The Women in Film Festival proudly announces the 2022 official movie selection. In total, we have selected 31 films, which will be shown in 10 unique and thrilling sessions. All of them containing unique movies with powerful narratives, from all corners of the worlds, bringing thought-provoking messages, which will last in our imagination. Furthermore the whole selection as well as last years movies will be available online on blue tv exclusively during the festival until the 30th of November.
18.11.22 - 17:30 Uhr
The future is Now
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Girls Painting
Synopsis:
Rap, dance, graffiti and beatmaking take place on the streets of La Plata. Most know as part of the men’s world, we follow Afronella, Roci, Derby, Lula and Ni graa, to discover the growing number of female graffiti artists who are making a strong impact on Hip-Hop culture.
Country, Year: Argentina, 2022
Runtime: 15 Min
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: Englisch
Director: Rocío Lombardo
Writer: Rocío Lombardo
Producer: Rocío LombardoPlease consider that subtitles only are available in English.
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A:dress
Synopsis:
In this poetic film, 'a:dress' explores the environmental abuses of fast fashion through a powerful subversive catwalk of edgy, informative and vibrant garments. Join us in naming our sisters on the front line of climate violence and protest.
Country, Year: United Kingdom, 2021
Runtime: 8 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Leah Thorn & Clare Unsworth
Writer: Leah Thorn
Producer: Leah Thorn & Clare Unsworth -
Do You Remember Me?
Synopsis:
The story of Sara Aduse, who was circumcised as a seven-year-old in Ethiopia. As a young adult, the Zurich native decides to visit her circumciser to find her inner peace. During her journey, Sara discovers that girls are still being circumcised in Ethiopia - despite the state ban. Sara decides to fight against female circumcision by raising awareness. A documentary about human rights. But also a film about pain and loss of trust as well as forgiveness and mindfulness.
Country, Year: Switzerland, 2022
Runtime: 82 Min
Language: Swiss German
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Désirée Pomper/ Helen Müller
Writer: Désirée Pomper/ Helen Müller
Producer: 20MIN
18.11.22 - 20:15 Uhr
The faces of truth
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Spanton vs. the French Police
Synopsis:
Multi-award-winning director Ovidie re-examines the question of consent in "Spanton vs. the French Police". In 2014, Canadian tourist Emily Spanton enters a bar in Paris. She meets a group of men who turn out to be French police officers from the famous National Special Operations Command (BRI). After a few drinks, they invite her to their office nearby. What happens next is the subject of an argument. Emily presses charges against the policemen for rape, but they deny all accusations. Ovidie's new film is a documentary thriller that asks questions that concern us all in the post-#MeToo era.
Country, Year: France, 2022
Runtime: 63 Min
Language: French
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Ovidie
Writer: Ovidie
Producer: Ovidie
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Alis
Synopsis:
Ten young women who used to live on the streets of Bogotá close their eyes and conjure Alis. This documentation of delicate conversations depicts the imaginary friend evolving into a surface for the projection of personal experiences and a proxy for nascent dreams. Part of the Generation programme 2022. Winner of the Crystal Bear for Best Film in Generation 14plus and the TEDDY Award for the Best Documentary Film 2022.
Country, Year: Colombia, 2022
Runtime: 85 Min
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Nicolas van Hemelryck / Clare Weiskopf
Writer: Nicolas van Hemelryck / Clare Weiskopf
Producer: Nicolas van Hemelryck / Clare Weiskopf
19.11.2022 - 13:00 Uhr
Mothers in chains
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Closeness
Synopsis:
This sensitive story shows the bond between a mother and her children on the farm. The mother and her girls care for each other, for the animals and thus express their love. With poetic images and gentle symbolism, sincerity and affection are celebrated.
Country, Year: Russian Federation, 2021
Runtime: 50 Sec.
Language: Russian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Natalya Goncharuk
Writer: Natalya Goncharuk
Producer: Natalya Goncharuk
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Mothers and Others
Synopsis:
What does it mean for a woman to take up the role of mother? The film follows four Latvian women during different stages of pregnancy. An ambitious dancer has to put her career on hold while being pregnant. A housewife expects her second child and fears postpartum depression recurring. An urban party girl becomes pregnant, decides to get married and move to the countryside to build a new home from scratch. A young entrepreneur and ex-punk welcomes her first child yet is haunted by the traumatic events from her past. All four women offer a unique insider point of view of pregnancy, as part of the footage is shot by the protagonists themselves. They go through a mix of emotions, highlighting that pregnancy, contrary to mainstream representation, is not only about the child - it is about the mother, too.
Country, Year: Latvia, 2020
Runtime: 60 Min.
Language: Latvian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Liene Linde / Armands Začs
Writer: Liene Linde
Producer: Liene Linde
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Roots and Wings
Synopsis:
Six dancers talk about what they feel or see when they dance flamenco, an art made of energy and elegance, lightness and strength.
Country, Year: Switzerland, 2020
Runtime: 5 Min
Language: French
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Fabiola Filippopulos
Writer: Fabiola Filippopulos
Producer: Ceruleum School, Lausanne
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Sama Yoon - On my way
Synopsis:
A lot of women have devoted themselves to personal storytelling, and diaries on YouTube have encountered great success. This film explores self-expression amongst filmmakers rap artists and writers in Dakar. A film about using the camera as a voice and the creation as a way out.
Country, Year: Sweden, 2022
Runtime: 48 MIN
Language: Swedish
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Emelie Carlsson Gras
Writer: Emelie Carlsson Gras
Producer: Emelie Carlsson Gras
19.11.2022 - 15:45 Uhr
Escaping freedom
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Apart
Synopsis:
Since the war on drugs began, the number of women in US prisons has increased by over 800%. Most of them are mothers. Shot over three and a half years, the film "Apart" traces the steps of three of these mothers. An emotional journey shows how they rebuild their lives, derailed by drugs and prison. It is the story of separation, loss and survival. But it is also the story of women helping each other to return to their communities - a story of love and reunion.
Country, Year: United States
Runtime: 52 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Jennifer Redfearn
Writer: Jennifer Redfearn
Producer: Jennifer Redfearn
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I forgive you, Mama
Synopsis:
Maya is Ayaibex's daughter, an addict in recovery that feels guilty for the damage she caused to her daughter, Maya decides to remember with her mother her childhood experiences in the world of addiction, to seek the redemption of the weight she has charged Her mother for 20 years, and getting both to forgiveness.
Country, Year: Dominican Republic, 2021
Runtime: 5 Min
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Maya Montas
Writer: Maya Montas
Producer: Chavon La Escuela de Diseño
19.11.2022 - 18:00 Uhr
In deep waters
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EnriqueTa
Synopsis:
Renowned and defiant Argentine swimmer Enriqueta Duarte (91) is still as vital as she was in her best years. As she swims, she remembers her past accomplishments, her moments of glory and Enrique, the love she could never be with due to moral mandates
Country, Year: Argentina, 2022
Runtime: 13 Min
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Valeria Esther Dana
Writer: Valeria Esther Dana
Producer: Valeria Esther Dana
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Anthroposea: The Human Ocean
Synopsis:
"Anthroposea: The Human Ocean follows a group of social scientists as they sail along the southwest coast of the UK to explore how humans are part of the ocean. In this visually stunning documentary, foaming waves and howling winds meet inquisitive women.
Country, Year: United Kingdom, 2022
Runtime: 11 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Michelle Sanders
Writer: Michelle Sanders
Producer: Issey Gladston, Michelle Sanders, Sarah Seaberg, Andrea Vale
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Conserve what we love
Synopsis:
Why you should love, care for, and protect the ocean.
Country, Year: United States, 2021
Runtime: 4 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Lotte Twaalfhoven
Writer: Lotte Twaalfhoven
Producer: Lotte Twaalfhoven
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Paddling for Life
Synopsis:
Orit Ziv and her "Pink Lionesses", a unique women sports group, consisting of breast cancer survivors, that paddle on Dragon Boats, on the Sea of Galilee in Northern Israel. Their common goal is to recover, recuperate and combat their cancer. They have chosen optimism, action, caring for themselves despite the intense difficulties and fear they must rise from. "Getting up in the morning and going to practice, knowing that the disease was a surprise in the first round, I'm responsible for trying to make sure it does not return ..." About 200 women, between the ages of 29-79, from all walks of life, background and religions, are Pink Lionesses.
Country, Year: Israel, 2021
Runtime: 18 Min
Language: Hebrew
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Judy Herbstein
Writer: Judy Herbstein
Producer: Judy Herbstein
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Femme Ocean
Synopsis:
Female surfers break conventions on their way to cresting waves around the world. Femme Ocean profiles five women from Portugal, Morocco and Sri Lanka, who fell in love with a sport long dominated by men. They are pioneers, athletes, adventurers, activists and artists and share a unique bond with surf and the sea. Ultimately, these surfers are testaments to the unique bond between women and the tides. With Joana Andrade, Lizzy, Teresa Ayala, Maryam El Gardoum, Sithmi Nawodya and Devika Salomon.
Country, Year: Portugal, 2022
Runtime: 60 Min
Language: Portugues
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Annika von Schütz
Writer: Annika von Schütz
Producer: Annika von Schütz & Nadja Werner
19.11.2022 - 20:00 Uhr
Behind closed doors
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Femicidio
Synopsis:
Laura Roveri was 25 years old when her ex-boyfriend repeatedly stabbed her in a discotheque. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, he claimed he never intended to kill her and only received a seven-year prison sentence. "Femicidio" deals with murders of women in Italy. The powerful documentary focuses on cases that shook the country and exposed the misogyny in Italian culture. In the process, the film takes a deep look at Italian culture and reveals the macho mentality that leads husbands, ex-partners and boyfriends to commit murder.
Country, Year: Italy, 2022
Runtime: 67 Min
Language: Italian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Nina Maria Paschalidou
Writer: Nina Maria Paschalidou
Producer: Forest Troop Films & Ladoc
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Belive in me
Synopsis:
"Believe in me" follows the two sisters Frøydis (19) and Nina (24) who report neglect and domestic violence against their own parents to the police. The documentary impressively shows how this event affects the lives of the two girls, as well as their environment. The two feel alone and abandoned. Not only do the two fight against a slow and bureaucratic system, but also against stigmatisation in their own family and circle of friends.
Country, Year: Norway, 2020
Runtime: 38 Min
Language: Norwegian
Subtitles: Englisch
Director: Frøydis Fossli Moe
Writer: Frøydis Fossli Moe
Producer: Frøydis Fossli Moe
This movie is available with English subtitles only.
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First Class Citizen
Synopsis:
The story of a husband who presents himself as a first-class citizen exposes the mechanisms of hypocrisy. In this documentary, Diana Maria Olsson shares her most intimate experiences from a violent relationship and at the same time challenges the image of Sweden as a country that respects gender equality. In doing so, the director not only works through her own story, but also gathers experiences from women in similar situations. Her motivation to inspire women to have the courage to leave abusive relationships goes beyond the scope of a self-documentary.
Country, Year: Sweden, 2021
Runtime: 57 Min
Language: Swedish
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Diana Maria Olsson
Writer: Diana Maria Olsson
Producer: Diana Maria Olsson
20.11.2022 - 10:30 Uhr
World Premiere: Wild Women
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Wild Women
Synopsis:
As winter dawns, a filmmaker sets on a six-month retreat in a hermit’s hut in the middle of a forest, cut off from the world and its means of communication.
Guided by the words of four women she has filmed previously and who have all dedicated their lives to various forms of spirituality, she embarks on a mysterious inner adventure, on the borders of solitude and nature.
A journey that invites us to connect ourselves to the world in a whole new way.Country, Year: Belgium, 2021
Runtime: 90 Min
Language: French, Turkish, English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Cécile Mavet
Writer: Cécile Mavet
Producer: Dérives, Trois Guinées, Mirage, Graphoui, CBA
20.11.2022 - 13:00 Uhr
Gender Supremacy
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I am Burrnesha
Synopsis:
Patriarchal times in northern Albania gave birth to a phenomenon - the replacement of the man at the head of the household by a woman. These are masculine times, in which the woman is only tasked with taking care of the household and raising the children. But, locked in these social roles, girls emerge, ready to abandon their female identity and follow the path of honor. They want to be respected women with the power of a man, not for themselves, but for others. They give up marriage and sexual relations. They choose to live as men. The fall of the regime opened the country to the modern world, but neither communism nor the emerging democracy succeeded in changing the age-old traditions in the isolated mountainous regions of Albania. In the Cursed Mountains, to the north, the last sworn virgins in Europe today live a man`s life.
Country, Year: 2022, Bulgaria
Runtime: 30 Min
Language: Albanian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Radiana Vasileva Bozhikova
Writer: Radiana Vasileva Bozhikova
Producer: Radiana Vasileva Bozhikova
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Threshold
Synopsis:
"Threshold" is an autobiographical documentary made by a mother who follows the gender transition of her adolescent son: between 2016 and 2019 she interviews him addressing the conflicts, certainties and uncertainties that pervade him in a deep search for his identity. At the same time, the mother, revealed through a first-person narration and by her voice behind the camera that talks to her son, also goes through a process of transformation required by the situation that life presents her with by breaking old paradigms, facing fears and dismantling prejudices.
Country, Year: Brazil, 2020
Runtime: 76 Min
Language: Portugues (Brazilian)
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Coraci Ruiz
Writer: Coraci Ruiz
Producer: Coraci Ruiz
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What if we didn't care?
Synopsis:
Sasha, 3, was born intersex, neither boy or girl. Their parents chose not to operate. They want Sasha to choose her/his gender one day. Meanwhile Sasha lives his/her childhood, quite simply, and innocently upsets some codes of society.
Country, Year: France, 2021
Runtime: 12 Min
Language: French
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Johanna Lagarde
Writer: Johanna Lagarde
Producer: Johanna Lagarde
20.11.2022 - 15:45 Uhr
Sport “like a Girl”
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The Soul
Synopsis:
This is the filmic portrait of a woman who works as a cleaner but dreams of immersing herself in the world of theatre. The documentary focuses on the inner conflict of a person who dreams of creative realisation on the one hand and is completely absorbed by the unloved breadwinning on the other.
Country, Year: Armenia, 2022
Runtime: 10 Min
Language: Armenian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Inna Avanesova
Writer: Inna Avanesova
Producer: Inna Avanesova
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My Phantom
Synopsis:
The film MY PHANTOM follows the intimate and honest journey of Dutch alpinist Line van den Berg questioning what a means to be a woman in the climbing community. For years, Line has been searching for the 'perfect' female climbing partner to share the passion for mountains, but also the struggles of being an athlete in a male-dominated sports. But is this search really about finding this one partner, or is it about finding her own place in society? MY PHANTOM portraits Line climbing hard mixed routes throughout the Alps, with the highpoint being the First Female Ascent of the Phantom Direct on the south face of the Grandes Jorasses with Fay Manners, established in January 2022.
Country, Year: Netherlands, 2022
Runtime: 12 Min
Language: Dutch
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Line van den Berg
Writer: Line van den Berg
Producer: Scenarios4
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A Perfect Step...
Synopsis:
The film is a journey of India’s only 7th Dan Taekwondo woman instructor Kiran Upadhya, how and why Taekwondo became her mission in life. She emphasizes on Women empowerment through this art. When women are exposed to this skill, even for a brief time. It boosts their confidence to the highest. As she narrates her story, the film highlights why they are called martial artists, while the forms are practiced in Taekwondo, the fluid motion of the human body, the economy of the movement and the effectiveness of the fighting systems, have a beauty of their own. It is more about defense technique than attack. The Taekwondo artistes are trained to finally achieve balance in life, focus, awareness and finally peace within.
Country, Year: India, 2021
Runtime: 23 Min
Language: Indian
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Naumi
Writer: Naumi
Producer: Naumi
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One Thousand Women
Synopsis:
This documentary which took place during the four years of 2016-2020, follows the story of young girls who want to play wrestling in their favourite sport, but in the patriarchal and religious society of Iran, it is not possible for girls to enter the masculine realm of wrestling. The World Federation forces Iran to launch wrestling for women. Iran is trying to launch this sport in a formal and controlled way with a special type of Islamic clothing for women. The reception of more than a thousand women in this field surprises everyone. Women are at the peak of international brilliance in this field and surprise everyone with their successes. At the same time, an Iranian male wrestler is forced to lose intentionally for not competing with an Israeli wrestler. The news of this incident creates an international crisis for Iranian wrestling. The only women's wrestling defender who was the president of the federation resigns in protest of the ban on wrestling with the Israeli opponent. The girls are losing their biggest supporter, and they will have to wait until the next election to see if the next president will support them. Elections are held and there is no good news for girls, women’s wrestling is sidelined and suspended, but women start working and realize their dreams, they do not return to the Aladdin lamp.
Country, Year: Islamic Republic of Iran, 2022
Runtime: 72 Min
Language: Persian
Subtitles: Englisch only
Director: Mojgan Ilanlou
Writer: Mojgan Ilanlou
Producer: Mojgan Ilanlou
Please consider that subtitles only are available in English.
20.11.2022 - 18:00 Uhr
Reclaiming the power
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Justice In Movement: Reclaiming Our Minds, Bodies, and City
Synopsis:
This short documentary follows women who have been impacted by the criminal justice system in Milwaukee as they navigate the trauma that mass incarceration has inflicted on their bodies and mind. Through a series of dynamic exercises, the women seek to regain power and find a safe space in their community. Justice In Movement: Reclaiming Our Minds, Bodies, and City is Tess Murphy's debut short film and has received international recognition.
Country, Year: United States, 2022
Duration: 27 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Tess Andera Murphy
Writer: Tess Andera Murphy
Producer: Tess Andera Murphy
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$avvy
Synopsis:
"Savvy" explores the historical, cultural and social norms surrounding women and money. With incisive humour and captivating honesty, the film questions why women often take a back seat when it comes to managing their money. Why is this so important? "Savvy" explores this question and also explains how and why our financial culture excludes women. The film tells a new story about women taking matters into their own hands.
Country, Year: United States, 2021
Runtime: 80 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Robin Hauser
Writer: Robin Hauser
Producer: Robin Hauser
20.11.2022 - 20.00 Uhr
Award Ceremony: One world, many voices
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A girl can change the world
Synopsis:
A film full of authenticity, politics and dreams. The stars, real-life girls, face the relentless eye of the camera to make their voices and opinions heard. Two seasoned feminists share their experiences and introduce viewers to the Equal Rights Amendment in the US with archival footage. One girl can really change the world.
Country, Year: United States, 2021
Runtime: 28 Min
Language: English
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Andrea Ureno
Writer: Andrea Ureno
Producer: Andrea Ureno
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Be my Voice
Synopsis:
Journalist and activist Masih Alinejad has 4.5 million followers on Instagram after urging Iranian women to rebel against the forced hijab on social media. Leading one the largest acts of civil disobedience in today’s Iran, Masih uses her freedom in exile to amplify the protest in her home country. The regime tightens its grip to regain control, and Masih’s courage is tested when violence and oppression threaten her own family members.
Country, Year: Sweden, USA, Iran, 2021
Duration: 83 Min
Language: Swedish, English, Farsi
Subtitles: Englisch / German
Director: Nahid Persson
Writer: Nahid Persson
Producer: Nahid Persson