Shorts Program 4: Absurd and Surreal Horror
Thursday 8th February / 23:00 / City Kino Wedding & Online
Shorts Program 4: Absurd & Surreal Horror (81 mins)
In these otherworldly shorts, we meet strange figures who lead protagonists far away from stable ground. The underworld and the subconscious is never far away in these absurd shorts, that often make you ask ‘what the fuck is going on here?’ Don’t waste energy trying to make too much sense of these. While some carry potent allegories, others are wonky and surprising journeys through chaos, and rightfully so.
Poppy’s Saturn (14:35)
Directed by Nicole Tegelaar, Canada, 2023 | German Premiere | Available online
When nightclub singer Poppy is confronted by a black-eyed man she is filled with fear. The event triggers a buried sexual trauma that she has to overcome in a kaleidoscopic world of glitter, music, and blood.
Hellmark (12:51)
Directed by Jessie Doucet, US, 2023 | European Premiere | Available online
Despite what Hallmark tells you, throwing your entire life away for the love of a stranger doesn’t always result in a happy ending. Madeline learns this the hard way when her romance ends in horror. Abducted by a crowd of happy cultists and put to work in a Christmas village factory, she’s forced to confront the artificiality of her past and face the terrifying question of: “what now?
Baby Yoga (7:27)
Directed by Megan Chumbley, US, 2023 | European Premiere | Available online
An ordinary man stumbles into a prenatal yoga class and is severely punished by the underworld...
Gertrude and Yvan Party Hard (9:22)
Directed by Louise Groult, France, 2023
At a party, Gertrude meets Yvan. He would like to kiss her but finds her name repulsive. Gertrude does not let herself be intimidated; Yvan decides not to let her go. They test each other, provoke each other... The meeting takes an absurdly bloody turn.
FCK’N NUTS (11:55)
Directed by Sam Fox, US, 2023, | German Premiere |
Available online
Sandy is grievously forced to break it off with the boy of her dreams in order to avert him from meeting her unusual parents.
Sorry sorry (8:47)
Directed by Ella Crowley, Australia, 2023
A psychological drama short film about female rage, friendship and catharsis, AFL newcomer Alyssa gets roped into playing a secret AFL match with no rules where she discovers her inner desire for violence.
Amanita Muscaria (8:47)
Written and directed by Hajdi Đukić, Serbia, 2021 | German Premiere | Available online
Sinister forces threaten to ruin the peaceful life of the young biologist Eugene.
All Is Lost (7:00)
Written and directed by Carla Pereira & Juanfran Jacinto, Spain, 2022 | German Premiere | Available online
The Pérez are an almost normal family, albeit with somewhat dysfunctional behaviour. The couple is considering fertilising an egg she laid last night.