Category: 2025 ARFF Paris

Posted on

The Enlightened Zone – dir. Edward Kui-ming Li, Ellen Ngai-luen Pun

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: The Enlightened Zone

Director’s Name: Edward Kui-ming Li, Ellen Ngai-luen Pun

Writer’s Name: Edward Kui-ming Li

Producer: Edward Kui-ming Li

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Country of Filming: Japan

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Film Description:

The term “Mystical Zone” (結界) is a Buddhist concept, derived from the Sanskrit word Sima-bandha, with a history spanning over 2,500 years. It was inherited from India and was introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago, flourishing among both the aristocracy and common people, and becoming a secretive ritual not shared with outsiders. In recent years, the term “Mystical Zone” has gained widespread attention, with layer upon layer of its mysterious veil being unraveled. Its essence has unexpectedly become a valuable treasure in today’s turbulent world, worthy of being studied and learned. The documentary “The Enlightened Zone” is said to possess extraordinary powers, such as overcoming failure, creating miracles, and harmonizing the soul. It showcases Japan, a country that remains one of the few places in the world where such secret techniques are still practised.
In this documentary, 4 young urban professionals, each highly skilled and accomplished in their respective fields, are invited by Master Li Kui-ming, a famous Esoteric and Fengshui Master, to act as guides for the audience, revealing the lesser-known aspects of “The Enlightened Zone” . The film is divided into 9 chapters (Chapter 1: The Mystical Zone of the Vengeful Spirits / Chapter 2: The Mystical Zone of Acala Buddha / Chapter 3: The Mystical Zone of Gods and Spirits / Chapter 4: The Hexagonal Mystical Zone / Chapter 5: The Mystical Zone of animals / Chapter 6: Some other Mystical Zones / Chapter 7: The Mystical Zone of Longevity / Chapter 8: The Mystical Zone of Reincarnation / Supplementary Chapter: The Bubbling Mystical Zone), each segment is not only fascinating and engaging but also provides the audience with practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied for self-protection and empowerment.
Master Li Kui Ming, after producing the highly successful and popular film “The Supernormal” in 1990, has continued his work in the genre of paranormal documentary over the years. “The Enlightened Zone” marks his 11th paranormal documentary project in a career spanning 35 years, continuing his exploration and documentation of supernatural phenomena.

Posted on

The Claw – dir. Josef Bentayou

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: The Claw

Director’s Name: Josef Bentayou

Writer’s Name: Noémie Garbarg

Producer: Claire Denzler

Country of Origin: France

Country of Filming: France

Language: French

Runtime: 10 minutes 30 seconds

Film Description:

Edith, a young waitress in a seaside seafood restaurant, suddenly feels a surge of empathy for the lobsters in the aquarium who begin to speak to her. She decides to plan their escape, with the help of Abel, a young kitchen assistant and the owner’s son, who has a crush on her.

Posted on

Contrary Currents – dir. Cedric Michel

(FINALIST)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Contrary Currents

Director’s Name: Cedric Michel

Writer’s Name: Molly Power, Kayla Power, Chelsea Whipp, Ella Paganoni, Mia Blood, Mila Pickup, Prune de Vallois – Gervais, Charlotte Abgrall, Loéza Bernard, Arno Vuillemot, Lucie Delépine, Elouan Collette-Dumont, Maïwen Le Dru, Gaël Nochez, Jaël Trichet-Gomez, Qhentin Hernot, Raphaëla Gheorghe-Derunian, Divy Olier, Gwendal Raoul des Essarts, Luca Vojinovic-Vuk,

Producer: Cedric Michel, Christopher Sutcliffe

Country of Origin: France

Country of Filming: Australia, France

Language: English, French

Runtime: 43 minutes 16 seconds

Film Description:

Contrary Currents is a filmed correspondence between
French and Australian High School students on the effects of climate change.
Camera in hand, they survey their coastlines threatened by rising sea levels, and exchange films on the highlights of their travels. Through these encounters and reflections the filmed letters take us on a journey through space as well as time; between
past, present and future.

Posted on

Fata Morgana – dir. Mehrdad Bahraini

(WINNER)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Fata Morgana

Director’s Name: Mehrdad Bahraini

Writer’s Name: Mehrdad Bahraini

Producer: Mehrdad Bahraini

Country of Origin: Germany, Iran, Islamic Republic of

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: English, German, Persian

Runtime: 25 minutes 52 seconds

Film Description:

Facing the trials of asylum and adapting to a new life, Saman embarks on a quest for renewal after migrating from Iran to Germany

Posted on

Berlin Fiction – dir. Zhivorad Milich

(Audience Award Winner)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Berlin Fiction

Director’s Name: Zhivorad Milich

Writer’s Name: Zhivorad Milich

Producer: Zhivorad Milich, Amro Neuraldin

Country of Origin: Germany

Country of Filming: Germany

Language: English

Runtime: 30 minutes

Film Description:

Berlin Fiction follows the journey of DJ Lion, a talented but struggling techno artist in Berlin. After years of performing at the world’s top clubs, DJ Lion finds himself at a crossroads—his passion for electronic music remains, but financial pressures, industry disillusionment, and the fading support of his manager threaten to derail him. One sleepless night, in a moment of creative desperation, he discovers a new path by accident: writing and composing pop music.

Lion’s unexpected venture into commercial music brings fresh inspiration, but it also exposes the harsh realities of the industry, testing his friendships and beliefs about artistry and success. As he wrestles with the betrayal of his trusted manager, Axel, and confronts his fears of selling out, DJ Lion must decide whether to stay true to his roots or embrace change for a chance at survival.

Set against the vibrant yet lonely backdrop of Berlin’s music scene, Berlin Fiction is a poignant exploration of ambition, burnout, and the fine line between artistic integrity and commercial success.

Posted on

CKRAFT – Misconstruction Of The Universe – dir. Juliette Ulrich

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: CKRAFT – Misconstruction Of The Universe

Director’s Name: Juliette Ulrich

Writer’s Name: Juliette Ulrich

Producer: Valentine Wurtz

Country of Origin: France

Country of Filming: France

Language: –

Runtime: 4 minutes 52 seconds

Film Description:

‘Misconstruction of the Universe’ refers to the various interpretations humans make of the universe. The track uses the Gregorian chant ‘Universi Qui Te Expectant’ as the main lead melody. The paths of all mysticisms and religions are all more or less similar, but always esoteric. They come from the Middle Ages and beyond and offer a certain interpretation of the universe, to which science and modernity oppose. Old beliefs, modern beliefs. One question remains: which one survives?

Posted on

Absence of Doubts – dir. Liza Mora, Dana Danylova

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Absence of Doubts

Director’s Name: Liza Mora, Dana Danylova

Writer’s Name: Maria Kornelia Sarka

Producer: Lechoslaw Ryszard Gawronski

Country of Origin: Poland

Country of Filming: Poland

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes 29 seconds

Film Description:

“Absence of Doubts” is a meditative visual journey exploring the timeless connection between love and existence. Through dreamlike imagery, the clip reflects on longing, transformation, and the eternal cycles of life and affection – where love, unburdened by doubt, becomes a force that transcends space and time.

Posted on

Imitation Gold – dir. Alexander K Arfaras, Carmen J Arfaras

(FINALIST)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Imitation Gold

Director’s Name: Alexander K Arfaras, Carmen J Arfaras

Writer’s Name: Alexander K Arfaras, Carmen J Arfaras

Producer: Alex The Cat

Country of Origin: Poland

Country of Filming: Poland

Language: English

Runtime: 3 minutes 29 seconds

Film Description:

Imitation Gold
We’re Sharing drinks that aint cold
And celebrating her birthday wish, a flower and a kiss
Then down to the marketplace
To get a little trinket from the jeweler’s case
A ring maybe imitation gold
But let me tell you she knows
That I love her and, I’ll never let her go
And tomorrow come, we’ll dance outside that record store
And I just want her to know, I just want her to know, and just want her to know, I just want
that girl to know
I just want her to know, and I just want her to know, and I just want her to know, I just want
that girl to know
That I love her
And I just want her to know, I just want her to know
There goes my girl, and she’s beautiful tonight
The most beautiful in the world, she’s right here by my side
And I just want her to know, and I just want her to know, and just want her to know, I just
want that girl to know
And I just want her to know, and I just want her to know, and I just want her to know, I just
want that girl to know
That I love her
By Alex The Cat & Jaqui

Posted on

Oh! Pino – dir. Rafelito Mirabal

(HONORABLE MENTION)

Red Carpet & Award Ceremony 🎫 Get Your Tickets

Original Film Title: Oh! Pino

Director’s Name: Rafelito Mirabal

Writer’s Name: Rafelito Mirabal

Producer: Pedro McDougal

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Country of Filming: Dominican Republic

Language: –

Runtime: 4 minutes 24 seconds

Film Description:

Oh! Pino” is a vibrant and soulful composition by acclaimed Dominican musician Rafelito Mirabal, blending the rhythms of Bachata with the sophistication of jazz. The piece pays homage to Dominican heritage while exploring new musical dimensions with rich harmonies and bold improvisations.

Now brought to life visually, the newly released video stars Lorena Abreu, a dynamic Dominican-American performer known for her powerful presence and athletic artistry. Her role adds movement and narrative to the song’s already passionate soundscape, creating a multisensory experience that honors both tradition and innovation.