Ways to Traverse a Territory
In Ways to Traverse a Territory, a Tsotsil family herds sheep in the misty mountains, preserving their cultural identity. The filmmaker’s personal connection to the land sparks a reflection on belonging, memory, and transformation. Blending archival imagery and intimate conversations, the film explores how landscapes shape identity and questions the artistry of filmmaking itself.
"a poignant exploration of how landscapes and identities intertwine. Through breathtaking visuals and personal narrative, the film examines the delicate balance between nature, memory, and belonging" - Doha Film Institute
Photophobia
On a cold February morning, 12-year-old Niki and his family arrive at the Kharkiv metro station to take shelter from the terrifying war raging outside. For Niki's family, daylight is synonymous with mortal danger, and the boy is not allowed to leave the station premises, living under the constant glow of their neon lights. While aimlessly wandering around the abandoned cars and full platforms, Niki meets Vika (11), and a new world opens up to him. As their bond strengthens, the children find the courage once again to feel the sun on their faces.
"a very original and beautifully observed film...There is hope here, and joy in the small things like the occasional luxury of feeling the sun on their faces for example. The film is exceptionally well made, with the cinematography a standout” - Europa Cinemas Award, Venice
Terraforma
TerraForma is the story of the remote desert island of Ascension: for a million years entirely devoid of life, but which was engineered by process of terraforming' into a tropical paradise. It is also the story of what that transformation may mean for the fate of our planet, in a future when terraformed landscapes and human-engineered environments may come to warp our understanding of nature itself.
"The images are poetic, showcasing a stunning variety of flora and fauna; people are rarely seen on screen, their absence adding a touch of eeriness to the atmosphere" - Guardian
Naima
Naima, a 46-year-old Venezuelan, lives in precarious conditions in Basel and, after many years in the low-wage sector, she secures a traineeship in nursing. However, her happi- ness collides with a harsh reality: patients love her compassionate humour, but her col- leagues perceive her as lacking professional distance. When she fails her internship, her world falls apart. Yet, Naima rises to fight her toughest battle: standing up for herself.
"a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and even overcome conflagration. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking an inspiring and emotionally touching documentary." - DOK Leipzig
Dear Beautiful Beloved
"The war in Ukraine doesn’t stop at the front line. In addition to the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers, the Russian invasion has also claimed the lives of thousands of Ukrainian civilians. And many more have been driven out of their familiar surroundings. The war has destroyed homes, torn families apart and displaced populations.
In the midst of this wartime violence, a complex but highly effective relief network has emerged. Support for refugees and displaced persons is ongoing, as is the evacuation of older people living near the front, and the retrieval of the bodies of civilian and military victims.
Dear Beautiful Beloved is a careful and sensitive account of several humanitarian operations dependent entirely on the boundless dedication of volunteers. They receive refugees and guide them to train stations, help distressed seniors feel at home in bare reception shelters and drive through the country to pick up bodies, keep records and safeguard their belongings. Tirelessly they continue their work. There are moments of light even in these dark times, but they never last long." - IDFA