New names abound in the latest edition from the launchpad festival that kicks off the season.
The Berlin International Film Festival 2024 showcased a remarkable lineup of up-and-coming directors in its all important Shorts Program. Among the noteworthy films was “Adieu Tortue” by Selin Öksüzoğlu, a French filmmaker of Turkish origin. Her work explores deep emotional themes, reflecting her background in psychology and her experiences working with exiles and foster care youth. Öksüzoğlu’s film captures the journey of a young girl navigating solitude and emotional resilience, earning critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling.
Francisco Lezama’s “Un movimiento extraño” (An Odd Turn) won the prestigious Golden Bear for Best Short Film. Lezama, an Argentine director, is known for blending reality with fiction, creating unique narratives that explore themes of uncertainty and the surreal aspects of daily life. His award-winning film follows a security guard whose predictions about a theft and economic changes lead her to an unexpected romance, showcasing Lezama’s ability to craft compelling, thought-provoking stories. Berlinale not only starts off the industry year, it also is known for platforming new filmmaking talent in a way that sets the tone for what is to come. This year was no exception.
Selin Öksüzoğlu – “Adieu Tortue”
Selin Öksüzoğlu is a French filmmaker known for her evocative storytelling and exploration of deep emotional themes. She relocated from Turkey to France in 2010, where she pursued a career in psychology alongside her passion for filmmaking. Öksüzoğlu works as a psychologist with people in exile and young individuals in foster care, and this background informs her nuanced cinematic narratives.
Her film “Adieu Tortue” (Bye Bye Turtle), which screened at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024, follows the journey of Inci, a young girl wandering the deserted plateaus of the Black Sea after her mother’s death. The film explores themes of solitude, companionship, and emotional resilience. Critics have praised Öksüzoğlu for her ability to capture the subtleties of human experiences and her thoughtful cinematography.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Best Short Film for “Adieu Tortue”
- IndieLisboa International Independent Film Festival (2024) – Short Film Grand Prize
Filmography:
Director:
- “Adieu Tortue” (2024)
- “J’mange froid” (2017)
Nationality:
- French
For more detailed information, you can visit the Berlin Film Festival and IMDb.
Luciana Merino and Pascal Viveros – “Al sol, lejos del centro”
Luciana Merino and Pascal Viveros are Chilean filmmakers who collaborated on the short film “Al sol, lejos del centro” (Towards the Sun, Far from the Center). The film premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024 and is notable for its innovative use of digital zoom to transform high-resolution images into a unique visual representation of urban life in Santiago, Chile.
The narrative follows two women navigating the heat of Santiago as they seek a space for their burgeoning romance. The film has been praised for its poetic depiction of urban landscapes and the nuanced portrayal of personal relationships. Critics have highlighted Merino’s interest in hybrid cinema that explores the intersections of reality and its deviations, while Viveros’s cinematography captures the city’s textures and rhythms, creating a sentimental architecture of the urban experience.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Al sol, lejos del centro”
Filmography:
Directors:
- “Al sol, lejos del centro” (2024)
Nationality:
- Luciana Merino: Chilean
- Pascal Viveros: Chilean
For more information on the film and the directors, you can visit the Berlinale and Cinechile websites.
Yumi Joung – “Circle”
Yumi Joung is a South Korean animation director known for her insightful and metaphorical storytelling. She studied fine arts at Kookmin University and later pursued a degree in animation directing at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. Her work often explores societal perceptions and the constraints they impose on individuals, as seen in her latest short film “Circle.” This film, which was featured in the Berlinale Shorts Program 2024, uses the simple act of drawing a circle on the ground to depict how people gather and interact within societal boundaries.
Joung’s previous works have also received significant recognition. Her short film “Dust Kid” was invited to the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009, and the story was later adapted into a picture book that won the Bologna Ragazzi Award in 2014. Critics have praised Joung for her unique visual style and ability to convey deep, thought-provoking themes through animation.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Circle”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Circle” (2024)
- “Pado” (2023)
- “House of Existence” (2022)
- “Love Games” (2013)
- “Math Test” (2010)
- “Dust Kid” (2009)
- “My Little Doll’s House” (2006)
Nationality:
- South Korean
For more information, you can visit the Berlin International Film Festival and Korea Herald websites.
Sara Rajaei – “City of Poets,”
Sara Rajaei is an Iranian-Dutch visual artist and filmmaker known for her unique narrative techniques and exploration of themes such as memory, oral history, and the concept of time. Her work often reflects on the psychological and physical spaces influenced by historical events and personal experiences. Rajaei studied visual arts at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam and has exhibited her films in various prestigious venues, including the Rotterdam International Film Festival and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rijeka, Croatia.
Her recent film, “City of Poets,” which premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024, is a magical realist documentary. The film depicts a semi-utopian city where streets are named after poets, but as war breaks out, the city expands to accommodate refugees, and the streets are renamed after fallen soldiers. The narrative is interwoven with personal archive footage and photographs, reflecting on the impact of war and the erasure of cultural memories. Critics have praised Rajaei’s ability to blend historical reflection with personal storytelling, creating a poignant commentary on societal changes and memory.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “City of Poets”
Filmography:
Director:
- “City of Poets” (2024)
- “Yet Another Leap Year” (2022)
- “A Composition in Blue, Red & Other Colours” (2017)
- “In the Gaze of Panoptes” (2016)
- “1978 the 231st Day” (2012)
- “A Leap Year That Started on a Friday” (2010)
- “Objects of Purely Sentimental Value” (2010)
- “The Motel in the Well” (2013, collaboration with N. Lukic)
- “There Was the Dream and There Was a Memory Connected With It” (2015)
- “Sharzad · Forever For a While” (2009)
- “Charismatic Fates & Vanishing Dates” (2006)
- “A Day of Amnesia” (2004)
Nationality:
- Iranian-Dutch
For more detailed information, you can visit the Berlinale and SEE NL.
Shuli Huang – “Jing Guo”
Shuli Huang is a Chinese-American director, writer, and cinematographer based in New York. His work is noted for its deeply personal and reflective nature, often exploring themes of memory, identity, and human connection. Huang’s recent short film “Jing Guo” (Goodbye First Love) was showcased at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film depicts a poignant reunion between two friends in Frankfurt, reflecting on their shared past in Beijing. This film continues Huang’s exploration of emotional landscapes and personal histories, a theme also prominent in his earlier works like “Will You Look at Me,” which won the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 and the Short Film Jury Award at Sundance in 2023. Critics have lauded Huang for his poetic visual style and the ability to convey profound emotional depth through his narratives.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Jing Guo” (Goodbye First Love)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Jing Guo” (2024)
- “Will You Look at Me” (2022)
- “Dang Wo Wang Xiang Ni De Shi Hou” (2021)
- “Exposed” (2020)
Nationality:
- Chinese-American
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Shuli Huang’s Official Site.
Marthe Peters – “Kaalkapje”
Marthe Peters is a Dutch filmmaker currently residing in Ghent, Belgium. She graduated from the Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten (KASK) in 2023. Peters’ work focuses on the representation of the female body and the value of seemingly banal moments in human relationships. Her graduation film, “Kaalkapje” (Baldilocks), explores her childhood battle with cancer through the lens of her father’s camera, a time she has no memory of. The film, which has been shortlisted for the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024, combines personal archival footage with contemporary reflections on illness, scars, and survival. Critics have praised Peters for her intimate and honest portrayal of deeply personal subjects, bringing a unique and poignant perspective to documentary filmmaking.
Wins:
- VAF Wildcard Documentary Award (2023) – For “Kaalkapje”
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Kaalkapje”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Kaalkapje” (2023)
- “Edelweiss Piraten” (2024)
- “Al Hadira: The Hangar” (2019)
Nationality:
- Dutch, based in Belgium
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Brussels Times.
Akihito Izuhara – “Kawauso”
Akihito Izuhara is a renowned Japanese filmmaker and visual artist known for his innovative storytelling and unique animation style. Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1964, Izuhara has been active in the fields of video installations and exhibitions since 1990. His work often explores themes of communication, societal sacrifice, and environmental concerns, as seen in his recent short film “Kawauso” (Otter), which premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024.
“Kawauso” depicts a girl who meets a Japanese river otter, an animal declared extinct in 2012. The film uses this interaction to question modern society’s sacrifices and to symbolize the richness of life and the future. Critics have praised the film for its delicate black-and-white animation and its meditative narrative. Izuhara’s filmography includes a variety of short films that have been showcased at international festivals, highlighting his ability to blend artistic visuals with thought-provoking themes.
Awards:
Wins:
- Japan Premiere Award (2023) – Sapporo International Short Film Festival for “Kawauso”
- Golden Dragon (2023) – Krakow International Film Festival for “Kawauso”
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Kawauso”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Kawauso” (2023)
- “Vita Lakamaya” (2016)
- “LI.LI.TA.AL.” (2012)
- “Akai Mori no Uta” (2010)
- “Kagayaku Ki” (2008)
- “Chiisana Tokage (Topy and Little Creature)” (2007)
- “Selnef” (2005)
Nationality:
- Japanese
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Studio Mangosteen websites.
Nathan Ghali – “Les animaux vont mieux”
Nathan Ghali is a French filmmaker born in 1998, based in Paris. His work primarily revolves around video, photography, and 3D animation, exploring themes derived from personal history, childhood memories, and communication challenges. Ghali studied audiovisual technology and later attended art schools in Cergy and the Beaux-Arts de Paris, where he honed his skills in new technologies and image creation.
“Les animaux vont mieux” (Lick a Wound), his latest short film, was selected for the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film portrays a secret community of animals living in the basement of a church, engaging in rituals and reflecting on their past lives with humans. Critics have praised the film’s unique narrative and aesthetic qualities, noting Ghali’s ability to blend autobiographical elements with imaginative storytelling. The film’s hyper-realistic computer animation, created using Blender, adds a distinctive visual style that enhances its thematic depth.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Les animaux vont mieux” (Lick a Wound)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Les animaux vont mieux” (Lick a Wound) (2024)
- “Peut-on se comprendre en parlant?” (2021)
- “Rien ni personne ne me manque” (2021)
- “Fichier mélange temporaire” (2021)
- “Time Does Not Exist” (2020)
Nationality:
- French
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Nathan Ghali’s Official Site.
Yuyan Wang – “The Moon Also Rises”
Yuyan Wang is a Chinese filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist, born in 1989. She studied at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and at Le Fresnoy – Studio national des arts contemporains in Tourcoing. Her work often focuses on the impact of image creation in media, representation, and the attention economy. She deconstructs and recontextualizes found materials, exploring the continual mutations within the industrial production chain of images, which leads to an abstraction of reality.
Her latest short film, “The Moon Also Rises,” was showcased at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film portrays an elderly couple retreating into the increasing darkness of their apartment, illuminated by digital devices, as artificial moons are launched into space to eliminate the difference between day and night. This narrative is a reflection on modernity, isolation, and the changing nature of human experiences under technological influence. Wang’s previous works have been exhibited at prominent venues like Tate Modern and the Palais de Tokyo, and she has received numerous awards for her innovative and thought-provoking films.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “The Moon Also Rises”
Filmography:
Director:
- “The Moon Also Rises” (2024)
- “Look on the Bright Side” (2023)
- “One Thousand and One Attempts to Be an Ocean” (2021)
- “All Movements Should Kill the Wind” (2019)
Nationality:
- Chinese
For more detailed information, you can visit the Berlinale and Square Eyes websites.
Victor Dupuis – “Oiseau de passage”
Victor Dupuis is a Belgian filmmaker known for his evocative storytelling and ability to weave intricate emotional narratives. Born in Dunkirk, France, and raised in the northern French countryside, Dupuis studied film at Lille and later pursued directing at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion (IAD) in Belgium. His recent short film “Oiseau de passage” (Wandering Bird) was selected for the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024.
“Oiseau de passage” is a poetic short film that explores themes of memory, forgiveness, and farewells. The narrative revolves around Rémy, who records sounds in the forest, only to be confronted by a mysterious bird’s call and the appearance of an old friend. The film delves into their shared past and unspoken emotions, capturing the complexity of their relationship through minimalistic yet powerful visual storytelling.
Critics have praised Dupuis for his nuanced direction and the film’s atmospheric sound design, which enhances the overall emotional impact. “Oiseau de passage” stands out for its contemplative exploration of human connections and the haunting beauty of its natural setting.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Oiseau de passage” (Wandering Bird)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Oiseau de passage” (2023)
- “L’ouragan Sofia” (2022, co-directed with Lili Back)
Nationality:
- Belgian
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Cinergie.
Ulu Braun – “Pacific Vein”
Ulu Braun is a German filmmaker and visual artist renowned for his innovative approach to blending visual arts and auteur cinema. Born in Schongau in 1976, Braun studied film and painting in Vienna, Helsinki, and Potsdam. His works are often presented in museums and galleries worldwide, reflecting a unique intersection of media and fictional scenes that merge hypnotically with documentary footage. His latest short film, “Pacific Vein,” premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024.
“Pacific Vein” is a video collage that takes viewers through a picturesque panorama of the US West, featuring Julian Assange among imperial, Roman fake buildings. The film delves into themes of digitalization, societal reflection, and the fragmentation of the American Dream. Critics have praised Braun for his painterly visual style and the ability to create thought-provoking narratives that challenge perceptions of reality and digital culture.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Pacific Vein”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Pacific Vein” (2024)
- “Saturne” (2022)
- “Das Glitzern im Barbieblut” (2021)
- “Burkina Brandenburg Komplex” (2018)
- “Die Herberge” (2017)
- “Architektura” (2015)
- “FORST” (2013)
- “Tower of Invincibility” (2012)
- “Westcoast” (2009)
- “Rhabarber Boy” (2007)
Nationality:
- German
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and European Film Awards websites.
Philip Ullman – “Preoperational Model”
Philip Ullman is a Swedish filmmaker and visual artist known for his experimental approach to animation and storytelling. Based in Amsterdam, Ullman studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie and has developed a distinctive style that blends human movements and voices with non-human characters in 3D-animated realities. His work often questions the value and sentience attributed to different forms of life and explores what it means to be human.
His latest short film, “Preoperational Model,” was selected for the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film follows Princess Sophie and her maid Jessica as they prepare for a new day at the royal court, challenging existing hierarchies and role assignments. The narrative delves into themes of power and disempowerment, using animation to create a surreal and thought-provoking experience. Critics have highlighted Ullman’s innovative use of animation and the film’s capacity to address complex societal issues through a fantastical lens.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Preoperational Model”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Preoperational Model” (2024)
- “What Dying Feels Like” (2021)
- “Closed Circuit” (2019)
Nationality:
- Swedish, based in the Netherlands
For more information, you can visit Berlinale and Cineuropa.
Wenqian Zhang – “Re tian wu hou”
Wenqian Zhang is a Chinese filmmaker who completed her MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before returning to China to establish Trembling Flame Films with her partner Yue Huang. Her work often delves into personal and family histories, exploring complex emotional landscapes through a meticulous blend of documentary and narrative filmmaking.
Her latest short film, “Re tian wu hou” (Remains of the Hot Day), premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024 and received the prestigious Silver Bear Jury Prize. Set in late-1990s China, the film portrays a family lunch, capturing the nuanced dynamics and hidden tensions within the family through the eyes of a young girl. Critics have lauded the film for its atmospheric storytelling, rich in mood and character, and its ability to evoke a specific historical period through detailed observations and visual metaphors.
Awards:
Wins:
- Silver Bear Jury Prize (Short Film) (2024) – Berlin International Film Festival for “Re tian wu hou” (Remains of the Hot Day)
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Re tian wu hou”
Filmography:
Director:
- “Re tian wu hou” (Remains of the Hot Day) (2024)
- “A Long Journey Home” (2022)
- “A Letter from Huami” (2019)
Nationality:
- Chinese
For more detailed information, you can visit the Berlinale and shortsblog.berlinale.de.
Yihan Lin – “Shi ri fang gu”
Yihan Lin is a Chinese filmmaker based in Shanghai, recognized for her work that often delves into the relationships between individuals and the spaces they inhabit. She holds an MFA in Cinema Directing from Columbia College Chicago. Her artistic vision focuses on exploring insecure, nomadic, and transient states through a blend of narrative and experimental filmmaking.
Her latest short film, “Shi ri fang gu” (Sojourn to Shangri-La), premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film captures an elaborate fashion shoot on a beach that goes awry when the backdrop is swallowed by the sea overnight. As the assistant strives to recover it, the film subtly transitions into a magical realm. Critics have appreciated Lin’s ability to weave a sense of enchantment into the narrative, making it both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Shi ri fang gu” (Sojourn to Shangri-La)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Shi ri fang gu” (Sojourn to Shangri-La) (2024)
- “A Long Journey Home” (2022)
- “A Letter from Huami” (2019)
Nationality:
- Chinese
For more detailed information, you can visit the Berlinale and IMDb.
Boris Dewjatkin – “Stadtmuseum / Moi Rai”
Boris Dewjatkin, born in 1994, is a German filmmaker whose work is significantly inspired by Berlin’s urban landscape. His latest short film, “Stadtmuseum / Moi Rai” (City Museum / My Paradise), was featured in the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024. The film is a poetic exploration of the city as a dynamic space where order and chaos coexist and constantly influence each other. Dewjatkin’s work is characterized by its focus on the interplay between construction and destruction, creating a layered narrative that reflects the complexities of urban life.
“Stadtmuseum / Moi Rai” delves into these themes by portraying Berlin as a subjective paradise, where human-made systems are continuously disrupted by the inherent chaos of the urban environment. The film’s unique narrative and aesthetic approach have garnered attention for its innovative storytelling and visual style.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Stadtmuseum / Moi Rai” (City Museum / My Paradise)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Stadtmuseum / Moi Rai” (2024)
Nationality:
- German
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and IMDb websites.
Fanny Sorgo and Eva Pedroza – “Tako Tsubo”
Fanny Sorgo and Eva Pedroza are multi-disciplinary artists with diverse backgrounds in film, fine arts, and performance. Sorgo, born in Austria in 1993, studied dramatic writing and narrative film at the Berlin University of the Arts and has worked internationally as a transdisciplinary artist. Pedroza, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1982, studied at the Universidad Nacional de las Artes and the Berlin University of the Arts. Her work has been showcased in various exhibitions across Berlin.
Their collaborative short film, “Tako Tsubo,” explores the concept of stress cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, through a surreal animated narrative. The film follows Mr. Ham, who decides to have his heart removed to rid himself of complicated emotions. However, he keeps his heart for a while after the removal in hopes of understanding it better. The film has been praised for its unique blend of surrealism and poignant commentary on emotional well-being in a meritocratic society.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Tako Tsubo”
Filmography:
Directors:
- “Tako Tsubo” (2024)
Nationality:
- Fanny Sorgo: Austrian
- Eva Pedroza: Argentinian-German
For more information, you can visit Berlinale and Fanny Sorgo’s official website
Eva Könnemann – “That’s All From Me”
Eva Könnemann is a German filmmaker known for her creative non-fiction approach, often exploring the intersections of personal experiences and artistic life. Her latest film, “That’s All From Me,” which premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024, reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with a career in filmmaking. The film uses a fictitious video correspondence between a filmmaker and an author to delve into these themes, blending documentary aesthetics with a unique narrative style.
Critics have praised “That’s All From Me” for its disarmingly simple yet rich inquiry into the complexities of managing dual roles in life. The film’s exploration of motherhood and artistic creation has been highlighted for its emotional depth and originality. Könnemann’s previous works have been showcased in both cinematic and gallery contexts, earning her recognition and several scholarships from prestigious institutions like the Berlin University of the Arts and the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “That’s All From Me”
- Berlin Short Film Candidate for the European Film Awards (2024) – Special Mention
Filmography:
Director:
- “That’s All From Me” (2024)
- “World on Board” (2019)
- “Das offenbare Geheimnis” (2015)
- “Material Beton” (2013, co-directed)
- “Ensemble” (2010)
- “Die Tragöden aus der Stadt” (2008)
- “With You” (2006)
- “Light Boy” (2003)
- “Happy Problem” (2002)
Nationality:
- German
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and The Film Verdict websites.
Francisco Lezama – “Un movimiento extraño”
Francisco Lezama is an Argentine filmmaker known for his unique approach to blending reality and fiction. His latest short film, “Un movimiento extraño” (An Odd Turn), premiered at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024 and won the prestigious Golden Bear for Best Short Film. The film follows a security guard who predicts a theft and the rise of the dollar, leading her to fall in love with an exchange house employee. Lezama’s work often explores themes of uncertainty and the surreal aspects of everyday life, drawing on his background in film history and his experience working at the Museo del Cine film archive in Buenos Aires.
Awards:
Wins:
- Golden Bear for Best Short Film (2024) – Berlin International Film Festival for “Un movimiento extraño” (An Odd Turn)
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “Un movimiento extraño” (An Odd Turn)
Filmography:
Director:
- “Un movimiento extraño” (2024)
- “Dear Renzo” (2016)
- “Frankenstein’s Bride” (2015)
- “Yet It Remains” (2011)
Nationality:
- Argentine
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Wikipedia.
Mili Pecherer – “We Will Not Be the Last of Our Kind”
General Comments: Mili Pecherer is an Israeli-French filmmaker known for her imaginative and boundary-pushing works that often reinterpret traditional narratives through a contemporary lens. Born in Israel and currently based in Marseille, Pecherer has a background in fine arts from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and Le Fresnoy art school in Tourcoing, France. Her work blends animation and video installations to explore themes of identity, mythology, and modernity.
Her latest film, “We Will Not Be the Last of Our Kind,” showcased at the Berlinale Shorts Program in 2024, is an innovative animation that reimagines the story of Noah’s Ark. Using a video game world she created, Pecherer portrays Noah’s Ark not just as a divine intervention but as a meticulously planned reintegration program for survivors. The film combines apocalyptic tension with absurd humor, creating a unique narrative that resonates with contemporary concerns. Critics have praised the film for its originality and the director’s ability to fuse ancient stories with modern existential questions (Home) (Berlinale Shorts).
Nominations:
- Berlin International Film Festival (2024) – Berlinale Shorts Program for “We Will Not Be the Last of Our Kind”
Filmography:
Director:
- “We Will Not Be the Last of Our Kind” (2024)
- “Tsigele-Migele” (2021)
- “It Wasn’t the Right Mountain, Mohammad” (2019)
- “How Glorious It Is to Be a Human Being” (2018)
- “La vie sans pompe” (2017)
- “Yeruham Off-Season” (2014)
- “2pac Its Olrait” (2012)
Nationality:
- Israeli-French
For more information, you can visit the Berlinale and Le Polyester websites.