Emperica (Belgium) by Kris De Meester, Ron Chiers (Out of Competition)

Against the backdrop of societal collapse, two powerful voices engage in a high-stakes debate over the future of humanity. Should mankind be placed under total control to safeguard its survival, or should they be granted the freedom to shape their own destiny, even if it means risking self-destruction?

Running time: 00:09:02

A Human Ride (Germany) by Kristian Gründling

The transformation of transportation is on everyone's lips, and the future of mobility has become one of the most talked-about topics. But why does it matter so much? If transportation presents such enormous challenges, why don’t we just stay at home? Is mobility a fundamental human need?

Running time: 01:03:56

Cuba es Mi Patria: The Homeland I Keep Inside (United States) by Rose Marie Perez

As a result of tensions between the United States and Cuba, Cuban Americans have experienced exceptional identity and relational challenges that have persisted throughout their lives. Cuban Americans have remained cut off from their homeland, yet they continue to keep it psychologically present. Based on Dr. Rose M. Perez’s research employing the ambiguous loss framework, the film educates viewers on the historical and political backdrop leading to the post-1959 exodus that continues to the present day through the personal stories of Cuban Americans depicting how they cope with the loss of homeland and family separation. Through the interviewees' voices, this documentary tells the adjustment stories and coping strategies Cuban emigres employ. This film will become an effective tool for caregivers, educators, and researchers to understand, on an emotive level, the depth and longevity of this traumatizing loss. By demonstrating the effect of Cuban Americans’ lifelong struggle with separation, the stories told in this film increase awareness about the “Ambiguous Loss of homeland” and suggest practical strategies for coping with this chronic, traumatic type of loss.

Running time: 01:03:35

My First Breath: The Story of Carl Gibson (United States) by Karen Shayne, Kiya Naka

A Journey into the life of Carl Gibson; a man whose early struggles with substance abuse threatened to consume him. From experimenting with 'huffing gas' at age 10 to a harrowing battle with addiction that cost him his family, his support system, and his actual “life” (twice), Carl's story is one of resilience, redemption, and restoration. Today, he shares his lessons and life experience, revealing a man of unwavering faith and a mission to help others overcome addiction and rebuild. Discover the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity in this powerful documentary.

Running time: 00:35:40

Untitled: The Lost Painting by Thomas Daley  (United States) by Sean Ryan

Riddled in debt to bookies, a recovering gambling addict searches for his family's lost painting to settle the score, unearthing a vast conspiracy.

Running time: 00:30:27

Iris (Canada) by Gabriela de Andrade

Ever since Iris, a French-Congolese woman, left Montreal, she has nurtured her relationship with Gabriela through voice messages. In this film, her voice gives hints of a return that exists only through Gabriela's eyes. The film is a kind of affective cartography of their interposed exchanges, Iris by voice and Gabriela by image. A reflection on the bond of friendship and sisterhood  despite physical distance

Running time: 00:17:00

Knife, Chocolate (Iran) by Hooshmand Varaei

This movie is the story of a happy family! The son of the family is antisocial, psychotic, skeptic and sexist who judges women by the smell of their cosmetics!

Running time: 00:15:00

Retrieving Roadie (United States) by Luke Stone

It’s just another dull business trip for a lonely pet food salesman until he rescues a dog who could change his life – if they survive a harrowing journey home.

Running time: 00:07:30

Above Us (United States) by Freddie Paull

Unified by a rare cosmic event, the eyes of New York City gaze up to the sky for a fleeting moment of calm - the last of its kind for another 55 years.

Running time: 00:06:00