INTERFILM 41 International Short Film Festival Berlin
4 - 9 November 2025

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GERMAN COMPETITION

GC 01 Blooming

When we blossom, when we bloom, we grow. Converting pain and hope, we put down roots and find a source of vigour that is stronger than violence, loss and devastation. "Blooming" tells of the blossoms that can flourish when we set ourselves in motion, when we empower ourselves, break free and set off on brave new paths. Jasmine blossoms where a child is forced to leave a destroyed home, and a rose helps a dance collective during their pre-premiere rehearsal. Chrysanthemums represent the inner strength required in coming to terms with a mother's suicide, and a small floral greeting between the buttocks playfully comments on the heteronormative couple relationship. A flower creature spends its last day with its mother before a final metamorphosis, and a transwoman celebrates her fully blossomed transition with pride and tenderness.

The films in German Competition will be shown in their original language with English and German subtitles.

05.11.25, 20:30h, Cinestar Kino in der KulturBrauerei

06.11.25, 20:30h, Rollberg Kino

08.11.25, 22:00h, Pfefferberg Theater

Blühen
6 films
Where the Jasmine Always Blooms

Where the Jasmine Always Blooms

Husein Bastouni // Germany // 2024 // 09:20 min

Animation, Documentary

A child must leave their ravaged home, while their heart and dreams remain behind. Memories of a place full of love, life, destruction, and a future that is now uncertain.

[Content Note: War, Flight, Oppression]

Bad Luck

Bad Luck

Bad Luck

Das Kollektiv / Jan Eilhardt // Germany // 2025 // 17:36 min

Live Action

Queer, Chechnyan, Kurdish, four trisomy 21 stars: a dance collective whose upcoming premiere is now in jeopardy due to a sprained foot. Time is running out! Will they make it before it's too late?

[Content Note: Transphobia and trans misogyny]

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

Jingyuan Luo // Germany // 2025 // 09:20 min

Animation, Documentary

An adult child attempts to understand the death of their mother, a "suicide jumper". A trauma, made invisible by the state that caused it. In grieving, the flower of remembrance blossoms.

[Content Note: Suicide, Death or dying, Psychological Violence, Oppression]

Mother Is a Natural Sinner

Mother Is a Natural Sinner

Mother Is a Natural Sinner

Boris Hadžija / Hoda Taheri // Germany, Iran // 2024 // 15:00 min

Live Action

Hoda, who fled her native Iran, now lives in Germany with her boyfriend Hadi. An unexpected pregnancy causes her to examine society's heteronormative and patriarchal expectations.

[Content Note: Nudity, Homophobia and heterosexism, Sexually explicit]

I Am a Flower

I Am a Flower

I Am a Flower

Ariel Victor Arthanto // Germany // 2024 // 13:15 min

Animation, Live Action

Artist and proud flower-person Sam is on the verge of a transformative blossoming when it comes to their identity. Sam's mother wrestles with a decision on their last day together in the flower spa.

Mommy

Mommy

Evie Snax / Manon Praline // Germany, United States // 2024 // 08:40 min

Experimental, Documentary

Six years after her bottom surgery, Manon Praline gives an account of her gender transition, full of pride, artistic honesty and vulnerability – and celebrating her courage and self-love.

[Content Note: Sexually explicit, Nudity]