PROGRAM 2 - Opening Ceremony

Thursday 26 October, 18.00-19.30

Cold  | Chłód

Fiction, Poland, 2023, 10:00, International

An older man is attacked in his own home by a far-right group. Initially, the attack seems random, but later it turns out to be planned - the older man and the leader of the extremist group Andrzej are related. The film is about revenge and morally gray areas. Can Andrzej's extreme behavior be justified? The film is a critique of nationalism and explore the subject of sexual abuse. No animals were harmed during the production.

Director, Writer: Daniel Le Hai

Producer: Krystyna Doktorowicz

Cast: Jan Litvinovitch

Lucky Day  | Glückstag

Fiction, Germany, 2022, 13:15, International

A hot summer day in Munich.

Despite the horror reports on the radio, the city lights up.

Widowed pensioner Gerd sets out early in the morning to collect the remains of people who party, work and swim in the big city: returnable bottles. On his way he encounters rejection, ignorance, but also human warmth. He asks himself the question: Who else was listening to the radio this morning apart from him?

Director, Writer: Bernhard Wohlfahrter

Cast: Claus Peter Seifert, Gisela Schneeberger, Eli Wasserscheid, Ferdinand Hofer, Johannes Berzl, Veronika von Quast

Dear Mummy  | Hej kära mamma

Documentary, Sweden, 2021, 14:19, Nordic

After many years of marriage, the director’s grandmother – Barbro, and mother – Pernil-
la, both find themselves living without a man. Instead, Pernilla spends her summer holidays living with Barbro in their common summer- house. While visiting, the director finds a shoe box full of letters, written by Pernilla and Barbro over 20 years ago. The letters tell the story of two women’s everyday life, their quest to find love and their longing after one another, and makes the director wonder what really is inherited from one generation to the next.

Director: Akiko Ahlstrand
Featuring: Pernilla Ahlstrand, Barbro Ahlstrand

Music: Christer Wahlberg, Åke ”Ufo” Gustafsson

Sauna

Animation, Switzerland, 2021, 4:18, International

Ava enters the Sauna for the first time. She is overwhelmed by the nudity, her thoughts, and the physical sensations. The other guests go about their routines. With the rising heat Ava starts to relax. Finally, she melts away and dissolves into complete ecstasy.

Directors, Writers: Anna Lena Spring, Lara Perren

Music: Yuan Cao Mrak

Sound Design: Rachelle Furrer, Sammi Khuu, Thomas Gassmann

Producer: Gerd Gockell

Bodies in motion

Fiction, Norway, 2023, 8:35, Nordic

We follow a group of boys throughout one evening as they explore boundaries, love, and their own identities. As the night unfolds, they face challenges and make choices that will shape their future. Through their experiences, the film delves into the complexities of being young and trying to find one's place in the world. 

Director: Elia Biondi

Producer: Cecilie Stubberud Aas

Cast: Odin Storm, Christopher Røine, Jasmin Vrabac, Kwasi Asimpa

DoP: Uffe Mulvad