Shorts: Laws of Desire

Desire delves into the complexities of human connection in the digital age, intimacy, and self-empowerment. From the quiet yearning of a remote worker’s obsession to a young man's turmoil over exposing himself online, these films explore how desire shapes our experiences. The programme traverses diverse narratives, from a 1980s sexual awakening at the cinema, to an Elvis impersonator navigating the increasingly blurred boundaries between subculture and self, to an Embera girl finding liberation through laughter. It’s a bold, intimate look at connection, obsession, and self-discovery.

Programmers: Becca Selby, Camilla Baier, Varun Raman

Runtime: 90 Minutes

The First Times* Giulia Cosentino, Perla Sardella Italy, Spain 16 min Through letters and archival glimpses, two women reflect on their 1950s boarding school days, questioning the lives they dared to live.

Bonfire* David McShane UK 5 min Exploring desire and connection in the post-social media era amid real-world pressures on Bonfire Night. [content warnings: Sexual innuendo, Grooming]

If I Can Dream Luis Cross UK 12 min A Korean-Swedish Elvis impersonator competes in Wales, where the lines between subculture and self, past and present, begin to blur.

Akababuru: Expression of astonishment Irati Dojura Landa Yagarí Colombia 13 min When told the legend of Kiraparamia a young Embera girl discovers the liberating power of laughter in this stunning, folkloric animation about empowerment.

The Necklace Katya Hazel Boirand UK 15 min A young woman navigates intimacy and romance while coping with the challenges of a chronic autoimmune condition.

Max Distance Marissa Goldman USA 15 min A dry exploration of the thrill of obsession vs. the perennial dullness of remote work, when a programmer develops an unexpected fixation.

A Brighter Summer Day For The Lady Avengers* Birdy Wei-Ting Hung Taiwan 12 min A sensual, and colourful 1980s tale of sexual awakening, sweltering summer days, watermelon juice, and celluloid fantasies at the cinema. [content warnings: Sexual content, flashing images, mild bloody violence]