Short Films. Block 2: Personal Spaces

In a conceptual gesture, "EVA" becomes a visualisation of women’s self-awareness as a consequence of their bodily experiences. It portrays what it is like to be a woman in a female body in the Western world, the complexities that arise from being subjected to a social structural surveillance, and the challenges of learning to love and accept oneself. It is a celebration of the diversity, strengths and weaknesses of the female body, but also a call to look at women and their bodies differently, look beyond preconceived notions and instead see what women can be and are capable of.

„Lend me your voice" is an experimental short documentary film that explores empathy by soliciting human reactions to adversity through the telling of a refugee and abuse survivor, Akili’s story. Sparked by her need to let go and heal, she shares her life story, but not in a conventional way. We write about her difficult experiences and witness how strangers read her true story while putting themselves in her shoes. The moment the readers begin to read her story, they immediately realize that the journey they are about to take is not a typical safari.

“Safe Space” is pieced together from countless YouTube clips of ballroom events from the early nineties, when the AIDS epidemic surged in New York City. Ballroom culture was created by trans and queer people of color in response to a society that marginalizes their existence. The film is accompanied by AI-generated voices that recite statements of LGBTQ+ refugees that have been sourced from the internet. The confluence of image and sound seek to depict both the harsh plight of a minority within a minority and the creative resilience and sense of community that emerges from these experiences.

Because his single mother criticised the state, Alex was sent to a special children’s home at the age of eleven, in order to shape him – like almost 500,000 children in the GDR – into a “socialist personality”. He escaped and ended up as a punishment at the Torgau Closed Juvenile Detention Centre, more prison than social institution. His life was now dominated by military drill and violence… Reduced rotoscope images follow Alex’s memories and show how the trauma affects him even today.

Becky and Sara are an unlikely pair of friends. They would probably not be so close if it weren’t for the work at the strip club. The work can be exciting but also challenging and their encouragement and humorous jargon is essential for surviving the long night shifts. Through the course of 12 hours, we follow them during one regular night; from hanging out with their family and friends before work till the morning after. We join them backstage getting ready, by the pole dancing, during breakfast when important life questions are discussed and back home finally ready for bed.