Les Chenilles (Michelle, Noel Keserwany) France

Les Chenilles
Michelle Keserwany/Noel Keserwany
France. 2023. 30 min

Asma and Sarah meet while working as waitresses in France. They both come from the Levant and are carrying the shadows of the past with them, each in their own way. They tentatively befriend each other and find a common ground that goes back to the time when the city of Lyon was connected to their homeland via the Silk Road. A film about exploitation – then and now – and about female solidarity, friendship and solace.

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Seconds (Liese Kuhn) South Africa. Official Section

Seconds
Liese Kuhn
South Africa. 2023. 90 min

SECONDS follows the story of Seconds Khumalo, an ageing boxer from the EastRand of Johannesburg. The Van Tonder family, whose property he lives on, andfor whom he boxes — begin to grow suspicious as years of unanswered questionsand traumas start to surface. Seconds has always trained under Pa Van Tonder, working for the family butchery in the mornings, but things start to go sour as Pa feels threatened by Seconds son, Lukas Khumalo, a budding politician.
The final count down reveals a web of lies, deceit and betrayal — an illegitimate son, an underground exploitative boxing syndicate and a dark angel called Bambi. It is time for Seconds to claim back what is rightfully his; HIS FAMILY AND HIS LIFE.

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Man and Woman (Vladimir Kott) Russia. Official Section

Man and Woman
Vladimir Kott
Russia. 2024. 116 min

A poignant tales about men and women who cast their lots with each other for years or just for one hour or merely for five minutes. Those are stories which are overheard in the kitchen, on the train in the same compartment with a stranger, in a taxi or written in a notebook as memories because if the feelings are real and sincere, they last forever. There are moments of strange encounters and bitter partings which look somewhat familiar. People’s feelings are always unique. But their chemistry is clear to everyone who has fallen in love and parted at least once.

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Berbú (Sevinaz Evdike) Syria

Berbú (The Wedding Parade)
Sevinaz Evdike
Syria. 2022. 70 min

Berbu is a moving film about Kurdish families in the Rojava war. It centers on Gule’s upcoming wedding, which symbolizes hope and resistance in the midst of conflict. The family’s difficult decisions reflect the challenges of Kurdish communities in war-torn regions. Despite daily adversity, they hold on to happiness, love and traditions. The direction and camerawork capture life in a war-torn town as well as strong emotions and harsh realities. “Berbu” impresses with a thoughtful narrative about love, tradition, sacrifice and resilience.

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Money Exchange! (Lautaro García) Argentine. Official Section

Money Exchange!
Lautaro García Candela
Argentine. 2022. 90 min

Pablo and Florencia work on Florida Street, the economic and tourist epicentre of Buenos Aires. Economic difficulties affect their life together. Pablo, in order to survive, begins to clandestinely smuggle dollars in the street. Taking advantage of the imminence of a currency crisis they will try to strike the blow that will take them out from the street once and for all.

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A House in Jerusalem (Muayad Alayan) Palestine. Official Section

A House in Jerusalem
Muayad Alayan
Palestine, UK. 2023. 104 min

Young Rebecca is forced to move with her father from the UK to Jerusalem, in the hopes that a new beginning can help her heal from her mother’s sudden death. Soon after settling into an old house in a neighbourhood known as the Valley of the Ghosts, a series of mysterious events begin and Rebecca is blamed. Diving deep into the mystery of the house and the mystical city of Jerusalem, Rebecca sets out on an enigmatic journey to discover what hides in the shadows of the house. Crafted by the talented duo Muayad and Rami Alayan, A HOUSE IN JERUSALEM is an eerily suspenseful and touching story told through the eyes of a young girl, exploring the strength of memory and the power of love.

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