PRESENTING: Festival section SIGNS OF THE TIME

Every era brings new challenges and issues that shape our society. THE SIGNS OF THE TIME section reflects the issues of today - social inequalities, digital dependence, the fight for freedom, but also the personal view of young people on the world. The films in this section present important stories that open up a discussion on ethics, philosophy and civic education.


THE ISSUES OF THE DAY
This section focuses on social inequality, weariness with the modern world and the struggle for freedom. It offers films that make viewers think about the impact contemporary society has on individuals.

Marginalization
Every day is the same, grey and bleak. A nameless, homeless woman survives on the streets of a busy metropolis where is no place for her. Her life changes when she finds a lost mobile phone. On the other side is a young girl, Mia, who briefly opens the door to another world. But can she really make a difference? This animated film with documentary elements provides a sensitive look at homelessness and the hypocrisy of society.

The Snooze
A seemingly innocent story about a man who tries to take a nap, but the modern world won't allow him a moment of peace. An animated film about the constant distractions that keep us from resting and focusing on the essentials.

The Big Change
A short animated film inspired by the history of Spain. At a time when people had no freedom of choice or expression, something had to change. But the fight for freedom never ends. The film reminds us how important it is not to relent and to keep protecting the rights we take for granted today.

Fear of Being Heard
What is it like to be a girl in the world of video games? This short documentary explores the sexism that female gamers face and why they often prefer to remain silent to avoid harassment. The film reveals the reality of the online gaming environment, but also asks the question: What steps can we take to create a fairer digital world?


EVEN MORE ISSUES
A block dedicated to the global and personal conflicts that shape our reality. These films open a discussion on what it looks like to fight not only external but also internal demons.

Procrastinator
A young man tries to concentrate on his work, but instead gets sucked into endless social media browsing over and over again. Minutes turn into hours, hours into days - and he's beginning to realise how much time he's wasted. The film captures one of the biggest pitfalls of the digital age: procrastination and the inability to tear oneself away from the screen.

The Front(lines)
A personal documentary confession by a filmmaker who traveled to Ukraine in May 2022 to see the reality of war firsthand. Through her perspective, we learn about the unexpected dynamics between people affected by the conflict, their stories and the dangerous atmosphere of a war zone.

Code Z33
Two women, two pregnancies, two different stories. One woman has an abortion, the other faces a difficult decision. However, both have something fundamental in common - misunderstanding and condemnation from society. The documentary brings a frank confession of two women in a fragile situation and highlights the lack of empathy on women's health and rights.



THIS IS WHAT I KNOW
Films that give space to young filmmakers and their original view of the world. Experimental and playful films that express the attitudes, questions and fears of the current generation.

It's Mats, dude
A music video that takes a wry look at why rules can sometimes be "cool". An experimental and visually engaging film with an unexpected message.

FORKS AND SPOONS
Is it possible to become unhappy by your own doing? And how to deal with it? This short experimental film provides visual metaphors on mental health and self-reflection.

A Fantasy
Children discover a world of dreams and imagination. But is their play real or just fantasy? A short visual film about children's creativity and the secrets we keep in our minds.

Blooming
Wounds on the body bloom instead of blood. Lilies, ivy, flowers growing from human flesh. This experimental film explores the contrast between beauty and horror, war and pacifism, life and death.

Pie
Five people, one perfect slice of pie. How to share it? Or perhaps get it all for themselves? An absurd allegory about human greed and the desire to have more than others.

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Janneke can no longer speak and doesn't understand anyone around her. The doctor promises to help her, but instead entangles her in more chaos. A satirical and surreal film about misunderstanding the world and oneself.


The films in this section bring not only interesting stories, but also themes to ponder. They raise questions about social issues, the digital world and the personal struggles we face. Some of today's questions are still waiting to be answered - perhaps we can find them here.

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