Love, XAF

Eric Carle, Picture Writer: The Art of the Picture Book(en)

An intimate portrait of Eric Carle, creator of more than 70 books for children including the best-selling "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". At 82, Eric is still at work in his studio making books and creating art. As he methodically layers a tissue paper collage of the caterpillar, he describes the feeling he achieves working in his studio, the sense of being at peace, all alone, when everything grows quiet and it is just himself and his work. The film taps into that deep creative need in each of us, a spirit that started in Eric as a very young child and is unceasing today.

That Kid(fr)

A group of educators led by Fernand Deligny are working to create contact with autistic children in a hamlet of the Cevennes.

Style Wars(en)

Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant's PBS documentary tracks the rise and fall of subway graffiti in New York in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Art as a Weapon(en)

Street art, creativity and revolution collide in this beautifully shot film about art’s ability to create change. The story opens on the politically charged Thailand/Burma border at the first school teaching street art as a form of non-violent struggle. The film follows two young girls (Romi & Yi-Yi) who have escaped 50 years of civil war in Burma to pursue an arts education in Thailand. Under the threat of imprisonment and torture, the girls use spray paint and stencils to create images in public spaces to let people know the truth behind Burma's transition toward "artificial democracy." Eighty-two hundred miles away, artist Shepard Fairey is painting a 30’ mural of a Burmese monk for the same reasons and in support of the students' struggle in Burma. As these stories are inter-cut, the film connects these seemingly unrelated characters around the concept of using art as a weapon for change.

Limelight(en)

Chicano first-year college filmmaker Joshua Trujillo carries the burden of three unfinished projects. Despite the setbacks in his career, his countless prayers to God have convinced him that this journey is one of divine purpose. With a bike to traverse the winding landscape toward recognition, Joshua embarks on a quest to craft a picture worthy of advancing his filmography into the limelight.

Im Techno-Rausch - 60 Stunden Dauerparty(de)

Documentary about the rave and techno scene of the 90s.

Carnations(en)

Seven strangers are interviewed to talk about the relationship they have with their mother.

Parks and People: Dope(en)

The transcript discusses the prevalent drug culture, particularly marijuana use, among youth in national parks. It highlights the perception that marijuana is less harmful than harder drugs and reflects on the challenges park rangers face in enforcing drug laws. While acknowledging the existence of drug trafficking, the narrative emphasizes that marijuana use is often seen as a minor issue compared to alcohol consumption or harder narcotics. The conversation also touches on the need for a more nuanced understanding of drug use, suggesting that current laws may be overly stringent and not reflective of societal attitudes.

Let the Child Be the Guide(fr)

As a young father, watching his daughter go through her life experiences, film director Alexandre Mourot discovered the Montessori approach and decided to set his camera up in a children's house (3 to 6 years of age) in the oldest Montessori school in France. Alexandre was warmly welcomed in a surprisingly calm and peaceful environment, filled with flowers, fruits and Montessori materials. He met happy children, who were free to move about, working alone or in small groups. The teacher remained very discreet. Some children were reading, others were making bread, doing division, laughing or sleeping. The children guided the film director throughout the whole school year, helping him to understand the magic of their autonomy and self-esteem - the seeds of a new society of peace and freedom, which Maria Montessori dedicated her life work to.

What You’ll Remember(en)

Homelessness in the United States takes many forms. For Elizabeth Herrera, David Lima and their four children, housing instability has meant moving between unsafe apartments, motels, relatives’ couches, shelters, the streets and their car. After 15 years of this uncertainty, the family moved into their first stable housing — an apartment in the San Francisco Bay Area — in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Skinhead Attitude(en)

Outlines the history of 40 years of the skinhead subculture, beginning with the most recent versions of the culture.

Little Girl(fr)

7-year-old Sasha has always known that she is a girl. Sasha’s family has recently accepted her gender identity, embracing their daughter for who she truly is while working to confront outdated norms and find affirmation in a small community of rural France.

Norte(es)

Soy(es)

See You Tomorrow(de)

Nick and Michi roam the streets and meadows of their neighbourhood inseparably, but when Michi surprises Nick with unexpected news, they try to suppress it in their own way.

James May: My Sisters' Top Toys(en)

James May celebrates the toys that made his childhood hell as he opens the lid on his sisters' toy box. Sandwiched between elder sister Jane and younger one Sarah, many of their favourites he couldn't understand - or stand the sight of - or see the point of.

CHROMABYADHAM: ECLIPSE FEVER(en)

Inspired by the small enterprise, CHROMABYADHAM, a colourblind inclusive clothing wear line. ECLIPSE FEVER, the third collection, encompasses the visual representation of the brand and features themes of growth and remembrance, while coherently showcasing the new collection — a celebration of nighttime and nightlife.

Skæve dage i Thy(da)

Documentary about the construction of Thy Lejren in 1970 - an alternative summer camp. Features concerts by bands such as Gasolin' and Gnags.

Les Héros de notre enfance(fr)

Hey Sweet Pea(en)

Parental ageing and an existential wave collide in fun and surprising ways in the suburbs of LA. Dislocated B-roll, meandering voicemails, and readings from the 1984 children’s sci-fi movie The Neverending Story combine to situate our collective grief in the hazy mundanities of everyday life.