If Jerusalem stone could speak, it would tell this story: from Imperial Britain to the Israeli occupation, buildings in Jerusalem have been clad in it. This is a story of how beauty and abuse go hand in hand.
Nominee
Christopher & the Bug
Christopher and the Bug is a heartwarming short film about a reclusive owl whose peaceful solitude is disrupted when a tiny bug unknowingly moves into his home. As their paths intertwine, he discovers the transformative power of friendship.
Soft Leaves
Yuna's parents separated when she was young. Her mother returned to Japan to remarry and start a new familly, leaving her in Belgium with her father. Years later, a sudden accident leaves him in a coma, prompting her mothers return, this time with a half-sister Yuna barely knows. It's more than Yuna can handle at first, but as her father shows signs of recovery, she is forced to confront her own feelings and navigate the complex ties of her fractured family.
Seeing Through the Darkness
Through an immersive sound environment, Seeing Through the Darkness delves into the lives of five resilient individuals who have lost their sight in armed conflicts. This film challenges our societal blindness to violence and suffering amidst a flood of images, urging us to listen to these inspiring stories echoing with urgency and profound humanity.
Hiko
“Hiko” follows the story of an 11-year-old boy, Hiko, who runs away during a neighborhood festival after a disagreement with his mother over refusing to wear makeup. He stumbles upon a mysterious circus tent, where an unexpected encounter challenges his understanding of himself. This magical adventure compels him to confront personal choices and explore the expression of his own identity.
Salem on the Road
While going through a major depersonalization episode, Salem embarks on a solo biking journey on the road 132 all across the Gaspé Peninsula, with the intent of ending her life where the Land ends.