Afterlives

This year, a sense of variety was present in the Short Competition as its films attempted to bring creative and experimental approaches to their presentation as documentaries. This way of storytelling signifies a variety of ways in telling a story in a perceived “reality”. These films not only reflect the filmmakers’ vision, but also show a familiarity or deep understanding of the protagonists and the topics they investigate.

The five films competing in this year’s Short Competition address contemporary issues, spanning multi-directional bridges to the past and future. They range from collective, to personal and domestic issues. Archives, folklore, memories, letters, and identity are featured in these films. Their presentation style provides additional insights or invites further questions that are not only limited to a cognitive level, but also usher in a lasting impression, reflective, and emotional impact.

– Gerry Junus