The 12 films in the international competition, coming from all corners of the world, explore powerful themes: vulnerability and mental health, the search for identity, portraits of inspiring women, and social struggles – offering as many perspectives to reflect on the world around us.

Mental Health and Vulnerability

Through sincere storytelling, two deeply personal films explore vulnerability, creativity, and the sometimes chaotic paths of existence:

• ANDRÉ IS AN IDIOT by Tony Benna: Unexpected and irreverent, André Is An Idiot celebrates life in the face of death. André transforms his final moments into humor, curiosity, and radical sincerity. A playful yet profound portrait of a man confronting mortality… with laughter.
• LOVE-22-LOVE by Jeroen Kooijmans: Jeroen Kooijmans lays himself bare in the depths of his psychosis and depression. Between art and love, he finds his way back to the light with the help of his partner. An intimate, moving, and deeply human portrait.

Identity and Heritage

Between memory, legacy, and migration, the following three films question what shapes our sense of belonging:

• THE LAST PARADISE ON EARTH by Sakaris Frídi Stórá: The film tells an intimate drama about grief, identity, and the choice to stay when everything feels uncertain. A sensitive and nuanced work exploring family ties and the fragility of the future.
• CHILD OF DUST by Weronika Mliczewska: At 55, Sang, a child abandoned during the Vietnam War, finally meets his American father in the United States, leaving behind the family he loves – but nothing unfolds as expected.
• SILENT LEGACY by Jenni Kivistö & Jussi Rastas: A man caught between two worlds searches for his place. Blending dance and documentary, his inner conflict becomes palpable. Short, intense, and unforgettable.

Portraits of Inspiring Women

Through singular journeys, these films portray free and determined women who are reinventing their place in the world:

• A FOX UNDER A PINK MOON by Mehrdad Oskouei & Soraya Akhlagi: An intimate and creative story where a unique voice transforms exile into a poetic experience. A sensitive and luminous film, balancing fragility and strength, that resonates long after viewing.
• ONE WOMAN ONE BRA by Vincho Nchogu: In a village undergoing land regularization, a woman risks losing her home due to a lack of proof of lineage. An intimate story that questions the effectiveness of development programs and reveals the complexity of local realities.

Social Struggles and Political Realities

Rooted in sometimes harsh realities, this selection of films reveals social tensions and gives voice to those who resist:

• ABEL by Elzat Eskendir: In the steppes of 1990s Kazakhstan, a shepherd struggles for dignity in a world shaken by the post-Soviet era. A story grounded in reality, carried by a sensitive, almost observational approach to daily life.
• BLACK WATER by Natxo Leuza: A gripping narrative that transports us to a flooded Bangladesh in 2050. Facing the largest mass migration in history, the film questions our ability to resist, to welcome others, and to hope in the face of the climate crisis.
• CAMBODIAN BEER DREAMS by Laurits Nansen: The film follows an activist challenging the beer industry in Cambodia. Between alcohol, capitalism, and corruption, it portrays the struggle for a better future within an unequal system.

With its rich and bold selection, the international competition promises a powerful cinematic experience. These are stories to discover, to feel, and to share – an invitation to dive into reality and, above all, not to miss these screenings.