The Untranslatable Forest  (United States) by Ivan Miguel, Andy Camou

A journey through a surreal airport where nature and untranslatable words unexpectedly reveal on the way.

Running time: 00:02:30

The Other Side of Despair (Switzerland) by Varsy Buchmann

"The Other Side of Despair" is a moving portrait of a young Armenian artist, Art Petrosyan, who sets fire to his own paintings. Shot during a time of profound loss and upheaval in the aftermath of the forced deportation of 110,000 people from Artsakh, it provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between art, identity, and the struggle for survival.

Running time: 00:08:30

Out There (New Zealand) by Alexis Smith

Driven by a desire to understand her place in the universe, filmmaker Alexis Smith joins a mysterious New Zealand network dedicated to making contact with extraterrestrial life. Immersed in their meditative practices under the stars, Alexis uncovers the stories of this unique group, their experiences with extraterrestrial contact, and the stigmas they face. When she encounters evidence that pushes her to the edge of belief, it’s her own inner shadows that she must learn to accept.

Alexis’s far from ordinary journey explores the fine line between scepticism and belief, whilst embracing the unexpected. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand, the film blends humour and emotion, offering a fresh take on alien believers. It delves into Alexis’s quest for meaning and the broader question of what might lie beyond our world. With a local Kiwi focus and a global theme, the film presents a universal story through the surprising lens of a unique group of New Zealanders connecting with the unknown – out there.

Running time: 00:13:16

Chinatown's Last Emperor (Australia) by Tyler Kang

A time-capsule piece for the community in Sydney’s historic Chinatown. Through conversations with three elders from the community, we delve into their memoirs of the area, capturing 100

years of history and culture that is on the verge of being lost forever.

Running time: 00:05:41

AI in the Street: Drone Observatory (Australia) by Thao Phan, Jeni Lee

Logan is one of the world’s largest drone delivery trial sites. What do locals feel about the presence of commercial and autonomous drone delivery systems in their neighbourhood?

Running time: 00:12:36

Ngurrawaana (Australia) by Kieran Satour

Yindjibarndi man Wimiya Woodley takes us on an immersive journey of self discovery back to his homelands.  Originally established by his grandfather Woodley King, Ngurrawaana was set up as a place of rejuvenation and recovery for Yindjibarndi people who had lost their way.  Wimiya shows us how being back on country helps his people find their spirit and power amongst their ancestors.

Running time: 00:02:55

Dearest Ghost (Estonia) by Margaret Mäses

How to deal with the overwhelmingly unbearable absence of someone who was an integral part of your life for a long time?

When the physical embodiment of unconditional love has transformed into nothing but memories, a ghost, it might be wise to try and make friends with this new everyday companion. Dearest Ghost is a poetic journey through the inner world of a grieving filmmaker who tries to find solace in talking to her Ghost. Different stages of grief are visually linked to seasonal changes in nature. The filmmaker finds reflections of her mindscape in the surrounding scenery and wildlife.

Running time: 00:14:46

Pappas Poppy (Norway) by Johanne Wilbrink

Dolls, cunts and daddy issues – a personal portrait of being a woman.

Running time: 00:07:00

Nine Easy Dances (Canada) by Nora Rosenthal

A filmmaker and former dancer returns to her family home to make a film with her parents, but when they fail to live up to unrealistic expectations, and when her mother's cancer metastasizes, she hires professional dancers to play them. 

Running time: 00:20:00