Humanism (Italy) by Nicolò Faietti
"Humanism" is a two-minute experimental short film that explores the essence of humanity through the lens of history, discovery, and creation. Inspired by the ideals of the first Humanism, it traces our journey from primal instincts to higher aspirations, celebrating imagination, craftsmanship, communication, and the eternal pursuit of beauty and balance.
Running time: 00:01:55
An excess baggage (France) by Myriam Garcia Marienstras
Sophie hides her unhappiness in the close-knit relationship she shares with her daughter, Lila. When Lila leaves for summer camp, Sophie's reality crumbles, and her anxieties resurface. She then tries to escape her loneliness by any means possible
Running time: 00:16:20
NŪR (Congo) by Ryan Youngblood
Tricked by a persuasive recruiter and pressured by his best friend, NÅ«r leaves his mother and younger siblings to join the Islamic State in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He believes he will be given a job and earn money to support his family, but instead finds himself in a remote jungle camp where the hyper-violent group radicalizes and indoctrinates its combatants. Here, it is truly kill or be killed. While his friend Ibra learns to thrive in this distorted world, NÅ«r struggles to maintain his identity and his faith. Then, a mysterious flyer dropped from a plane promises a possible path home. NÅ«r must decide whether saving himself is worth risking his life.
The Islamic State in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the deadliest rebel force in a nation torn apart by two decades of war. Hidden deep within the jungle, their secrecy and ruthless control have made it nearly impossible for the outside world to glimpse life inside their camps—until now. This film brings that hidden world to life. Former fighters who surrendered, and survivors who endured the group’s brutality, step into the roles of both victim and perpetrator to recreate the terrifying reality of life inside the jihadists’ strongholds.
Filmed at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in Central Africa—where the conflict still rages today—this is a rare, unflinching journey into the heart of the Islamic State in the DRC.
Running time: 00:17:49
Tulipomania: Then and Only Then (United States) by Cheryl Gelover, Tom Murray
Memory is malleable – mutability defines the unanswerable. Then and Only Then is released in a new Tulipomania album inspired by an invitation to work with author Jeff VanderMeer as part of the publication of the fourth book in his acclaimed Southern Reach series titled Absolution.
Running time: 00:03:15
Franck (France) by Fabio Caldironi
Franck is a soldier. He watches the streets of Paris. But one day, Franck decides to leave.
Running time: 00:18:45
Bozo Over Roses (United States) by Matty Sidle
Bozo Over Roses is a short-form video transmission sent by enigmatic, sweatsuit-clad figures in a crumbly land. They broadcast leftover bits of humanity by harnessing funnels of radiating dialog. It’s a combination of transcendental-style imagery, atmospheric soundscapes and absurdist wordplay.
Running time: 00:11:26
The End in Slow Motion (United States) by Joshua Kaufman
A woman (Marcia DeBonis; "13 Going on 30," "Sometimes I Think About Dying") develops heightened awareness of the cruel world outside of an unnervingly calm house, as the threat of apocalypse stokes chaos.
Running time: 00:12:47