SHORT EXPORT 2024 - Made in Germany

As part of the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) Round the Year Program, join us for a special screening of German Short Films curated in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai at 'Chitrapat Chawadi'

The SHORT EXPORT – MADE IN GERMANY 2024 short film program provides exciting insights into the multifarious world of contemporary German short films for the 19th time. The films impressively explore how humans relate to each other, to themselves and to the environment – be it the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica or the industrial history of Cologne-Kalk.

Meticulously selected from more than 500 entries at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the six films create a fascinating program of contrasts. They take a deeper look at change, identity and political realities.
The film programme is a German-French cooperation: AG Kurzfilm, German Films, Goethe-Institut Lyon, International Short Film Festival Clermont-Ferrand and the Kurzfilmagentur Hamburg.

Film:

THE WAITING | DAS WARTEN
Volker Schlecht ∙ Germany 2023 animation, documentary ∙ 16‘ ∙ English dialogue

Karen Lips is a researcher and lived for several years in a tiny little shack in Costa Rica to observe frogs. When she leaves the cloud forest for a short time and returns, the frogs are gone. All of them. Karen sets out to find them — and encounters a horrible truth.

I SEE THEM BLOOM
Mykyta Gibalenko ∙ Germany 2023 fiction ∙ 27‘∙ Ukranian, Russian, German, English dialogue ∙ English subtitles

2022. The two Ukrainian sisters Eugenia and Nastya are warmly welcomed in Munich after they have to flee from their home country. The Ukrainians suddenly dive into a world full of sun, music and parties — as if they had landed on a paradise island. But what should they do now? While Nastya tries to enjoy her new environment, Eugenia struggles to join normal life because of the war at home.

IT‘S JUST A WHOLE
Bianca Scali ∙ Germany 2023 animation ∙ 11‘∙ French, German, English dialogue ∙ English subtitles

She knew this day would come and the choice she’d have to make. But as it finally comes, Maya cannot wrap her head around it. A mole — it’s so small, so insignificant, just a mark... How can it be so hard to part from it? Can Maya ever feel whole again when a bit of her is taken away?

SILENT NIGHT | STILLE NACHT
Philipp Schaeffer, Jonathan Schaller ∙ Germany 2024 documentary ∙ 14‘ ∙ English dialogue ∙ English subtitles

In spring of 2022, a group of international tourists travel to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank to see religious sites. But something is strange — the city is on strike. And the tour guide duo, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, won‘t tell them what‘s going on — for differing reasons.

SENTIMENTAL STORIES
Xandra Popescu ∙ Germany 2023 fiction ∙ 16‘∙ Spanish, French, German, Greek dialogue ∙ English subtitles

An almost deserted diner in the middle of the port. The owner, Violeta, dreams of a life that could have been different. She employs her niece, Maria, a radical pacifist who steers away from any drive or ambition. Between chores and cigarette breaks they fantasize about the future. As the day unfolds, they witness one love story dying out while another is trying to be born.

KASSIEREN | WEEDING
Lea Sprenger, Franca Pape, Amelie Vierbuchen ∙ Germany 2023 documentary ∙ 9‘ ∙ German dialogue ∙ English subtitles

Who decides which stories are saved or thrown away? In this documentary film, three filmmakers are searching for archival material on a chemical factory in Cologne. A film about archiving, about searching and throwing away, about gaps and mistakes and about the resistance of the material.

About Partners:

Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival!
Inspired by the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Marathwada region in the picturesque state of Maharashtra, India, the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) is a revered annual event that celebrates the captivating world of cinema. Our festival brings together luminaries from the realms of Indian cinema—filmmakers, critics, artists, and social visionaries—united to curate an exquisite convergence of cultures, offering more than just a cinematic experience. At AIFF, they believe in the power of film not only to entertain but also to ignite intellectual dialogue, providing a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the richness of film art.

Nestled in the historically rich city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, AIFF serves as a bridge that connects the contemporary world of cinema with the roots of their heritage. This connection is not just symbolic; it’s an intentional effort to carry forward the legacy of their city’s profound cultural and historical significance.
https://aifilmfest.in/about-aiff/

MGM University
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” With this philosophy and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, MGM established an educational trust in 1982 under the guidance of former Education Minister Shri Kamalkishore Kadam and a group of founder members who are hard-core academicians and visionaries. The Trust established its pioneering institute in the historical city of Chh. Sambhajinagar, home to the heritage sites of Ajanta & Ellora but lacking in premiere educational institutes. For more than four decades, Mahatma Gandhi Mission has blazed a trail of academic excellence and state-of-the-art health care services. A strong dynamic institution that keeps pace with the demands of the modern world, prominent locations and excellent education facilities makes MGM worthwhile and an exciting choice for education. This institution is devoted to extensively impart education and enable the students to stand on their own, strongly believing that “Literary education is of no value if it is not able to build up a sound character.”

With the vision for imparting quality education MGM initiated a chain of institutes with a spectrum ranging from primary schools to post graduate degrees. MGM has been instrumental in promoting Classical Dance & Music, Art, Culture, Heritage and creativity for art seekers. The Trust has also paid heed to the aspect of physical fitness by converting a vast expanse of land into an ultra-modern facility catering to a multitude of sports. MGM's lush green and serene campus is conducive to create a peaceful learning atmosphere.
More Info: MGM University | Private University

The German Short Film Association (short: AG Kurzfilm)
The German Short Film Association – with members including film festivals, film and art schools, short film distributors and sales companies, as well as film industry institutions – is the representational and lobbying body for German short film. Its ambition is to improve the public awareness of German short film, both nationally and internationally. In this regard, the association functions as a service centre for makers and producers of shorts, as well as for various short film institutions. Furthermore, it is a contact source on German short film for political bodies, the film industry, cinemas and film festivals.
Please visit website for more details: https://ag-kurzfilm.de/en/selbstdarstellung.html