“SILENT REBELLION” by Marie-Elsa Sgualdo | Belgium, France, Switzerland | 98’ | fic | 2025 | National Premiere
Synopsis:
15-year-old Emma-pregnant after a rape-defies her repressive rural Protestant community to carve a path of self-determination, transforming trauma into a catalyst for emancipation while confronting the moral hypocrisy of the village and the spectre of World War II around her.
Marie Elsa-Sgualdo:
Born in 1986 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor in Film from the HEAD-Genève (Geneva University of Art and Design). In 2012 she completed her Master at the INSAS (Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle), Brussels. Her short film On the Beach Premiered at Locarno in 2012, and her last short Man kann nicht alles auf einmal tun, aber man kann alles auf einmal lassen premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2013.
“FANTASY” by Katarina (aka KUKLA) Resek | North Macedonia, Slovenia | 98’ | fic | 2025 | National Premiere
Synopsis:
Mihrije, Sina and Jasna (early 20s) are best friends who live in Slovenia. They are tomboys and refuse to conform to the conservative system they live in. Their world turns upside down when they meet Fantasy, a transgender woman. Together, they embark on a journey that explores the complexities of gender, desire, and self-discovery.
Katarina (aka KUKLA) Resek:
Kukla, born in 1991 in Brežice, Slovenia is a film directress and musician. In 2014 she graduated from the Film Academy in Ljubljana (film and TV directing). Her last short film Sisters won Grand Prix at Clermont Ferrand Int Festival 2021 and Prix du Public in Premiers Plans Angers. FANTASY is her first feature and participated in many workshops including Cinéfondation.
“Sugar Island” by Johanné Gómez Terrero | Dominican Republic, Spain | 91’ | fic | 2024 | National Premiere
Synopsis:
An unwanted pregnancy, triggers the journey into adulthood for Makenya, a Dominican-Haitian teenager who lives in the Batey, a community surrounded by sugarcane fields. A strong drama commenting on colonialism and social injustice, depicting liberation that arises from political awakening and acceptance of ancestral spirituality.
Johanné Gómez Terrero:
Johanné Gómez Terrero is an Afro-diasporic artist who positions her work within a Caribbean and decolonial framework. Her field of interest and study encompasses Complex Thinking, Anti-Racist Struggle, and Marronage Cinema. The short documentary Caribbean Fantasy sparked her career as a director. She is also involved as a producer and consultant in various development labs. Johanné is a graduate, teacher, and chair coordinator at EICTV Cuba, and holds a Master's Degree from ESCAC in Spain.
