God Complex (Canada) by Eva Dominelli

Trailer

Synopsis: How can you separate the man from his art? We believe in art’s ability and function to help people find moments of spirituality, shared humanity, care, and love - so is it morally responsible to separate an artist’s ethics and actions from the art they are creating? God Complex is an animated music video from Eva Dominelli and Ryan Quiring, and the second single and title track from Gentle Party's sophomore album. This finely textured song and video blends the darker side of myths and fairy tales with classical inspired indie pop. Together the band and artists have created a piece which contemplates the personified role of the patriarchy and the relationship between creator and creation. Running time: 00:04:25.

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Sprint (Canada) by Adela Kwok

Synopsis: Sprint is an experimental film that explores the multi-dimensional journey of self-love. It places us in the midst of turmoil when losing versions of yourself and versions of others who were supposed to emotionally sustain you “forever”'. Faye’s world begins to unravel when she is left alone on the road, abandoned by her boyfriend and followed by a mysterious figure. Blending emotional and physical reality, sprint shows the chaos our minds are capable of projecting onto the world when we are unable to accept what is. You can either keep panicking or hear yourself out and listen to what your body is telling you. Running time: 00:13:13.

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The Prisoner (Poland) by Łukasz Gierańczyk, Filip Drzewiecki

Trailer

Synopsis: One night with an ex-convict on the streets of Vancouver. Inspired by cinéma-vérité. Running time: 00:14:24.

Selections/awards: MakeDox Creative Documentary FF, Ghent Viewpoint Documentary FF, Int. Short FF of Cyprus, and more.

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Restrictions (Canada) by Riley Kojima

Synopsis: Restrictions, 2021, was created during one of the many peaks of the pandemic. The experimental short film explores the relationship between humans and nature. The subject is almost painted as a tulip, showing the delicacy of humankind when faced with a global pandemic. Running time: 00:00:59.

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Iqaluit (USA) by Ted Schneider

Synopsis: Do you have to go all the way to Iqaluit to get an abortion? Running time: 00:12:19.

Selections/awards: Boston Short FF.

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H.O.M.E (Hoarding Old Memory Eggs) (Canada) by Marcella Moliner

Synopsis: “An experimental 3D animation with a non-linear narrative. H.O.M.E is created based on my intrigue to decipher my relationship with sentimental objects and how they manifest in my perception of belonging. The world created belongs to the main character SAL (Self Afflicted Loathing). This place is a collection of personified sentimental objects that form comfort for SAL. However, a world of materialism is forlorn, and S.A.L.’s world depicts the search for companionship in a place of lived memories.” Running time: 00:03:51.

Selections/awards: GradEx 107 OCADU, Insomniac: Reloaded, and more.

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Upsodown (Australia) by Nathan Ceddia

Synopsis: An omniscient narrator leads us through various surreal worlds exploring the disconnect between humanity and nature. We are reminded that all living things are connected and collectively shared, on this planet - our home. Through the power of sharing, we can promote hope and reconnect. All it takes is a bit of reflection. Running time: 00:10:00.

Selections/awards: Sydney World FF (Best Australian Film), Venice Film Week.

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The Universe According To Dan Buckley (Canada) by Roberto Santaguida

Synopsis: in the beginning, there was nothing. You can get nothing easily. Running time: 00:09:30.

Selections/awards: Flickers' Rhode Island IFF, Athens Intl Film and Video Fest, Aesthetica Short FF, IndieCork, Atlanta FF, Jaipur IFF, Oaxaca FF, South London Shorts, Sweden Film Awards, El Paso FF, Girona FF, Canberra Mental Health FF, and more.

About the director: Since completing his studies in film production at Concordia University, Roberto Santaguida’s films and videos have been shown at more than 300 international festivals. Roberto is the recipient of the K.M. Hunter Artist Award and a fellowship from Akademie Schloss Solitude in Germany.

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If You Were Me (Canada) by Ingrid Veninger

Synopsis: Intimate, awkward, anxious and uncertain, Sam (23) and Rae (22) ask each other questions with the hopes of becoming closer. Running time: 00:14:30.

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1.618 V16 (Canada) by John Watson

Synopsis: The perfect ratio with Keleigh at Spot 6 Management. Running time: 00:01:00.

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Idol (Australia) by Alex Wu

Synopsis: A young Chinese celebrity is called into an emergency meeting after a fan of his commits suicide. Running time: 00:18:30.

Selections/awards: Brooklyn FF (Spirit Award in Short Narrative, Outstanding Achievement in Performance (Best Male Actor), Sydney FF (Dendy Award for Best Australian Live-Action Short Film), Adelaide FF, Flickerfest International Short FF, and more.

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