International Competition 6
The drive for change can move mountains — regardless of whether the forces opposing it are external or within us. Young people, in particular, struggle to strike a balance between individual freedom and social acceptance, yet they always find their own path.
Besieged – Director: Kiarash Ardeshirpour · Iran · 16 min · Farsi (OmeU)
To escape political oppression in Iran, a young mother has devised a risky plan for herself and her young daughter, Niloufar. But reality not only catches up with them; it overtakes them when Niloufar suddenly disappears at the last minute.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – Director: Ollie Launspach · Netherlands · 28 min · Dutch (OmeU)
In this cinematic love letter comprised of home videos, photos, diary entries, audio recordings, and interviews, director Ollie Launspach explores the impact of his transition on his girlfriend, Sterre. As Ollie tries to understand Sterre’s emotional response, the confusion in his own mind grows ever greater.
My Cat Died – Director: Sabah Machy · France · 4 min · French (OmeU)
Even cats have only one life, which eventually comes to an end. A young adult comes to realize this when she finds her beloved pet dead in the bathtub. Her mother wanted to spare her this sad discovery. But it is only through the cat’s death that the protagonist becomes aware of the passage of time.
Swimsuit – Director: Amina Krami · Germany · 11 min · German (OmeU)
One summer day, seven-year-old Noa is having a blast with her friends in the wading pool. Her mood sours, however, when her mother gives her a swimsuit and makes her put it on. Noa no longer feels like part of the group.
„Vaterland“ or a Bule Named Yanto – Director: Berthold Wahjudi · Germany, Indonesia · 25 min · German, Indonesian, Javanese, English (OmeU)
Yanto, of German and Indonesian descent, has been looking forward to visiting his younger sister in Yogyakarta. But while he’s there, tensions between the siblings gradually come to the surface, and for Yanto, the trip turns into a bittersweet exploration of his identity.