, courage, and imagination, we can create a better future.

Running time: 00:03:33

Piblokto (United States) by Anastasia Shubina, Timofey Glinin

On the Arctic Ocean coast of Chukotka live a people cut off from the world. Their life revolves around hunting walruses and whales and protecting villages from bears coming from the tundra. This theme turns the film into a reflection on death. Marine animals become the primary source of food for the people, animal leftovers are used to feed arctic foxes on a fur farm, human cemeteries become targets for bears. It appears that all the inhabitants of this region are involved in the cycle of food and death. The film departs from the typical rhythmic structure of cinema and instead adopts the structure of a shamanic ritual, which is a meaning-forming event for the northern peoples.

Running time: 00:37:49