Blink and you might miss the unsettling and beguiling moments that shatter the malaise of modern life. Playful and satirical, these short films offer a searing commentary on a society and culture frequently devoid of morality. From underground raves to modern art exhibitions, we journey through the many facets of human nature. Through daily rituals, our hidden desires are exposed. We witness how empathy and compassion tussles against disparate and abusive power structures. Resistance can be challenging but these films never give up hope.

Women Visiting A City | Enrique Buleo | Spain | 2023 | 15mins

Three retired women join a package holiday. They’ve recently lost their husbands and now it’s time to start living. All their lives they’ve heard people talk about the wonders of Europe and they’re dying to experience it firsthand.

Playground | Raul Villalba | Spain | 2023 | 16mins

Uri (19) goes to a rave on the mountain of Montjuïc (Barcelona) secretly wearing his sister's clothes. It’s his first time there and he’s longing to find his place. A short film about integration at a hardcore rhythm.

Grill | Jade Aksnes | Norway | 2023 | 17mins

Jade Hærem Aksnes’s stomach-churning satirical drama about poverty is inspired by true events. When Tara runs out of electricity, Social Services tell her to find a free grill online. A task that leads her into uncomfortable situations.

A Study of Empathy | Hilke Rönnfeldt | Denmark | 2023 | 14mins

Dana agrees to be part of Penelope’s art project exploring empathy. As the artistic experiment unfolds, Dana is pushed out of her comfort zone. Winner of Best International Short Film at Locarno.

Cross My Heart and Hope To Die | Sam Manacsa | Philippines | 2023 | 17mins

Mila is deeply unhappy. She spends her days working long hours for little pay. A client’s persistent phone calls offer some form of romantic hope, but all may not be what it seems.

Bakhyt | Yelnur Zholaman | Kazakhstan | 2023 | 11mins

Bound by a patriarchal culture and a vengeful mother-in-law, a modest housewife in rural Kazakhstan yearns for her freedom. Bakhyt’s daily chores are endless but she finds solace in a small act of rebellion.

FÁR | Gunnur Martinsdóttir Schlüter | Iceland | 2023 | 5mins

In this thrilling five minute short that took home the special mention at Cannes Film Festival, a dull business meeting in an ordinary Icelandic café becomes the site of a gripping moral