Synopsis

Showcasing a diverse mix of animation techniques, the films in this program focus on moments of transition where characters, both relatable and fantastic, make discoveries, face irreversible choices, and navigate outbursts. Featuring work by Loïc Espuche, Michèle Lemieux, Nina Gantz, Delia Hess, Bianca Lambert, Zohar Dvir, Olivia Griselda, Sarah Cheok, and Catapreta.

Leo tries to hide his big secret while still making the most of his summer in the world of Yuck! (Beurk!) (France), where wanting to kiss makes your lips glow. The painstaking pinscreen animation process is used to create a darkly poetic piece about the tragic life of Queen Mariana of Austria as captured by Baroque painter Diego Velázquez in The Painting  (Le tableau) (Canada). In the absurdist stop-motion piece Wander to Wonder (The Netherlands, Belgium, France, United Kingdom), unusual collaborators suffer through the loss of their TV show’s host. The frustration of being trapped in a hotline’s hold system starts to bleed into the physical world in On Hold (Switzerland). After taking more than the recommended dose of cannabis to assuage her fibroid pain, Amanda wades through the voices in her head in Super High: A Period Piece (United States). Carol’s fear of committing to her girlfriend aligns with the onset of unexpected world-changing circumstances in Butterfly Kiss (Germany, Israel). Dona Beatriz Ñsîmba Vita (Brazil) is a surreal and striking portrayal of the political life of African heroine Kimpa Vita, an overshadowed but significant historical figure who initiated the movement to save the Republic of Congo — as well as other parts of central Africa — from Portuguese colonial rule. And when a mail carrier makes a mistake, an unassuming woman enters a vibrant world of otherworldly pleasure in She and Her Good Vibrations (Singapore)

Synopsis

Carol bristles at an unexpected proposal from her girlfriend Ray. Matters worsen as disturbing changes take hold of Ray, and Carol must decide how to respond.

This film screens as part of the Animated Shorts: Major Developments program.

Synopsis

In spite of the daily challenges they face – from physical to financial – married couple Sassi (Sasson Gabay) and Effi (Asi Levi) have found an emotional equilibrium in their relationship. Sassi’s son, who has escaped to Europe for safety, ran up an enormous gambling debt, which the two work assiduously to help him pay off. By day, Sassi drives a recycling truck, and Effi is employed at the local pool as a physical therapist. At night they join forces, cooking side-by-side for their prepared foods catering service. Even Sassi’s impotency (the result of prostate surgery) is something they approach with love and humor.

This delicate balance is threatened when two young men burst back into their lives – their grandson, who unexpectedly returns from Europe, and one of Effi’s former students – reopening past wounds and reawakening dormant desires. The ever-perceptive chronicler of human nature and relationships, Shemi Zarhin (Aviva My Love, ), returns to the Festival for the fourth time with this wry and empathy-infused story of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of bliss.

Synopsis

When Sami returns with his wife and son to his Arabic village for his brother’s wedding, he plans a quick return to Jerusalem, where his business and mistress await. Just as he is leaving, the village is unexpectedly put under lockdown by Israeli soldiers, and Sami finds himself caught in an uneasy web of personal and political intrigues. This adaptation of Sayed Kashua’s 2006 novel mixes wry comedy with a touch of the absurd to create a perceptive, winsome satire.

Synopsis

This perceptive documentary follows 12-year-old Idan, a talented young athlete anticipating his Bar Mitzvah. More than a rite of passage, it represents the first time the boy will meet his African father, Tony Toklomati, a professional soccer player removed from the country for lying about his age. But will the family raise enough money to pay his way to Israel, and how long will he be able to stay?