Shorts Live-Action Competition 3 (2021)

Festival
PÖFF Shorts 2021
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

The world still feels small. Even though many of us are moving into some sort of normality – whatever ‘normal’ is nowadays – the endless stretches of isolation and distancing have conspired to make life seem more constrained and fragile. Yet cinema – and the films in the PÖFF Shorts International Competition – reminds us that there is still a whole community of humanity out on a big planet full of wonder. That there are people who – even if we have differences – we share a connection with and whose stories show us that any isolation is ultimately temporary.

While the pandemic is touched upon in the programme, the films here remind us that the everyday struggles of humanity still go on. There are loves to be found and hearts to be broken. There are corporations to fight and death to confront. There are mysteries to solve and joy and laughter to be had.

With a range of styles and genres, from dark drama to fun comedy with a little detour into the realms of magical realism, all the filmmakers in the International Competition not only astound with their talent but become a constant source of reminding us that we are still together, even if we have felt far apart.

Laurence Boyce and Tara Karajica

Films

Baltic premiere

Lovebirds

Local title
Turteltuvid
Director
Víctor Moreno
Country
Spain
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

In the middle of a global pandemic, a man arrives at an empty hotel where he has an appointment. Wishing to redeem his loneliness, just curious birds seem to accompany him.

Director
Víctor Moreno
Runtime
Language
German, Spanish
Subtitles
English
Trailer

Baltic premiere

Strangers

Local title
Võõrad (2021)
Original title
Chute
Director
Nora Longatti
Country
Switzerland
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

In an anonymous city, a person collapses, appearing to have lost consciousness. Some strangers pass by, others embrace her. In a solitary quest for intimacy, blinded by a world of indifference, her gaze, her body are staggering.

Director
Nora Longatti
Runtime
Language
Russian, Swiss German
Subtitles
English

European premiere

Roy

Local title
Roy
Director
Ross White, Tom Berkeley
Country
United Kingdom
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

Trapped in a lonely existence, reclusive widower Roy (BAFTA Winner David Bradley) passes the days by cold calling strangers from the phone book, looking for brief moments of companionship. But when he accidentally calls adult hotline worker Cara (Oscar® winner Rachel Shenton), an unlikely friendship is born that will help them both rediscover the joy of life. From the Academy Award® Winning team behind The Silent Child, Roy is a funny, heart-warming tale of two lost souls who find companionship just when they need it most.

Director
Ross White, Tom Berkeley
Runtime
Language
English

Deliveries

Local title
Saadetised
Director
Lauri Niemelä
Country
Estonia
Year
2020
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

Working as a food courier in Tallinn, Chia learns his mother’s illness is rapidly deteriorating far away in his home country, a strange connection develops between him and a deceased recipient.

Director
Lauri Niemelä
Runtime
Language
Estonian, English
Subtitles
English
Trailer

Baltic premiere

Useless Opera Singers

Local title
Kasutud ooperilauljad
Director
Pablo Serret de Ena
Country
Denmark
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts Live-Action Competition

An unknown force pushes a man to embark on an expedition to the high Arctic, a place of extraordinary characteristics. In his quest of ​​"measuring North", a peculiar set of measurement tools will try to help him understand that force. In its limits, is where he may find the answer. Between an introspective adventure and the poetry of the absurd.

Director
Pablo Serret de Ena
Runtime
Language
English
Trailer
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