Shorts Live-Action Competition 2 / 2020

Festival
PÖFF Shorts 2020
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

While Corona has given the entire human race a kind of collective tunnel vision, the live action competition of PÖFF Shorts in 2020 reminds us that many of the pressing issues of our times are still part of our society’s fabric with little hope of being washed away even with the strongest of disinfectants.

The films on offer here deal with identity, race, sexuality, gender, growing up, growing old, life, love, happiness, sadness and everything in between. Even without social distancing, the films reflect a divided world and people trying to come to terms with their places in a world that seems to change every second.

But while these films deal with troubled times they are suffused with hope for a better future. Not only through their narratives but by the fact that they showcase a myriad of talented filmmakers who will continue to tell important stories that speak to us all.

There is joy and sadness, love and laughter abound within this selection. Come and join in and now that the world is far from lonely.

Laurence Boyce and Tara Karajica

Films

World premiere

Five Tiger

Local title
Viis tiigrit
Director
Nomawonga Khumalo
Country
South Africa
Year
2020

South Africa, present day. A god-fearing woman finds herself in a transactional relationship as she tries to support her sick husband and daughter.

Director
Nomawonga Khumalo
Runtime
Language
Tsonga, Zulu
Subtitles
English

Baltic premiere

Good thanks, You?

Local title
Hästi, ja sinul?
Director
Molly Manning Walker
Country
United Kingdom
Year
2020

In the aftermath of an attack, Amy is left voiceless, trapped in a whirlwind of incompetence. She must find a way to confront what has happened, in order to save what matters to her most.

Director
Molly Manning Walker
Runtime
Language
English

World premiere

How We Wake Up

Local title
Kuidas me üles ärkame
Director
Helen Takkin
Country
Estonia
Year
2019

Maria starts a relationship with a sweet caring man but soon starts questioning her own sanity.

Director
Helen Takkin
Runtime
Language
Estonian

Baltic premiere

The Tongues

Local title
Keeled (2020)
Original title
Njuokcamat
Director
Marja Bål Nango
Country
Norway
Year
2019

During a blizzard on the tundra, a Sami woman is herding her reindeer when she is attacked by a man. Her sister senses that something is wrong and starts looking for her. Wrapped in fear and confusion, both women will unite in their fight for revenge.

Director
Marja Bål Nango
Runtime
Subtitles
English

Baltic premiere

Drought

Local title
Põud
Director
Remi Itani
Country
Lebanon, United Kingdom
Year
2020

Carina is a real estate agent in Beirut. She spends most of her time in empty apartments waiting for clients to show up. She develops a connection with these empty spaces that echo her unsatisfied sexual life. One day, she decides to look for intimacy on the streets of Beirut, even though it will last only for a few moments.

Director
Remi Itani
Runtime
Language
Arabic
Subtitles
English

Baltic premiere

Daniel

Local title
Daniel
Director
Claire van Beek
Country
New Zealand
Year
2019

A young novice at an isolated convent is confronted with the sudden desire to explore her sexual self in the wake of meeting a blue-tongued lizard.

Director
Claire van Beek
Runtime
Language
English

Baltic premiere

Feral

Local title
Metsik
Original title
Divljač
Director
Bojana Babić
Country
Serbia

Three middle-aged village women go wild boar hunting for the first time, but soon discover that shooting men is far more exciting.

Director
Bojana Babić
Runtime
Language
Serbian
Subtitles
English
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