Category: WSXA Amsterdam 2024

Original Film Title: El Consorcio

Director’s Name: Sophie Iwa

Writer’s Name: Sophie Iwa

Producer: Francisco Bothamley

Country of Origin: Argentina

Country of Filming: Argentina

Language: Spanish

Runtime: 7 minutes 21 seconds

Film Description:

In a building where silence and order usually prevail, Estela tries to sleep, unable to fall asleep because of the passionate nights of her young neighbors. Tired of their disrespect, she calls a meeting of the consortium to decide the new fate of the couple.

Original Film Title: 最近的远方

Director’s Name: Tong Nian

Writer’s Name: DanZi Sun

Producer: Ye Zi

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes

Film Description:

A poetry film made by a team after traveling thousands of miles for three years. The place where love exists is the nearest distance. Through a dreamlike, ethereal, and sincere call, it tells the story of a bamboo sea girl and a city beauty who meet by chance and find their souls in harmony, evoking tears and soul-awakening. Director Tong Nian relentlessly questions and pursues, traversing mountains and rivers, overcoming countless difficulties. Life is an intersection of endless storms and infinite scenery, walking together, letting the spirit of the weak grow strong and the strong embrace tenderness, opening the door to love and wisdom.

Original Film Title: 一步之遥

Director’s Name: Siyu Yue

Writer’s Name: Siyu Yue

Producer: Siyu Yue

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 14 minutes 58 seconds

Film Description:

Huang Xuan, who had just graduated but couldn’t find a job, placed the pregnancy test stick next to the bathtub with a worried expression. She told her boyfriend that she didn’t receive any care and blamed her for accidentally getting pregnant. Huang Xuan, who went to the hospital for prenatal check ups, never expected her boyfriend’s registration form and payment form to be all painless abortion. The two had a dispute at the hospital, and her boyfriend left the hospital and disappeared. Huang Xuan chose to have an abortion in order to retain her boyfriend. In the hospital, she met two women who were also undergoing abortions, each with their own unique experiences. The hospital was very quiet like a prison, and the crying from afar frightened the women. Huang Xuan walked into the waiting corridor, feeling that it was like an endless road. Huang Xuan felt like she had killed a child and her hands were covered in blood. Just before the doctor injected anesthesia, Huang Xuan said three words: wait a moment.

Original Film Title: 她

Director’s Name: Qiang Chu

Writer’s Name: Qiang Chu, HongYu Bai

Producer: Qiang Chu

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 29 minutes 47 seconds

Film Description:

A girl, Xiao Si, begs in streets under the control of human traders. One day, she comes across a social marginalized decoy for wine, Bi Ying who lives by deceiving men into high consumption by her beauty everyday. Xiao Si wants Bi’s help to get rid of the human traders’ control but the thing is not so easy. Bi helps her just out of compassion. Until Xiao Si changes Bi’s danger into safety in time, their relationship doesn’t change in nature. However, the human traders break their peaceful life. For a comfortable and stable life of Xiao Si, Bi begins her dangerous journey against the criminal syndicate and the human traders.

Original Film Title: 喀斯特迷雾

Director’s Name: Jeremy He

Writer’s Name: Wei Yang

Producer: Yun Cai, Houlong Qiu

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes

Film Description:

Lao Yang, a mysterious guide from the future, leads a diverse group of young professionals on what appears to be a routine hike through Guizhou’s stunning karst landscapes, only to reveal that their journey is a carefully orchestrated rescue mission.

Original Film Title: 礁石上的黑狗

Director’s Name: Buzz Wang, Rocky Xiong

Writer’s Name: Buzz Wang, Rocky Xiong

Producer: Tingting Tan, Mickey Liu

Country of Origin: China

Country of Filming: China

Language: Chinese

Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes 53 seconds

Film Description:

Yan, a withdrawn computer science student grappling with undiagnosed depression, spirals further after his best friend Kai drops out of school. Amidst a global pandemic and fraught family dynamics, Yan begins to confront his inner turmoil. Just as he starts to heal and resolves family conflicts, a trip to Kai’s hometown of Dali brings startling news that tests his fragile recovery.

Original Film Title: HOME

Director’s Name: Kazumi Shimizu

Writer’s Name: Kazumi Shimizu

Producer: Izumi Nishikawa

Country of Origin: Japan

Country of Filming: Japan

Language: Japanese

Runtime: 20 minutes

Film Description:

As the evening descends, a man in his forties, bearing the semblance of a businessman, arrives at a quiet single-family home. His family, comprised of a wife who is a dedicated homemaker, a high school-aged daughter, and a 10-year-old son, each spend the fleeting moments before dinner in their own ways. A visit from the daughter’s classmate adds another dimension, joining the family circle.

Shortly after that, two deliverymen make their entrance. One of them hinders the daughter when she goes to fetch a package at the doorstep. Seizing the opportunity, the other accomplice abducts the daughter, transporting her away in a waiting car.

Simultaneously, in the living room, the family gathers for dinner. The daughter’s friend becomes a part of the gathering, and an elderly figure resembling a grandfather descends from an upper floor, taking a seat at the table. A seemingly ordinary family meal unfolds within the walls of this single “Home.”

Original Film Title: MoveMe South Africa

Director’s Name: Briana Evigan, Maynard Kraak

Writer’s Name: Briana Evigan, Molly Birchmore

Producer: Briana Evigan, Stuart Newton

Country of Origin: South Africa

Country of Filming: South Africa

Language: English, Tonga (Zambia)

Runtime: 56 minutes

Film Description:

In the heartwarming and inspiring tale of creating “Abundant Village,” an American woman seeks solace and purpose in the vast landscapes of rural South Africa, leaving behind the toxic world of Hollywood. Here, she discovers not only the raw talent and indomitable spirit of the local community but also an unbreakable and rare connection with the Shangaan King.

United by compassion and courage, the unlikely duo embarks on a transformative journey to bring hope to those living amidst immense hardships. Together, they co-found “Abundant Village,” a visionary concept focused on sustainable solutions for basic human needs and empowering women who have long been marginalized.

Drawing strength from the wisdom of local leaders, they set out to rebuild struggling communities, fight against rampant poaching, and dismantle organized crime. Through their unwavering commitment to human connection, they discover a shared purpose in protecting not only people but also animals and the planet itself.

MoveMe South Africa is a riveting story of spirit and justice, proving that individuals from different worlds can unite to uplift and empower others. As the bonds between cultures and backgrounds are forged, the project becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating the remarkable impact human compassion can have on transforming lives and building a brighter future for all.

Original Film Title: Feed Back Time

Director’s Name: Ramon Williams

Writer’s Name: Ramon Williams

Producer: Ramon Williams

Country of Origin: United States

Country of Filming: United States

Language: Spanish

Runtime: 2 minutes 23 seconds

Film Description:

A terminally ill elderly woman is fed and medicated via a tube that runs through the wall of her abdomen directly into her stomach, as she knits and talks about her hopes and life experiences.