THEME: I never walk alone

This programme explores different perspectives of connection. Through a collection of personal, darkly poetic and at times unsettling stories, the programme navigates identity, loneliness and community, the dark side of fame and our curiosity for the uknown. It offers a bittersweet reflection on what it means to belong and a reminder that we are never truly alone.

▷ The Rise and Fall of Zara Zilverstein • Brian Kazez • 20′ • Argentina, France, Spain, United States • 2024 • Short Film
Zara, an apathetic employee at an electronics store, unexpectedly becomes a celebrity after an unfortunate event with a famous actor. Fame and money soon turn into a curse. What rises fast, falls fast.

▷ Exist • Viktor Telegin, Markus Bengtsson 40′ • Sweden • 2025 • Short Documentary (Swedish Production)
EXIST follows Palestinian skateboarder Aram Sabbah in the weeks leading up to the Olympic qualifications in Dubai. The film captures his struggle to leave his homeland during the war in order to pursue his passion and represent Palestine. His goal is not just competition, but to send a message of resilience, resistance, and hope—showing that Palestinians exist beyond headlines and statistics.

▷ Lost in Galactic Translation • Rasmus Lindkvist  • 3′ • Sweden • English • 2025 • Swedish Production
A lonely scientist finally makes contact with extraterrestrial life and eagerly awaits their arrival, dreaming of joining them.

▷ Fantas • Halima Elkhatabi • 12′ • Canada • 2024 • Short Film
Tania decides to take her horse Fantas to meet her friends in her working-class neighborhood. By sharing her passion, she seeks to bring together two parts of herself—two worlds that have never crossed paths before—which collide in an urban tale with surreal overtones.

▷ Skin of Sadness • Hasan Ege Çalışkan 20′ • Netherlands, Turkey • 2025 • Short Film Competition   

A shocking act of violence creates a unique bond between two lonely men, leading them to discover the meaning of love in the most unexpected ways.