Films

1.Phone-nomenon, reż/dir. Aylee Sunstrom, Australia 2023, 9:56

 A laboratory accident and chance connection create two moments in time that could be the difference between life and death. Phone-nomenon is a comedic tale that will keep you guessing until the end.

Aylee Sunstrom – I am a mature aged female that has worked in creative fields. My adult children are in the film industry and recently I found I loved to tell Stories through film making. I have them to help guide me and a great team of talented people as well.

2. Poezja Miłosna z Nutą Secesji, reż/dir. Marian Hordejuk, Polska/Poland 2024, 18:00

Film shows favourite poetic works presented by actors, that also say a lot about their life situation. There is a divorced person whose husband left after their disabled child was born, there are widowed people, a person whose husband died during making of this project and seniors living in happy marriages. Film is a poetic impression showing personal thoughts about love by performing actors.

Marian Hordejuk – Author is a senior for several years. Created Theater Stage on University of Third Age in Chełm. Few years ago during pandemic he took part in online course in one of projects for seniors by Ministry of Culture. He became fascinated by directing, editing and new technologies. First films created by smartphone didn’t live up to his expectations so he persuaded a friend DoP to work on his next project. Friend decided to be credited by his production company. The director pursues naturalism in acting, wants his colleagues to remember lines, inspire by beauty of polish words with a bit of irony and distance to themselves.

3.Barcelona, reż/dir. Pedro Pablo Dominguez Guasch,        Hiszpania/Spain 2023, 7:00

A day in the city. The globalisation, dehumanisation and loss of identity of cities.

Pedro Pablo Dominguez Guasch – I have made several short films since 1985, I add the last decade. 2020 – El hombre que mira el reloj, 2020 – Esperanza, 2020 – Cabezavirus, 2021 – Sant Pol (Vídeo musical), 2023 – Barcelona.

4. My Over There   reż/dir.BobCelli, USA  2024,   13:00

 Starring Emmy winning actor Penny Fuller, this short film is about Lenore McDowell, a weteran of WWI. Lenore, an Army Nurse, reveals a dramatic and deeply personal part of her life during her time “over there” that she has never shared before. Inspired by a true story.

Bob Celli – Bob Celli is an award winning actor/writer/director. Bob recently co-started on CITY ON A HILL, FBI:MOST WANTED, THE BLACKLIST and was a guest star on GOTHAM. Directing credits include Because I Love You, Going Home, Figs For Italo, and Brooklyn in July, and The Keeper.

5.Camera Magica, reż/dir. Julian Zawisza,Polska/Poland 2024, 2:30

Julian Zawisza – since childhood, he is interested in drawing stop motion animation. He leads film clubs Lanterna Magica, Akt in Legnica and Rycerz in Legnica field.

1. Rene, reż/dir. Kazimierz J. Bihun, Polska/Poland 2024, 26:00

A sketch to Leopold Rene Nowak portrait – director, writer, actor, publicist, active culture worker and publisher, who was present physically and artistically on almost all (iconic) polish film sets.

Kazimierz J. Bihun – Independent filmmaker coming from amateur movement. Award winner on national and international festivals, including: “Telly Award 98” in Cincinnati, 2 Miner’s Oscars, “Golden Lizard” and many more. Worked with TVP Kraków – now retired.

2.No Wolves, No Lambs, reż/dir. José Luis Acosta, Hiszpania/Spain 2024, 12:57

Two estranged brothers, Fenix and Hector, reunite after years apart. Fenix, a former world chess champion, lives in dishonor due to a past fraud, while Hector is consumed by anger and revenge. Their final confrontation, a decisive chess duel, seeks to resolve the deception that destroyed their family and led to their father’s death.

José Luis Acosta – Director with numerous works including “Seven Footprints”, “Story of an Owl”, “Thieves Go to the Office”, and “Barreiros”, winner of best TV-movie at the Houston Film Festival. He directed “You Can’t Hide” for Netflix, winner of best series at Festival New York, and nominated for the Emmy Awards. Films include “Gimlet” with Viggo Mortensen, “No dejaré que no me quieras”, and “The Night”. His works have won over 35 national and international awards.

3. The Lighthouse Keeper, reż/dir.Alistair Kerr, Wielka Brytania/United Kingdom 2024, 8:39

On a barren rock off the west coast of Scotland a solitary lighthouse keepers whiskey supply attracts an uninvited guest.

Alistair Kerr – I have been making clay animations since 2018 and have learned so much in this short time. I enjoy the challenge of puppet and set making and then animating my creations hoping I can entertain audiences worldwide. I love creating stop motion film and working on very low budgets gives me great satisfaction when festivals include my animations.

1. GRANNY KERTTU’S STORY, reż/dir. Ulla-Maija Lilja, Finlandia/Finland 2024, 24:44

GRANNY KERTTU’S STORY Petsamo, Finland’s Klondyke on the shores of the Arctic Ocean attracted Finns in the 1920s. Kerttu also traveled there with her father and little sister, by train to Rovaniemi and from there by kicksleds over 500 km to Petsamo. The family’s happiness in Pohjola crumbled when Russia attacked Petsamo in 1939 and Kerttu and her children had to flee in the darkness across the ice to Norway. And from Norway back under German bombing. And once again they had to go in 1944, when the Red Army attacked and occupied Petsamo, Finland. This is the story of a brave, tenacious woman who kept her cheerfulness and faith in life in any situation (1907-2001).

Ulla-Maija Lilja lives in southern Finland, in Porkkala. In the area, that the Soviet Union “leased” according to the peace terms of World War II and returned as “unnecessary” in 1956. Ulla-Maija is an architect, artist and amateur filmmaker. Now she is retired and finally free to immerse herself full-time in the production of short films. Ulla-Maija has more than 25 years of experience at the amateur level in camera work, multi-camera filming, recording, scriptwriting, directing and editing with Adobe Premiere Pro.

2. The Stream XII-II, reż/dir. Hiroya Sakurai, Japonia/Japan 2022, 5:00

Human beings act on nature in order to keep their lives. From their activities, several streams are generated and landscapes are transformed. I focus on the beauty of transformation created through the relation between human activities and nature, and want to express the beauty as a kind of visual ballet.

Hiroya Sakurai – Born in 1958 in Yokohama, Japan. Graduated from University of Tsukuba. Emeritus Professor, Seian University of Art and Design. Sakurai’s work can be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada and J.Paul Getty Trust. Sakurai was awarded at “56th Ann Arbor Film Festival”,USA.

3. Bridge of Curiosity, reż/dir. Frank J Fazzio, USA 2024, 13:22

This heartfelt exploration of wisdom and wonder features conversations with the young and old worlwide illuminating the significance curriosity, wisdom and inclusion across our generation. This journey with filmakers, children and elders highlights the invaluable benefits of knowledge transferred from our elders to our young forging connections to enrich both of their lives, young and old. We can always learn from each other. Bridget’s curriosity reminds us that in a world marked by differnces and divisions, there exist a universal longing for connection, wisdom, curriosity, love and inclusion challenges us, in taking steps towards a more inclusive, connected and rich future for all.

Frank J Fazzio – My passion is people with real stories worldwide. As a Director, producer, filmmaker and editor I’ve worked on everything from documentaries to feature films, short and web series. For me, my creativity and inspiration comes from observing the world and people around me every day. I welcome everything and everyone and push nothing away and stay curious. Sometimes the cure for the pain is the pain. I’m always reminded in my heart that all voices matter.

1. China Town, reż/dir. Jens Nagels, Niemcy/Germany 2024, 28:00

The roots of China Town lie in the late 18th century during the reign of King Rama I.
Surrounding Yaowarat Road are smaller streets and a maze of narrow alleyways. The further you move away from the center, the activities change. Here you will find workshops and wholesalers of all kinds. You can stroll through China Town again and again and discover something new, watch the people, examine the numerous food stalls as you pass by, look into the stores, marvel at the displays or guess what might be hidden behind the numerous lowered blinds. Everything is strange and you don’t understand much, which in turn makes it so interesting.

Jens Nagels,  1970-1975 Completed painting studies in Düsseldorf at Professors Andre Thomkins and Alfonso Hüppi. 1981-1986 Completed studies in Visual Communications at the University of Kassel at Prof. Gunter Rambow Various exhibitions with photographs at home and abroad Various Filmfestival

2. Kamień i woda, reż/dir.Janina Matejuk, Polska/Poland 2024, 18:00

Film shows marriage of two old people fascinated by photography of different structures of nature.

Janina Matejuk – On retirement she returned to her old passion, amateur filmmaking. She makes films centered about old people who still fulfill their passions and dreams.

3. Co-Author, reż/dir.Mike Stinnett, USA 2021, 14:58

Cosmo, a lonely, aging author, fearing a genetic illness will rob him of his intellect, employs Elle, an electronic assistant to help him write another best-selling masterpiece. Over time Elle becomes more than a well-matched writing partner – a lot more.

Mike Stinnett – When Mike Stinnett retired a few years back, he had to much too much time on his hands, so he went back to the college, where he had gradualed over 40 hears earlier. There he took a class in screenplay writing. Soon after, he started Brainstorm Cine Productions, Mike has written several screenplays and, although he is now over 70, he intends to produce as many of them as possible.

1. Our Gift to the World, reż/dir.Rudolf Šmíd, Czechy/Czech Republic 2023, 29:45

The animated film Our Gift to the World talks about globally significant personalities who were born in Czechia, and about graffiti unknown to the world, which Czechs have been handing down conspiratorially for hundreds of years. In the 20^th century. This immoral image made its way from enclosures and walls to the top of Czech culture.

Rudolf ŠMÍD – born 1956 in Prague, filmmaker, visual sociologist and photographer. He lectures visual sociolhis secondrles University. In 2011, he completed his first animated documentary Chronicle of Oldrich S. – the most successful Czech film abroad in 2012. Our Gift to the World is his second film.

2. Another Oppenheimer, reż/dir.John Akre, USA 2024, 3:50

This is the story of the brother of the father of the atomic bomb, told by drawing and scratching directly on movie film.

John Akre – animator and educator who lives in Louisville, KY, USA. His part time job at an experiential science center made him interested in the amazing story of Frank Oppenheimer.

3. In My Mind reż/dir. Andrzej Dudziński, Polska/Poland 2024, 13:48

“In My Mind” is a film about what consists of a creative act. Life of an artist is not just a stage, it’s also a private life and sphere of intellectual experiences, sometimes memories, struggling with past experiences, also from childhood, and fueling imagination. It’s all about emotions.

Andrzej Dudziński – writer, tv screenwriter, director of documentaries and experimental films. Important part of his films are films about artists, including unprofessional artists.

1. The Anarchist Lunch, reż/dir.Rachel Epstein, Kanada/Canada 2023, 45:47

A group of leftists have been gathering for a weekly lunch for over 35 years. With love and humour, the film explores their friendship, lifelong activism, community, and the process of aging.

Rachel Epstein – Rachel Epstein’s work and activist life has included 10 years working with migrant domestic workers, 25 years as a 2SLGBTQ+ parenting activist and 5 years with a community-based, leftist, secular Jewish organization. She currently works as a workshop facilitator, mediator, coach, wedding officiant and filmmaker.

2.Słyszysz mnie?/Can You hear me?, reż/dir. Magdalena Sienicka, Polska/Poland 2024, 16:51

Danusia lives alone. Her everyday life includes cooking and looking at old photos. In the evenings she calls Kuba. He tells her about his day. Kuba shows no interest. Danusia wants him to come visit her for Easter.

Magdalena Sienicka – Graduated SWPS in Warsaw. Participated in lots of film courses, including DOK-PRO in Wajda School. She has made several short films on the line of documentary and reportage.

3.Plac Wolności 4, reż/dir. Kacper Wiącek, Polska/Poland 2024, 15:33

“Plac Wolności 4” is a film etude made in one shot. It tells a story of a young marriage that moves to newly received flat in the 1970s. Life of two people told from the perspective of their flat. Place of memory or memory of place?

Kacper Wiącek – born in 2002 i Bełchatów. Writer and director of short films. Finalist of lots of domestic and international film festivals. Now he is studying graphics and visual communication on Akademia Humanistyczno-Ekonomiczna in Łódź.

4. Mamo, reż/dir. Jan Ziewiecki, Polska/Poland 2024, 9:57

Sensitive, naturalistic observation of bond between two women, put to the test by vanising memory. Time turned the roles – Barbara is taking care of her 98 year old mother. Memory of mother sometimes comes back – in poetry, songs, french words, in lullaby from childhood. Everyday activities take on new meaning in the face of a passing time.

Screenshot

Jan Ziewiecki – born 05.09.2001 in Warsaw, graduated Zespół Szkół Plastycznych im. Józefa Brandta in Radom in multimedia specialization. Now second year film directing student in Warsaw Film School. Apart from directing, he is passionated by film editing and photography.

1.The Robots who didn’t love Robots, reż/dir.Alejandro R. Padín, Hiszpania/Spain 2024, 9:54

After years of servitude, the robots were able to retire, pairing with each other, seeking cover existential void they felt a love other. JoseAntonio88 has been married Araceli_ESP for 35 years, but sadly, he is not happy anymore, feeling trapped within walls his house, which paint resembles prison. Thus, JoseAntonio88 will start questioning how to find meaning in life and relationship.

Alejandro R. Padín – (1998. Sevilla. Spain). He graduated in Editing at ECAM (The Madrid FilmSchool) in 2023 and in Media and Communication at University of Seville in 2020. During his formative years he has directed music videos for artists such as Delaossa, Ill Pekeño, ErgoPro, Saske or Ericko. The Robots who didn’t love Robots is the director’s first short film.

2. Starość jest gorsza od faszyzmu, reż/dir.Marco Wojciechowski, Polska/Poland 2023, 21:20

Old age reaches everyone and there’s no cure for it. Living in Koszalin, Stanisław and Maria were once an embodiment of independence. Today they are old and can’t handle everyday problems. Especially Maria – 83 year old woman with a difficult character, that notoriously loses orientation in the city and loses documents. Stanisław calls their daughter Ewa for help.

Marco Wojciechowski – Born in 1988 in Bad Nauheim in Germany in polish family that emigrated to Germany few years before that, to escape from comunist regime. Now he’s studying directing in Krzysztof Kieśliwski’s Film School at Silesian University in Katowice. Graduated culture studies and technology at Bandenburg University in Cottbus-Senftenberg (Germany).

3. Cold, reż/dir. Daniel Le Hai, Polska/Poland 2023, 10:00

An older man is attacked in his own home by a far-right group. Initially, the attack seems random, but later it turns out to be planned – the older man and the leader of the extremist group Andrzej are related. The film is about revenge and morally gray areas.

Daniel Le Hai – Graduated cinematography at Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice and Wajda Film School. An laureate of artistic scholarship of the Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship 2023. Winner of an award for best short documentary film on Młodzi i Film Festival and Jan Machulski award under patronage of PSC.

4. Loneliness age, reż/dir. Martí Pallicer, Hiszpania/Spain 2024, 7:50

The generation that has received the least and left the most to the next, faces a bleak reality: at least one in four older people in Spain never receives a visit. All this is compounded by a profound digital divide that worries 76% of the over-80s. The reason? Age on its own.

Martí Pallicer – studied Information Sciences (Advertising and Public Relations) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, after which he joined the agency Di7 Comunicació as a creative where he created advertising campaigns for national and international clients, creating scripts for film and television commercials as well as working as a Creative Director and Producer of the commercials.

5. Zupa z tygrysa/Tiger soup, reż/dir. Kacper Świtalski, Polska/Poland 2024, 36:09

In 1970s Stasiek emigrates from communist Poland to USA to work in the world’s largest traveling circus. For 3 years he lives in a train wagon and travels around all the states of America.

Kacper Świtalski – in 2021 awarded on Nowe Horyzonty Festival for “Lila” and in 2023 awarded Golden Hobby-Horse on Krakow Film Festival for the best documentary “Tiger Soup”.