2021

Best Narrative Feature, Best of the Fest
Narrative Feature
Germany
Runtime:
1 hour(s)
20 minutes
56 seconds
Director:
Katharina Ludwig

Actress Charlotte is struggling with her craft and even more with herself. She has messed up yet another audition and even her self-written apple tree monologue seems to be working against her. Frustrated by the realities of an artistic career and her fear of failing, Charlotte escapes on a camping trip to sunny Croatia with her boyfriend Georg. But the trip’s dynamic changes when their plans of a fun-filled couples vacation misfire: While Georg spends his time at a music festival in the hope of scoring a DJ gig, Charlotte is left stranded in the middle of nowhere. She embarks on a journey of her own, encountering happy campers Benno, a self-proclaimed shaman, and mysterious dropout Tami, to whom Charlotte feels an attraction. Both of them quickly become close companions on Charlotte's journey of self-discovery.

Official Selection
Documentary Short
United States
Runtime:
44 minutes
55 seconds
Director:
BiLan Liao

It’s the true story of an immigrant artist and her family living through the dark and terrifying days in communist China to overcome separation, discrimination, starvation, forced marriage and death. Decades later, her memories still haunt her as she paints away her deepest feelings and nightmares on the canvas. It’s the journey about a mother’s love for her daughter, and the courage to find the truth, and freedom to share through her artwork. “Never give up your dream!"

Official Selection
Narrative Short
Israel
Runtime:
18 minutes
51 seconds
Director:
Eyal Tzadik, Yotam Kislev

This is a tale of two beggars.

A friendship that could end miserably. Sasha prepares Simon for a meeting with the woman who ran him over with her limousine. A ridiculous heir. If they succeed, Simon could live a better life, and Sasha will stay alone in the streets.

Official Selection
Documentary Feature
United States
Runtime:
54 minutes
Director:
Paul Zehrer

Parents and teachers around the world struggle with their kids’ dependence on devices today. As Covid has forced our kids to rely on technology more than ever, “#KidsOnTech” looks at the impact on children’s developing bodies and brains, and asks: “How might we better prepare our kids for this digital world?” Voices from India to the U.S., France to China, Mexico to Japan explore what children need to truly excel in a future dominated by tech, including a Google designer, a German brain scientist, and New York Times journalist, Matt Richtel, whose story on a Silicon Valley school created an international media frenzy.

Official Selection
Narrative Short
United States
Runtime:
21 minutes
16 seconds
Director:
Ross Kagan Marks

Two men form an unlikely bond during Covid in an assisted living facility in the last days of their lives.

Official Selection
Documentary Feature
United States
Runtime:
1 hour(s)
23 minutes
Director:
Kathy Kuras

Meet quarterback Sami Grisafe, San Francisco 49ers coach Katie Sowers and other legends of women’s tackle football who played for the love of the game against all odds. With commentary from Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris and 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, OPEN FIELD tells the story of the women who leave everything on the field in their drive for greatness, earning recognition and respect.

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