In the organizer's words:

SHORT FILM PROGRAM NRW

With the directors Klara Schmickler, Laura Baalmann, Fine Gumpert & Jan Ruckes as guests.

GREATINGS FROM SEASIDE HEIGHTS

USA/D 2025 - 15' - OmdU - Director: Klara Schmickler

Between consumer frenzy and quiet decay: a portrait of a place that is gambling away its future and of people searching for meaning in it. Every summer, a flood of tourists sweeps over the small resort town of Seaside Heights in New Jersey like a hurricane. For the residents, this brings financial opportunities, but also great frustration.

58 KILO

D 2024 - 22' - OVD - Director: Fine Gumpert

Sofia and Klara throw each other on their backs again and again. Wrestling is a tough sport, but for the two young Kyrgyz women, every hold means more self-confidence. "58 Kilos" is about determination, perseverance, about getting up again and again, trying again and standing up for yourself.

SOUTH BEACH

D 2025 - 29' - DF - Director: Laura Baalmann

Südstrand observes the microcosm of 16 young people during their two-week lifeguard service on the Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn. The film shows how they navigate between responsibility, belonging to a group and personal self-discovery, immersing the viewer in their everyday lives.

As part of the Stranger Than Fiction documentary film festival!