In a strange place where daily broadcasts require everyone to “keep the silence”, the long-isolated residents of Edifice 129, trapped in their apartments and by distant memories, creep forwards, day by day. / Edifice 129 is a particular collaborative project, created by filmmakers across three countries. In the midst of the COVID-19 lock-downs, Linda Gasser — director of the Arc Film Festival in Mainz, Germany — invited filmmakers to join her Creatives Across Borders initiative. The aim was to meet via Zoom, support each other, and talk film, but talking film soon turned into developing a film. Meeting regularly, sometimes weekly, four writer/directors and a digital 3D artist created short films designed to work both as standalone projects and, when inter-cut, as one cohesive story, despite being filmed in Germany, the UK and Malta, and with the filmmakers never having met in person until after the films were finished.
At the onset of the pandemic, a Chinese Uber driver in New York struggles to make ends meet as he picks up various passengers on a long and dreary night.
Amy is a young Chinese-American girl working at her local grocery store during the height of the pandemic. Amy must confront growing racism towards Asian-Americans, while at home, she must mitigate her mother’s expectations and personal bias towards African-Americans. After a brutal assault, Amy and her family must reevaluate their perceptions, and Amy must come to terms with who she really is and what she really wants.
Abimanyu (16) struggles to understand the importance of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. While his father, a dedicated healthcare worker, is on the front lines battling the virus, the boy often neglects basic safety measures like wearing a mask. But a sudden, life-changing moment forces him to reconsider his actions and the true cost of the pandemic.
Two high school classmates talked about looking forward to various summer events which were later cancelled due to COVID-19.
Bolinho de Chuva
Juan, a seventy-year-old man with senile dementia, shares a room with Manuel, a young sparrow.
Gabriel is a depressed young man living a reclusive and lonely life, shaken by memories of a very turbulent past. Amid the corona-virus pandemic that is ravaging the world, Gabriel finds refuge in his passion for video games and decides to start a modest career in live broadcasts on the internet. With his shy personality, he creates a community of online fans who connect with his inspiring messages of perseverance and authenticity. As Gabriel shares his personal journey and encourages his viewers to face their fears, he becomes a source of hope for many, especially one young follower who, inspired by her words, finds the strength to report her attacker. As his stream views increase and positive comments flood his channel, Gabriel finds a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and courage he never imagined.
After being discredited as a coward, a 19th century seaman lives for only one purpose: to redeem himself. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2000.
A memory jogged by a teapot from an old lover quickly turns into an adventure of discovery for Mary Beth Higgins and her new found friend Wanda as they hit the road in Wanda's RV/Soup Truck.
Sarah seems to have found her calling working in a Liverpool care home where she has a special talent for connecting with the residents. Then, in March 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic hits.
Brothers Max and Gelu are determined to survive the COVID-19 pandemic currently sweeping Italy. The two return to their native Romanian village, where they think they will be safe. Regardless of costs or means, Max and Gelu will gain immunity to the virus...
As a virus spreads throughout Brazil, a young filmmaker goes back to his village and tries to rekindle his relationship with his father. But as they become closer, stranger events start to happen, making their connection more difficult.
Pandora Reynolds is a woman who has never fallen in love – but one who men kill and die for. When she meets dashing and mysterious ship's captain Hendrik van der Zee, he pushes her to commit the ultimate act of love.
Food shortages during a pandemic force recently widowed George to stray far from home to survive. A simple purchase of rations derails when George stumbles upon a Shopkeeper's secret, placing them in mortal jeopardy.
Three people from a former theater club get back in touch for the first time in 20 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of them have led completely different lives, but an absent woman continues to cast a shadow over them. This story takes place over one night, and explores the themes of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and connections between people.
After having to quarantine together during COVID-19, a mother and daughter are forced to confront their personal obstacles and relationship tensions.
In a city in South America an outbreak of bubonic plague occurs. While people try to flee and the military close the city, an idealistic doctor decides to stay and help the sick. In the ever-changing circumstances, he puts up a brave fight, being helped by others but also involving them without being able to control the situation.
An urbanite moves to the countryside just before the outbreak of COVID-19. His unusual lockdown leads to irreparable damage.
The Incident, a short film shot on vivo X60 Pro and directed by Golden Horse Award, Chong Keat Aun, wishes to bring hope and heartwarming moments for anyone who’s going through a hard time in this pandemic. The short film talks about a single mother who works hard to support her family by continuing her late husband’s food delivery work. Life was difficult but bearable as the love she has for her son is strong. The film takes a turn when she has an accident on her way home to her son...