Some people take the term ‘New Talents’ to indicate a certain lack of experience and competence. That the movies in the New Talents Live Action competition are somehow less refined and polished than others. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those in the know are aware that the term ‘New Talents’ means films with a freshness of vision, a precocious grasp of the language of cinema and a bold authorial voice which will resonate throughout the realms of the film industry over the years to come.

The filmmakers here explore many facets of the modern age – amongst them parenthood, the environment and capitalism – and do so in a way that reminds us of the tremendous power of short films. That despite relatively short running times, they tell us so much about human nature and the state of the world in which we live today.

With all the filmmakers in the selection having a commanding grasp of how to use the short form, the New Talents Live Action competition of 2021 becomes a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating storytelling and a collection of stunning filmmakers who everyone should keep an eye on as their rare talents develop even further as time goes on.