International Competition 1
Feeling trapped often leads impulsive acts and leaps of faith. It can help to think like a cat and try to land on your feet; but sometimes, the only way out is to free yourself of physical constraints. It’s no better when the safety of your home is threatened by external, superhuman forces.
Bel Shanaber Wa’al Aanaber – Director: Anthony Abduh · Lebanon · 9 min · Arabic (OmeU)
Badra has had a terrible nightmare in which she was haunted by a jinni. As she attempts to drive the sinister spirit from her mind through prayer, the jinni finds its way into the real world. A surreal, fantastical silent film.
Heaven Will Wait – Director: Silver Tjepkema · Belgium · 16 min · Dutch (OmeU)
The female body is often reduced to being an object of desire. A group of young women from Amsterdam is well aware of this as they approach their sexuality with confidence and test the boundaries. Yet their conversations reveal a sense of unease. How autonomous will they really be when the gaze of others begins to dominate their lives?
Laser-Cat – Director: Lucas Acher · USA, Brazil, United Kingdom · 22 min · Portuguese (OmeU)
Theo is stuck at home alone as he recovers from an accident. Out of boredom, he uses a laser pointer to tease the cat in the neighbor’s window. When the cat falls out and is severely injured, Theo roams the nighttime streets of São Paulo in an attempt to save it, even though a serial killer is on the loose.
I Could Kill Her – Director: Caro Weller · Germany · 13 min · German (OmeU)
Nea visits her mother, Almut, at a campground, where Almut has promised her a surprise for her birthday. But the arrival of Nea’s “perfect” sister Suri, whom Almut adores, seems to ruin everything. Would Nea’s problems be solved if she killed Suri? When they go swimming the next day, the opportunity presents itself.
By a Thread – Director: David Kmet · United Kingdom · 5 min · no dialogue (OF)
Orestes is suddenly reminded of someone he used to love. With all his might, he tries to hold onto the fleeting memory. But the harder he tries, the more his true love fades away.