In the Meiji Period, in the 19th century Japan, transitioning towards modernization, BLACK OX explores the relationship between man and ox, inspired by the “Ten Ox-Herding Pictures” a series of short poems and illustrations from Zen Buddhism tradition that depict the path to enlightenment and spiritual awakening. BLACK OX follows the life of a Man, a former hunter-gatherer who loses his connection to the gods of nature and to his spirituality in the process of becoming a farmer and becoming “Japanese” during the nation’s period of westernization in the Meiji Period. Transitioning from a life in the mountains to a life in the farm, one day he comes across a Black Ox. He somehow succeeds in leading the reluctant animal back to his home, and begins living with it. The OX becomes his companion in a life of seasons in the attempt to reconnect with nature.
While a policeman is investigating the discovery of the remains of an apparent murder victim, a single mother is struggling to get her daughter into school. Presented at the Shanghai Film Festival, Within is a thriller that paints a poignant portrait of a China where social injustice determines a child’s future.
The ponytail is a dumpster version of the Oedipus myth. Diana, a prostitute from Vienna, returns to the city. She has a trace, memory gaps, and milk started flowing from her breasts. Twenty-year-old orphan-outcast May suspects that she may be its author. Diana's return coincides with one made in the neighboring forest. May is arrested for being violent on police officer Max's wife.
About Ela a rebellious artist struggling with the deep gray everyday life of Poland in the 1980's, including family problems and personal demons originating in bipolar disorder.
12-year-old Bailey lives with her single dad Bug and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey, who is approaching puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.
A family gathers on Christmas Eve for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own.
Shehnaz rejects Zubin's romantic proposal because she finds him boring. Later, Zubin gains confidence after meeting Ruby. Just as their romance blossoms, Shehnaz returns to Zubin's life. What unexpected twist awaits him?
In a windy Somali village, a newly assembled family must navigate between their different aspirations and the complex world surrounding them. Love, trust and resilience will power them through their life paths.
In 1873, brave men known as the New Latvians held the first-ever Latvian song festival under the watchful eye of oppressive censorship. This massive celebration, featuring 1,003 singers – both men and women – changed the course of the nation’s history. It stands as a unique example of non-violent resistance in the fight for freedom against imperialism, led by Latvia’s entrepreneurs, writers, publicists and ordinary villagers.
Blasted Apart With the Last Breath follows an old man lost in a dark forest, confronting his fear of his death and regrets. Meanwhile, his wife reflects on their life together, torn between love and resentment. As reality blurs, both navigate the man's final moments.
The small village of Hysvik has been world champion in fishing for generations, making it the only thing that children, adults, and the elderly care about. In the film, we meet Bjørnar (60), who carries a secret. He dreams of becoming a postman. But how will he manage that in a village where nothing but fishing is allowed? 7180 Hysvik is a funny, sincere, and heartwarming short musical film, submitted as Lene Nilssen Viken's bachelor's project at NSKI."
A young woman is losing hope in humankind, doesn’t see any reason to continue living. She is shocked by how helplessly and wrongly civilized humanity is facing the challenges that occurred after horrible events in today's world. Her partner tries to get her out of that state by forcing her to go outside for a walk.
A drug dealer is hired to drive a young escort, Kadzo, to and from her clients. He falls in love with her and decides to rescue her from her situation, leading him into an increasing spiral fo troubles.
Loneliness, anger. Artemisia feels she has more in common with the zoo animals than with her mother or the other girls. Perhaps, by losing herself in the wild, she will discover who she is.