Trapezum
Directed by: Akram Badeeh Agha
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Duration: 14 minutes
Overview:
"Trapezum" follows the journey of Shaza, a Syrian refugee who escapes war and finds refuge in music. As she moves to Europe, Shaza confronts new challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a mysterious extraterrestrial virus. In her darkest moments, she connects spiritually with Egon Schiele, an artist who battled his own societal struggles and illness. Inspired by Schiele’s resilience, Shaza uses music as her weapon, fighting back against the forces that threaten her, ultimately finding light in the midst of adversity.
This is This
Directed by: Keith Sargent
Genre: Animated Short, Absurdist Fiction
Country: United Kingdom
Duration: 12 minutes
Overview:
"This is This" brings to life 10 scenes from the micro-fiction world of Daniil Kharms, the renowned absurdist anti-Soviet writer. The film captures the bizarre and surreal narratives that challenge conventional logic, offering a visually compelling experience that mirrors Kharms' unique literary style.
Cod&Chips
Directed by: Matt Pidgeon
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Ireland
Duration: 2 minutes
Overview: "Cod&Chips" is a concise and engaging animated short film that captures a whimsical moment in time. Through clever animation and storytelling, the film offers a lighthearted and imaginative look at a small but delightful slice of life.
Warmth in a Puddle
Directed by: Sorao Sakimura
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Japan
Duration: 10 minutes 8 seconds
Overview: "Warmth in a Puddle" is an evocative animated short that delves into the psychological state of a young man living in solitude. In his dimly lit room, he receives a strange fish with a face that resembles his own. This surreal encounter leads him into a dark and cavernous otherworld that mirrors his inner turmoil. The film explores themes of isolation, identity, and the human struggle to confront and accept personal hardships.
Monster
Directed by: Piers Goffart, Eric Giessmann
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Germany
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview: "Monster" follows the journey of a creature desperate to fit in among humans. Hiding behind a human disguise, he confronts his fears when a visit to an indoor swimming pool forces him to reveal his true identity. The film explores themes of self-perception, belonging, and the courage to embrace one’s true self.
The Strange Case Of The Human Cannonball
Directed by: Roberto Valencia
Genre: Animated Short, Mystery
Country: Ecuador
Duration: 10 minutes
"The Strange Case Of The Human Cannonball" unfolds in a quaint village inhabited by only six residents, where a mysterious man is discovered lying in the square one morning. With no clue of his identity or origins, the villagers must quickly decide what to do before the stranger awakens, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events.
Lines
Directed by: Martin Schmidt
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Germany
Duration: 4 minutes 9 seconds
Overview: "Lines" is an abstract animated short film that depicts an aggressive battle between red and dark blue color fields. The boundary lines between the colors vibrate with tension, symbolizing a struggle for dominance, resilience, and survival. The film serves as a visual metaphor for tension and conflict, exploring the dynamics of power and the unexpected strength found in moments of resolve.
Tom Thumb
Directed by: Nikolay Lichtenfeld, Ivan Kostiurin
Genre: Animated Short
Country: Russian Federation
Duration: 26 minutes
Overview: "Tom Thumb" is a visually striking animated short that blends traditional animation techniques with the surreal. The film follows Tom, a boy lost in a small world filled with oversized insects, dark forests, and the looming presence of a cannibal Ogre. As Tom flees through fields and forests, the entire miniature world seems to conspire against him. With each turn, reality blurs into the strange and the uncanny, reflecting the inner fears and fantasies of its young protagonist. The world inside Tom's green glass fragment becomes a place of danger, imagination, and escape.