REBIRTH (SWEDEN) BY NILS AGDLER

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Synopsis: The conception of The New Man emerged in the 1970s, and has since then reappeared from time to time, with varying ideals about how he should look, feel and act. There are often major inherent conflicts within the same ideal, which can cause great confusion for the man at the individual level. What it is like to be a white, middle-aged man in the western society today, what does the hegemonic masculinity look like and are there other ideals to follow? How does the white man react when his privileges diminish or disappear, when he no longer belongs to a chosen ”we” but is mixed up with "the others"? It is easy to see destructive parts of men's actions around the world, but what is actually a good masculinity? Are male role models important or are human role models enough? And will men in the near future become redundant when women will be able to reproduce themselves without the help of a man? In Rebirth, Nils Agdler visualizes ideas of a coming new man, the unprotected and vulnerable man, the new-born man and the man as nature. Running time: 00:03:40.

Selections/awards: International Short FF Oberhausen, Berlin Flash FF, and more.

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KERATIN (UK) BY CHARLES JIMENEZ, SCARLETT WANG, CATARINA DIAS SILVA, STELLA ROSENKVIST, AND ISOBEL O'GORMAN

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Synopsis: After a mating of elements, two bodies grieve over a lost third: a child separated from their womb. The three bodies regain connection in a wombic journey, bound by their keratin. This spiritually networks the three into an eternal fusion of a collective body Running time: 00:03:45.

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THIS IS FINE (ITALY) BY GIANMARCO NEPA

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Synopsis: The story of the human's modern addiction to natural and social's catastrophes. These events, streamed through the TV's screen, seem to not have any impact on people, as to forget about them all you need is a switch. Running time: 00:03:00.

Selections/awards: Giornate degli autori - Mostra del cinema di Venezia (Winner Bookciak Azione!), Sulmon IFF (Best "Abruzzo Short"), Très Court IFF.

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UPSODOWN (AUSTRALIA) BY NATHAN CEDDIA

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Synopsis: An omniscient narrator leads us through various surreal worlds exploring the disconnect between humanity and nature. We are reminded that all living things are connected and collectively shared, on this planet - our home. Through the power of sharing, we can promote hope and reconnect. All it takes is a bit of reflection. Running time: 00:10:00.

Selections/awards: Sydney World FF (Best Australian Film), Venice Film Week, Amsterdam Independent FF, Toronto Arthouse FF, Super Shorts NY, and more.

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DIOMYSUS (UK) BY EMILY ELIZABETH MORUS-JONES

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Trailer

Synopsis: An experimental film where a group of mice (voiced by members of the UK polyamorous community who's identities are masked using puppetry) discuss their experiences of polyamory. Diomysus asks the question - are we (the audience) more open to taboo ideas if unconscious bias is eliminated? Running time: 00:05:00.

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THE PLEASURE IN PAIN (UK) BY CURTIS BLAIR

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Trailer

Synopsis: An arthouse documentary short following key figures of the London kink scene on an exploration into BDSM and the notorious fetish event Klub Verboten. The film touches upon themes of psychology, neurodiversity, trauma, LGBTQ+ rights and black representation. Running time: 00:14:55.

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DYNAMITE (FRANCE) BY JIM VIEILLE

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Synopsis: April 2020. Lêg always stays locked up at home, engrossed by screens that all broadcast the same image: a burning car. But is it the outside world that smoulders or Lêg himself ? Running time: 00:04:37.

Selections/awards: Brussels Independent FF, Sydney World FF, Boston Short FF, and more.

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TO DO (UK) BY SAUL PANKHURST

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Synopsis: A reflection on the Self Improvement Industry, explored through the filmmaker’s attempts to participate in a guided pseudo-mindfulness exercise. Running time: 00:03:23.

SLEEPY (UK) BY RICH WEBBER

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Synopsis: When sleep catches up with you. Running time: 00:01:14.

I LOVE YOU DON'T LEAVE ME (USA) BY ALEX LEOMBRUNO

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Synopsis: An absurdist drama following the endless torment experienced by a young woman dealing with an eating disorder. As she tries to cope with obsessive tendencies and routines, Ghillie, a looming swamp monster, follows close behind. Ghillie is the most prominent thing in Morgan’s life — that is, until she meets a strange neighbor while out jogging and invites her over for dinner. What ensues is a stressful encounter for Morgan as she tries to fight past the thoughts of Ghillie. Running time: 00:15:41.

Selections/awards: Boston Short FF, Super Shorts NY, and more.

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TOO CLOSE (UK) BY NIKOLA MCMURTRIE

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Synopsis: An interpretive dance piece to a very sexist (and very funny) online comment. Running time: 00:02:54.

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Selections/awards: Lit Laughs FF, Fulwell 73 Comedy 50:50, and more.

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MIND THE GAP (UK) BY HANNAH OLIVER

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Synopsis: An experimental dance short in which a woman finds herself descending into a panic attack on the London Tube. Inspired by my own experience of the ol' Northern Line commute, filmed before we came to understand a new form of loneliness, many moons ago in January 2020. We can slip off the edge of the world, without anyone noticing. Look out for those in need. Running time: 00:03:53.

IDOL (AUSTRALIA) BY ALEX WU

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Synopsis: A young Chinese celebrity is called into an emergency meeting after a fan of his commits suicide. Running time: 00:18:30.

Selections/awards: Brooklyn FF (Spirit Award in Short Narrative, Outstanding Achievement in Performance (Best Male Actor), Sydney FF (Dendy Award for Best Australian Live-Action Short Film), Adelaide FF, Flickerfest International Short FF, and more.

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