Why Dig When You Can Pluck(2024)

Black Bud(hi)

Sanya, a rebellious contemporary girl but a poet at heart, escapes her strict orthodox father's house in search of a new life.

The Best Mother in the World(pt)

To escape her abusive husband, garbage collector Gal packs her two young children, Rihanna and Benin, onto the top of her cart and heads across São Paulo to her cousin’s house. As she struggles to avoid the dangers of the streets along the way, she convinces the children that they are on a big and exciting adventure. When they arrive at her cousin’s house, they are warmly welcomed and fed. However, what initially seems like a safe haven soon turns out to be a trap. Gal realises that not only her own safety is at risk, but also the future of her children.

Made in Italy(en)

A bohemian artist travels from London to Italy with his estranged son to sell the house they inherited from his late wife.

Mother at War(da)

1918. World War I rages in Europe while Erna Jensen tends to her ordinary life at home in Bramstrup, with her simple-minded son, Kalle. One day the village constable comes to enlist Kalle for military service for the German Empire – of which Southern Jutland is a part. If Erna is to save Kalle from certain death, she must follow him through thick and thin. Upon a chance meeting with a deserting solder she trades identities. Now disguised as Private Julius Rasmussen, Erna heads for the front. In her encounters with the other soldiers and in the presence of the war, unknown sides of Erna are awoken. This is the story of a woman who won’t let a war prevent her from fighting for what she loves.

Chapter 3: Melissa(en)

A broken man attempts to win back the love of his wife by recreating the events of their first wedding anniversary.

MERMAID(en)

A short film about identity, loss, and finding your way in a cold and lonely world.

Does the Flower Bloom?(ja)

While on a work trip, 37-year-old Sakurai meets 19-year-old art student Yoichi in a quiet, charming house—sparking an unexpected connection across generations.

Estaba dormida(es)

The Swimming Trunks(fr)

On holiday on a campsite by the seaside, Rémi, 10, is fascinated by Stéphane, 35, the father of one of his playmates. This is a new, confusing feeling for him. Nobody knows what he is going through especially not handsome Stéphane.

On the Shore(es)

After father's death, Alejandro takes a trip back home. It's a journey that leads to reconciliation with the past, to understand the loss and appreciate what is important in life.

True Mothers(ja)

After suffering through a long and unsuccessful series of fertility treatments, Satoko and her husband Kiyokazu make the decision to adopt a child. Six years after adopting a boy they named Asato, Satoko has quit her job to concentrate fully on her husband and son. The family lives a peaceful existence until the arrival of a stranger.

In the Jam Jar(en)

n the Jam Jar is an invitation to the intimacy of 81-year-old Joan’s final days, whose musings silently echo with Dan’s, her 50-year-old son. This fiction short-movie is a dive into death and grief, a tribute to maternal love comprised of nail clippings, aquarelle, strawberry jam and a ghost radar.

Reality Check(en)

Relaxing by the sea, a couple discusses the true meaning of dreams. The spiritually minded of the two argues that dreams are more real than reality itself, her partner argues the opposite. When they bet on it, things start to get haywire.

Brighton Story(en)

A ghost of Brighton's Regency past returns to explore his old haunts in a colourful yarn set in 1950s Sussex-by-the-Sea.

Mortality(en)

A Man runs away from a Shadowy Figure whilst coming to terms with what’s next…His Mortality.

What We Know(ca)

Carla, a young waitress, dreaming of a better life, is invited to spend an afternoon at the beach with Victor, a captivating classmate, and his peculiar friends. An immediate deep and intense attraction grows between them that will change their lives forever.

The Protectors(el)

Up against his money-grabbing relatives, his compromised superiors, and the state, a firm painter decides to protest by bricking up the windows of his house. Everyone wants to get their hands on his legacy. Will the protectors succeed?

Such a Pretty Little Beach(fr)

During the cold and rainy off-season a man arrives in a seaside town and, giving his name only as Pierre, checks into the only hotel which remains open. His arrival arouses curiosity and a degree of suspicion, as people note that he appears to know the area, yet gives no explanation for his presence at that bleak time of year in the dead-end town.

Extortion(en)

A doctor desperately tries to save his wife and their 5 year old son after their vacation in the Bahamas takes an unexpected turn.

Lowriders(en)

A young street artist in East Los Angeles is caught between his father's obsession with lowrider car culture, his ex-felon brother and his need for self-expression.