The future of filmmaking shines bright. Join us as we showcase the visionary work of a new generation of creators. Prepare to be dazzled by innovative storytelling, hybrid forms, and multidisciplinary and boundary-pushing artistry. Next Gem is a gempicking program celebrating the freshest talent with cutting-edge creativity. Witness the birth of tomorrow’s creative legends.
(D)INFINITY BY TAEWAN KIM
(D)Infinity is a Sci-Fi animation exhibiting chaos and beauty in outer space. Using only graphite and paper the film renders the artist’s own interpretations of dimensional infinity. The universe consists from harmony and balance of the four fundamental forces of nature: Strong force, weak force, gravity, electro-magnetism. If the one of the forces is not in perfect figure relative to other three forces, the universe will collapse.
OUROBOROS BY BEA YSOLDA
A surreal animated short film where the viewer is taken on a journey through an endlessly looping cityscape. This city, with its analogue architecture and contrasting textures, exudes an unsettling blend of familiarity and strangeness, mirroring the protagonist’s internal struggle. As she navigates this urban labyrinth, the streets and buildings constantly shift, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Il
IL CHERUBINO CRUDO BY FRANCESCO COPPOLA
‘Il Cherubino Crudo’ is an otherworldly character exploration of the cheubim. We follow the journey of a boy Cherub through romanticized spaces of home, church and countryside. Referencing romanticism, the Renaissance, Italian neo-realist film, each space within the film mimics ideal forms of beauty in contemporary Italian culture. As these ideal forms begin to collapse, the Cherub begins to morph to reflect the changing landscape.
ALICE BY NAN ZHANG
This story revolves around a young woman who has become accustomed to suppressing her emotions. On her 18th birthday, she endeavours to confront her family.
SLOWDOWN BY LUCIEN KELMAN
A short experimental film, exploring how fast-paced the creative industry has become and the implications of this.
ANOMALY BY ARTURS VOBLIKOVS
A 3D clay animation on the mysterious anomaly that took place in Isupe Town (Latvia), where 3500 residents were surprised by a strange sensation.
BUNNYHOOD BY MANSI MAHESHWARI
Bobby loves her mum. She trusts her. Their relationship is UNBREAKABLE. Or so she thinks. When she is surprised by a last-minute trip to the hospital, an innocent check-up soon turns into a twisted lie. As she tries to escape this deranged nightmare, she realises that there is only one person to blame for all of this … mum.