THE BARMY HORDE, 60min,. UK Directed by Calvin O’Neill Do you like silly little cartoons, but are too OLD and HAIRY to watch them without feelings of shame and fear that you are some kind of MENTALLY STUNTED BABY PERSON? Well, you are in for a right treat mate! Because these cartoons are SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED for hairy, mentally stunted freaks like yourself. It’s animated, it’s absurd, and it’s complete anarchy; a showcase of comical cartoons centered around a peculiar town named Barmy, based on the combined inspiration of Calvin O’Neill’s childhood entertainment and his experiences growing up in Croydon. Culminating in a multi-media collection of goofy characters and storylines that transport you into the wacky world of The Barmy Horde. So yeah…swing by, if that’s something you’re interested in.
The Happy Balloon, 4min., Iraq Directed by Ahmed Najm The film talks about the dreams and ambitions of young people that mix illusion and reality, so the hero discovers the way to reach the truth he wants to achieve his dreams.
Self-Shot Film, 13min., Kazakhstan Directed by Marat Narimanov The pre-life, life and after-life of a human, featuring problems that we meet and decisions that we take. A surrealist film told in a non-narrative form: in non-concrete images, emotions and associations. A journey, a meditation, a disturbing experience.
Beautify, 1min,. Russia Directed by Elizaveta Makarenko Beautify follows a young woman’s surreal journey to self-acceptance as she confronts society’s beauty standards and embraces her true identity.
Beetle Summer, 3min,. USA Directed by Jian Yuan, Anyue Chen A young girl, Rika, who lives in the countryside of Japan, is raising a rhino beetle for beetle fights in order to gain friends. But before then, she needs to train and nurture it.
Date Knight, 3min., USA Directed by Amber Schmoyer, Kareena Bhatia A knight catfishes a dragon on a date in an attempt to slay her.
Dogs of Bishkek, 2min,. USA Directed by Viktor Niksdorf Set in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, a young boy named Sasha has to evade a ravenous dog on his way home from the market.
Harmonia, 3min., USA Directed by Alex Rodarte, Victoria Sjostedt In a magical forest, a reckless young knight discovers a music box but unleashes an ancient wrath upon winding it and must run to safety.
Jurassic Ward, 2min., USA Directed by Max “Amber” Bellomio A troubled employee for the “Wishes Come True Foundation” needs to bring a dangerous dinosaur through the hospital to fulfill a child’s only wish.
Loud & Proud, 2min. USA Directed by Eliana Anselmo A young volleyball player tells her story of how it’s not the tough conditions that make volleyball hard… “It’s her mom”, embarrassed by her overbearing mother putting strain on their relationship and her relationship with volleyball.
APPology, 105min., Switzerland Directed by Marco von Moos 5 very different friends embark on a journey to create the ultimate app that turns you into your perfect self, all controlled by an Artificial Intelligence.
In this contemporary twist on the biblical tale, Adam and Eve are thrust into an unfamiliar world after being expelled from Eden. Struggling to discern what is truly good and evil in this complex environment, they embark on a journey of self-discovery in order to set them free.
Director Statement Rebirth is a reimagining of the Adam and Eve story, set against a backdrop of modern societal challenges and deep-rooted historical pain. In this short film, our protagonists, who are Black, navigate the complexities of redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice, themes that resonate deeply in a world still grappling with the shadows of its past.
The inspiration for Rebirth came from a desire to explore the foundational story of humanity through a lens that acknowledges and honors the experiences of individuals and communities. By placing Adam and Eve at the center of this narrative, we aim to confront and dismantle the often monolithic portrayal of biblical stories, offering instead a rich, nuanced, and deeply human perspective.
Marc Marashi was born in Paris, France, but grew up in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended film school at Columbia College and has lived in Chicago ever since. After over a decade working alongside the brewing and distilling industries as an equipment provider, he has started making short films again for the first time since college.
Ten years in the making, “Cookies 4 Jane” recounts the final chapters of the life of a beloved matriarch, Jane, as she battles Alzheimer’s Disease. Filmed, edited, and directed by Jane’s granddaughter, Mary, this intimate documentary condenses four years of raw footage into an hour-long, heart-rending, inspirational, and delightfully educational piece.
Narrated from a unique, second-person perspective, Mary’s vision is clear; “If you can’t remember, I’ll remember for you.” With first hand accounts from Jane’s family, friends, and caregivers, the viewer becomes immersed in the challenges of managing even the most basic of daily routines while living with this progressive and ultimately fatal disease.
While we have yet to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, there is hope on the horizon. Every day we continue to gain knowledge and make scientific advances that lead us one step closer to finding a cure. In the meantime, take one last trip with Jane, and witness directly what the power of love, determination, and lots of cookies can achieve in the hands of a family united for a single cause.
Director Biography – Mary Ell
As a nursing student, I am very passionate about the world of film and its visual ability to reflect the challenges that life presents. My love for visual and narrative storytelling allows me to visually record life as I see it through my eyes and soul.
DIMENSIONS: The Interrogation, 8min., USA Directed by Robert James Harden Jr. During an interrogation for the murder of his mother, a man pleads for his release in fear of his life. Two special detectives grill him in order to solve their case. In the shadows of these men’s dimension, the answers to all their mysteries live.
Aeolus 15, 11min., USA Directed by Diego Ugalde Haunted by his past, an old man waits for a cosmic phenomenon that could let him communicate with a young astronaut from the past – that astronaut is himself.
Wukong Couriers, 15min., USA Directed by Peter Gabriel Gagnon An unwitting bicycle messenger is chosen as the mystical hero to save the city from an ancient horror.
Super Villain Coffee, 15min., USA Directed by Leonard Frank Smith “Supervillain Coffee” is a satirical comedy about Maximum “Chaos” Maxwell, a once-feared supervillain now slinging espresso in a hip downtown coffee shop. Max trades doomsday devices for latte art, grumbling about his past while perfecting milk foam with the precision of a mad scientist.
Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension, 29min., UK Directed by Sofian Francis Dante, a regretful ex military contractor and his companion, his horse, search for his missing wife and daughter in the remnants of civilization decimated by thousands of malevolent entities known as ‘ Reapers ‘,
DIMENSIONS: The Interrogation, 8min., USA Directed by Robert James Harden Jr. During an interrogation for the murder of his mother, a man pleads for his release in fear of his life. Two special detectives grill him in order to solve their case. In the shadows of these men’s dimension, the answers to all their mysteries live.
Aeolus 15, 11min., USA Directed by Diego Ugalde Haunted by his past, an old man waits for a cosmic phenomenon that could let him communicate with a young astronaut from the past – that astronaut is himself.
Wukong Couriers, 15min., USA Directed by Peter Gabriel Gagnon An unwitting bicycle messenger is chosen as the mystical hero to save the city from an ancient horror.
Super Villain Coffee, 15min., USA Directed by Leonard Frank Smith “Supervillain Coffee” is a satirical comedy about Maximum “Chaos” Maxwell, a once-feared supervillain now slinging espresso in a hip downtown coffee shop. Max trades doomsday devices for latte art, grumbling about his past while perfecting milk foam with the precision of a mad scientist.
Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension, 29min., UK Directed by Sofian Francis Dante, a regretful ex military contractor and his companion, his horse, search for his missing wife and daughter in the remnants of civilization decimated by thousands of malevolent entities known as ‘ Reapers ‘,
L’anniversaire, 4min., France Directed by Thibault Mombellet En rentrant chez lui, Julien découvre que ses amis lui ont organisé un anniversaries surprise pour ses quarante ans. Il est ravi, mais sa soirée tourne rapidement au cauchemar. Un traumatisme d’enfance refait surface et Julien met à point d’honneur à souffler ses bougies magiques… Y parviendra-t-il ?
The Perfect Shot, 1min., Germany Directed by Niklas Leifert Self-styled marketing guru Martin Muffin rushes through the final beats of his branding photo masterclass—so he can finally craft his own perfect shot. Most students stick to the recipe. Béatrice frames things her own way.
Junky Monkey, 3min., Japan Directed by Hirohisa Nakano Magy A man in Tokyo, desperate, wondering around , running through busy Tokyo scape and finally meet this guy to get something that he couldn’t resist which is…..
Right Beside You, 3min., USA Directed by Annie Windsland The night before her cousin’s wedding—to her ex—Isabel hides away, desperate to escape. But Liam, her fiercely loyal best friend, follows her, and something shifts. Their laughter fades. A glance lingers. A touch lasts too long. Unspoken truths press between them—until reality slams back in.
L’oeil des sables, 2min., France Directed by Florian Lejal In ancient Egypt, a scribe witnesses a strange apparition: visitors from another time. Shocked, he draws them on papyrus, capturing the mystery. Now on display in a museum, this drawing continues to intrigue, leaving visitors with an unsolved enigma.
LEVELS, 2min., Canada Directed by Phuong Vu Trapped in an elevator with a wanted individual, a timid office worker reveals his true identity as a skilled fighter, protecting a briefcase that holds more than just paperwork.
Festival Reviews 