Sometimes we encounter inexplicable forces and beings among us – or perhaps within ourselves. Especially when life is pushed to its limits and existential fears come to the surface. The longing for a child, or even for another world, can open our minds to what usually remains unseen. Perhaps we are not as alone out there as we think.
The films in this short film programme are all nominated for our film award, Storspoven. The winner will be selected by an independent jury and announced at Umeå Filmfestival’s award ceremony on Friday, 27 November at 19:00 at Kajen.
Bera by Gerd Aurell, Micael Norberg and Daniel Westman (14 min)
The coffee pot is on, and Magnus and Anna sit down for a cup. Anna tells a story from her childhood, from the days of early settlement, when people were few and the forests vast. It is a harrowing tale of a woman who encounters a bear. This is just one of many such stories; across the northern hemisphere, bear myths have played an important role in human life.
Aurora Dreams by Polina Blag (13 min)
In many cultures, the northern lights are associated with good fortune. Every year, Asian tourists travel to northern Sweden to witness this magical natural phenomenon. The film offers a glimpse into Asian beliefs surrounding the aurora. Through encounters with the Arctic light, a world of emotions, hope and connection unfolds.
Hela hennes väsen brann av den inre elden by Harleen Kalkat and Marianne Strand (14 min)
An ecological crisis forces a troll mother and daughter to survive in a cramped apartment. When the daughter comes home with a stolen human baby, she believes it will bring them closer to the human world. Her mother’s reaction leads to a drastic decision. Can they remain true to their nature while belonging to several cultures?
Ulda by Mathias Fjellström and Patricia Fjellgren (11 min)
Six-year-old Aili can’t sleep. As she listens to the world beyond the half-open door to her room, her imagination begins to run wild. Strange sounds from the kitchen unsettle her. What if the underground Ulda people have come to take her parents’ place?
Entomologen by Sirin Sponga (14 min)
A shift in perspective occurs when an entomologist encounters a talking insect during fieldwork. The insect describes what it is like to live beneath a rock, inside an egg, within a confined space. It also speaks of something invasive, something scientific, a report. Nature seems to be changing. And the insect is expanding.
Desolation Heart by Chad Michael Ward (13 min)
A confused woman is detained by two scientists determined to study her uncontrollable ability to move between dimensions. When she realises they intend to take complete control of her, she makes a desperate escape – uncovering the horrifying truth about their identities.
Total running time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Bera av Gerd Aurell, Micael Norberg och Daniel WestmanQ&A after the screening with the films’ directors or producers.