Left to one’s own devices, the appeal of internet posts has faded, boredom and nonsensical ideas take hold: Can the neglected plant be revived with a flat coke? Talking to oneself because there is nobody else. The outside world only shows up in the shape of a dishevelled pizza boy at the door. The hope for the new in-line skates with the cryptic name YMI-2142 you ordered and indeed any hope at all is safest from disappointment when you no longer expect anything. The world of the main character in Franz Impler’s 3D animation is colourful, free of edges and brimming with kindness, which makes the realisation that life can simply move forward without one even sadder.

André Eckardt

Son of the local brothel owner, Ismael lives in the small town of Vereda. He leaves his home town in search of two things that he’s never set eyes on – his father and the sea. Together with his idiosyncratic, yet loyal dog Bacalhau, he wanders through the parched Brazilian hinterland, heading towards greater experience and a sense of himself that goes beyond the label “son of a bitch”. Its design recalling a graphic novel, this road movie on foot is at once raw and crude, tender and profound and above all a lot of fun.

Franka Sachse

Two friends at a café chat about love, partnership, children and hot guys. They fantasise about a magical string instrument that could help with finding a partner and starting a family. Unfortunately, the idea is not so straightforward to implement in reality and having their wishes granted requires creativity and openness for alternative options. With great authenticity, wit and charming visual design, this film invites us to be inspired by the conversation between these two very different and yet so similar characters and find our way to greater openness and tolerance.

Franka Sachse