Content warning: TBD A collection of narrative short films (in the Foreign Language Film genre) in contention for official selection, nomination as Quarterfinalist for both genre and technical categories. One will win the Quarter Final and be named BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SHORT FILM of the 1st Quarter of 2026! Audience Choice balloting is open. Your vote counts!

In a dimly lit android laboratory, a researcher (Male) encounters an experimental subject (Female) who has awakened ahead of schedule. The man attempts to force her into sleep mode, labeling her awakening a system error, but the woman detects his physiological changes—his rising heart rate and trembling lips. She perceives that he is treating her as more than just a machine. The moment the word "Love" is spoken, their relationship spirals in an uncontrollable direction.

English

Unauthorized

A researcher (Male) encounters an experimental subject (Female).

When eight-year-old Miša finds an abandoned kitten in the street, he tries to provoke the affection his parents are not providing.

Cats

When eight-year-old Miša finds an abandoned kitten in the street, he tries to provoke the affection his parents are not providing.

Between white coat and black kimono, Lina Grosset lives a life defined by duality.A neurologist by profession and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion by passion, she navigates two worlds that demand absolute precision, resilience, and control.Filmed over the course of a year, Combative offers an intimate look into the daily life of an athlete who refuses to choose between intellect and instinct. Through night hospital shifts, relentless training sessions, and global competitions, Lina pushes the boundaries of both body and mind.Beyond the medals, the film explores what it truly means to fight, not only on the mat, but also against fatigue, choices, and life expectations.In a sport still largely dominated by men, Lina’s journey raises essential questions about discipline, femininity, and identity.With a minimalist and immersive approach, no narration, only the voices of Lina, and her peers, Combative reveals the unseen world of women who fight, and the fragile balance between control and chaos that defines their strength.

Combative | Lina Grosset – Neurologist and BJJ champion: between medicine and combat

Between white coat and black kimono, the unseen world of women who fight, and the fragile balance between control and chaos that defines their strength.

Maya (28) feels left alone by her family. Every year, she celebrates her little sister's birthday with her phlegmatic mother and caring grandmother. But this time everything is getting out of control.

Loslassen

Maya feels left alone by her family, now everything is getting out of control.

Xiao Yu was only trying to help an elderly woman who had fainted, but she accidentally knocked over a nearby vase worth more than her life savings. The sudden incident left Xiao Yu frozen in fear, her eyes welling up with tears. With her current income, even ten years of hard work wouldn’t be enough to cover the cost of the vase. Who can she turn to for help to overcome this difficult situation?

So Long, My Love

The arrival of the older brother seems harmless, until he reveals a manual that controls the younger brother's every action. Although the visitor leaves, the manual's power remains… and the rules aren't over.

The Big Brother's Manual

The arrival of the older brother seems harmless, until he reveals a manual that controls the younger brother's every action. Although the visitor leaves, the manual's power remains… and the rules aren't over.

A couple spends a perfect day ice-skating, but beneath the surface their relationship is falling apart. She is secretly leaving to study abroad. He has just received his permanent residency. When the truth comes out, a confrontation breaks them apart, and a crack splits the ice beneath his feet.

Rift

A group of volunteers devotes their time caring for those the world has left behind. They walk us through their routines, sharing their stories, moments of doubt, sparks of hope and the unexpected joy and healing they discover in service.

Pandora's Butterfly

A group of volunteers devotes their time caring for those the world has left behind.

SDSFF Narrative Short Films: Foreign Language Films

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Celebrating the art of storytelling through short films, showcasing the work of talented filmmakers from around the world. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating animations, the festival presents a rich tapestry of storytelling, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers.

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