Our short film program this year is a curation of submissions and selected works from Australian & New Zealand filmmakers.
Lakefield
Short film | Thriller | | 2025 | Australia | 4 min preview | English with German subtitles | Directed by Sebastian Steins
Synopsis
Charlie, a city journalist, returns to her remote hometown after a disturbing call. When her friend is found dead and a suspect confesses, she must uncover the truth in this uniquely Australian "whydunnit" mystery.
Lincoln
Short film | Drama | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 14 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Jake James Whitford
Synopsis
Lincoln follows a curious teenage boy who has an intense connection with men's adoration of women in noir films. These fantastical romances propel Lincoln into a sexual awakening when he comes face to face with his neighbour, Rosie. All Lincoln knows when it comes to women is film noir. Taking in these influences, the question remains.
Has the portrayal of masculinity in these old films distorted his perception of sexuality in a modern setting?
Ornmol
Short film | Documentary | | 2024 | Australia | 10 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Marlikka Perdrisat
Synopsis
Kupungarri, a remote community in the North-West of Australia is one of the most natural places left in the world. This small community fosters confidence in their young people through their relationship with Country. Watch the excitement grow as they prepare for one of the biggest events of the year, the annual Mowanjum Festival.
A Thousand Odd Days
Short film | Drama | German premiere | 2023 | Australia | 14 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Riley Blakeway
Synopsis
A young man reflects on a day spent with his estranged mother, in an attempt to understand her enduring trauma and its effect on their relationship.
Brett Weir - Home
Short film | Documentary | World premiere | 2024 | Australia | 5 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Brett Weir
Synopsis
At the edge of the Australian continent, artist Brett Weir paints in a glass studio overlooking the sea — where weather, solitude, and memory give form to his art.
Night Waves
Short film | Drama | German premiere | 2024 | NZ | 15 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by River Evans
Synopsis
At 3AM, student radio host Regina answers a call from Nero - a stranger whose voice carries a quiet desperation. What begins as an unusual late-night chat soon drags her into a raw, emotional exchange that blurs the line between broadcaster and confessor.
Rain Simulation
Short film | Animation | European premiere | 2025 | Australia | 5 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Sebastian Steins
Synopsis
Rain Simulation leads you down a colorful path into the mind of our protagonist The Mad Express aka Madeleine Rose who carries us with hypnotic poetry.
Payback
Short film | Drama | German premiere | 2023 | New Zealand | 12 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Mia Blake
Synopsis
In a dreary Department of Welfare NZ (DWNZ) office, case manager Ahorangi (Aho) takes a deep breath to collect herself before another day in the office begins.
Half Past Midnight
Short film | Drama | European premiere | 2024 | Australia | 11min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Daniel Bibby
Synopsis
A chance encounter outside a movie theatre forces two strangers to confront their romantic pasts.
Die Bully Die
Short film | Comedy | Danish premiere | 2024 | Australia | 16 min | English with German subtitles | Directed by Nathan Lacey and Nick Lacey
Synopsis
Seventeen years after high-school, Max catches up with his former bully Adam in a fancy restaurant, where Max’s grudge against Adam begins to manifest in horrific ways.