Category Archives: Short Films Section

Mala (Neelabh Gupta) India

Mala
Neelabh Gupta
India. 2024. 24 min

Mala is a short film exploring themes of resilience and liberation, we follow the arduous journey of Mala, a maid trapped in an abusive marriage. Her life is a daily struggle, marked by the torment inflicted by her violent husband. She is even denied the comfort of sleeping beside her daughter, a poignant symbol of her yearning for love and security.
However, fate intervenes when her husband is hospitalized, offering Mala a brief respite from her suffering. This unexpected twist brings a rare moment of peace and reflection into her tumultuous life. As her husband begins to show signs of recovery, Mala is confronted with a life-altering decision. In a heart-wrenching monologue delivered to her unconscious husband, Mala bravely voices her suppressed emotions and dreams. This powerful declaration becomes a turning point, as she finally reclaims her freedom and happiness. Mala’s journey culminates in her liberation, embracing a hopeful future with her daughter.

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Wilderness (Zhang Ying) China

Wilderness
Zhang Ying
China. 2025. 20 min

More than a decade ago, a shepherd who was pessimistic and world-weary due to his physical problems, one evening at dusk, imprisoned a passing woman who had shown him no respect in his home. He had intended to teach her a lesson, but instead was ridiculed again by her. In a fit of rage, he accidentally killed her. The next day, after sobering up, he decided to sell his livestock, dispose of the body and flee. However, because two of his cows were not sold in time, he had to postpone his departure by one day. Little did he know that on the last night, a small criminal gang of three people, intending to steal money, accidentally broke into his home. Fearing that his crime would be exposed, the shepherd decided to make another mistake. Eventually, due to his serious injuries, he left this world he both loved and hated.

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The Magic of Meow (Rooney Zong) China

The Magic of Meow
Rooney Zong
China. 2025. 11 min

Monica, a young woman raised in HongKong, is immersed in the commercial industry. The demands of her job preventher from taking the time to heal from her recent breakup. One day, she encounters a mysterious fortune teller who reveals that her tumultuous love life will take a turn due to a “man with a cat.” This sets the stage for a whimsical and unexpected romantic journey.

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First Last Month (Elena Vatamanu-Margineanu) Poland

First Last Month
Elena Vatamanu Margineanu
Poland. 2024. 21 min

Doina, a 12-year-old girl, has her first period on the day her grandma has a stroke. Since then, their roles are inverted. When Doina’s dad considers taking grandma to a nursery home, the girl has to prove to him that she is mature enough to take care and keep her only mother figure close to her.

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Mine (Kaja Sajdak) Poland

Mine
Kaja Sajdak
Poland. 2024. 16 min

A 70-year-old, wealthy Polish woman, Elżbieta, refuses to help her Ukrainian housekeeper, Oksana. When as a result of their conflict, Oksana disappears at night without a word, Elżbieta goes on a journey to find her. The expedition reveals the fate of Ukrainian war refugees who have arrived in Poland.

A third-year student of Film Directing at the Warsaw Film School. Director of short etudes and 1AD, assistant director and set designer in professional productions including feature films. She combines her passion for cinema with her love for painting and other visual arts. She is a certified fine artist, which she also actively uses in the film industry.

festival@szkolafilmowa.pl

From You (Jędrzej Gorski) Poland

From You
Jedrzej Gorski
Poland. 2024. 15 min

Adam invites his father, Piotr, to a restaurant to discuss his recently deceased grandfather, a renowned journalist. Instead of a typical interview, Adam tries to catch his father in lies about the last days of his grandfather’s life. The father defends himself, sparking an intense argument. This single conversation not only affects their relationship but also reveals secrets that will permanently reshape the dynamics of their family.

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Catharsis (Valeria Popova) Russia

Catharsis
Valeria Popova
Russia. 2024. 21 min

After the next cancellation of his performance, an old Actor makes s decision to die. Having met with a young untalented Colleague at the poster of his native theater, the Actor is convinced of the correctness of his decision. He gets on a strange bus, in which he meets a woman, who becomes a “victim” of the acting of her new acquaintance.

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