We are delighted to welcome Dr Martine Pierquin to introduce this selection of shorts that she has curated.
How Do I Know? / Comment Savoir …?
In the Sauvagere district, everyone has their counterpart, notably Harry and Stari. While Harry leaves for the lake, Stari remains locked in his room with ChatGPT whom he asks: is he in love with his friend Harry? Best short film Cabourg Film Festival 2024. Cast Samir Titi, Léon Exbrayat, Lili Cazals.
France 2023 Joachim Larrieu 18m
Danavan
René and Polo are apprehensive about the arrival of the new next-door neighbour in their area of Quebec City. Though he doesn’t know it, the young man is moving into the apartment previously occupied by Robert, their late friend who passed away two weeks earlier. Spotting Robert’s barbecue left on the balcony, René begins to spiral as he refuses to leave it in the hands of the new arrival. Cast Hugues Frenette, Marc Auger-Gosselin, Nicolas Michon, Nancy Bernier.
Canada 2021 Jean-David Rodrigue & Franie-Éléonore Bernier 12m
Montsouris Park / Montsouris
On a beautiful autumn day in Montsouris Park in Paris, Jacques and Nathan are looking for interesting people to film for their documentary. They chance upon Pierre and Martin, two odd bods about to have an unexpected experience. Cast Lucas Doméjean, Pierre Gandarmay, Raïka Hazanavicius, Martin Jauvat, Guil Sela. Winner, Leitz Cine Discovery Prize, Cannes Film Festival 2024.
France 2024 Guil Sela 14m
Sira / Langue Maternelle
In the 1980s, Sira, a 26-year-old Malian woman, lives a peaceful existence in France with her husband Malick and six-year-old daughter Abi. The only language she knows is Soninke, which the family uses for everyday life. But Abi speaks little French, so the school suggests sending her to a special needs class and invites her parents to use French at home. Sira objects. Cast Mariame N’Diaye, Olivier Rabourdin, Djibril Sangaré, Amina Soumbounou, Margot Viala. Best Film in French, Dakar Court, Senegal 2023.
France 2023 Mariame N’Diaye 24m
Pumpkin / Pupuce
Valentine has not worked since her lead role in the hit film L’ombre au mois d’août (The Shadow in August). During this period of low spirits she takes part in a casting session with a dog for a big French film, even though she does not really like dogs. Driven by her depression and existential angst as an actress, she sets off on an absurd canine quest around Brussels. Cast Ninon Borsei, Chloé Larrère. Brussels Short Film Festival – BSFF / Prix de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles 2024.
Belgium 2023 Chloé Larrère 19m
Summer 96 / Été 96
Every summer, Paul’s family has a picnic on a small island that can be reached via a causeway at low tide. This year the tide takes them by surprise and they are forced to spend the night on the island. Paul, finding himself stuck between the world of adults and that of children, becomes aware of his own individuality. This nostalgic animation explores memory and transition. Voice cast Kauri Moyse, Clémence Cueff, Arthur Cueff, Victoire Cueff. Winner of César for Best Animated Short Film, 2024.
France 2023 Mathilde Bédouet 12m
Caregiver / Auxiliaire
During a night of self-doubt Marc, a tormented caregiver, decides he must confess to his best friend with a motor disability for whom he has been caring for several years, that he will not be coming back to work the next day. Cast Laurent Target, Etienne Cocuelle.
France 2022 Lucas Bacle 24m