International Shorts #1
International films exist because of borders; a film is only “foreign” when the viewer is foreign to the film. Although each film in this diverse program from seven countries is informed in part by the region in which it was produced, they all challenge the efficacy of borders themselves.
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International Shorts #1
She is Oh Oh
Directed by: Léa Reguillot
France, 2023, 9m
In English and French with English subtitles
Sophia is a stylish and quirky Down syndrome carrier whose bitcoins are going to make her rich one day. Then she can make the world a smashing place for everyone.
International Shorts #1
Phlegm
Directed by: Jan-David Bolt
Switzerland, 2021, 6m
A businessman crushes a snail. With each step, another snail squishes beneath his shoe. Where are they coming from? Who are these snails? Another sticky provocation from the director of “Nero” (FFF 2020).
International Shorts #1
Killing Ourselves
Directed by: Maya Yadlin
Israel, 2022, 15m
In Hebrew with English subtitles
The director of “Fine” (FFF 2020) is back with the whole gang to shoot one more scene for her short film. An autobiographical cautionary tale about making movies with your family.
International Shorts #1
Island of Freedom
Directed by: Petr Januschka
Czech Republic, 2022, 27m
In Czech and Slovak with English subtitles
A man from communist Czechoslovakia unexpectedly meets his childhood love on a flight to Cuba. When they stop over in Canada, he has a plan… but can he trust her?
International Shorts #1
Will You Look at Me
Directed by: Shuli Huang
China/Italy, 2022, 20m
In Mandarin with English subtitles
A gay filmmaker returns to his hometown for a long overdue conversation with his unaccepting mother in this vulnerably lyrical document of their harrowing conversation.
International Shorts #1
Nice to See Your Face
Directed by: Sun Namkoong
South Korea, 2022, 12m
In Korean with English subtitles
A portrait of a woman seeking forgiveness, told in one stationary shot through the window of her broken-down car on the way to see her ex one last time.
International Shorts #1
45th Parallel
Directed by: Lawrence Abu Hamdan
UK, 2022, 15m
An illuminating fourth-wall-breaking monologue about border lines and the hypocrisy of enforcement between Canada and Mexico.