Film Series: Transatlantic Rising Stars
© European Union, 2026
| Date and Time | Director | Title | Synopsis |
|
Saturday, August 1 10:30 a.m. |
Sofia Exarchou Greece |
Animal (2023) | Under the hot Greek sun, animateurs at an all-inclusive island resort prepare for the busy tourist season. Kalia is the leader of the pack. Paper decor, glossy costumes, and dance shows fill the stage. As summer intensifies and work pressure builds up, their nights become violent and Kalia’s struggle is revealed in the darkness. But when the spotlights turn on again, the show must go on. Runtime: 116 minutes |
|
Saturday, August 1 1:00 p.m. |
Moonika Siimets Estonia |
The Black Hole (2024) | This comical triptych focuses on residents in an apartment block district who long for a better life. When a black hole mysteriously appears in a lilac bush, they have to face aliens, a giant spider, and an Austrian in breeches. Runtime: 115 minutes |
|
Saturday, August 1 3:30 p.m. |
Leonardo van Dijl Belgium |
Julie Keeps Quiet (2024) | Julie is a star player at an elite tennis academy. When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up. But Julie decides to keep quiet. Runtime: 100 minutes |
|
Sunday, August 2 1:00 p.m. |
Guillermo García López Spain |
Sleepless City (2025) | La Cañada Real, on the outskirts of Madrid, is one of the largest illegal shantytowns in Europe. Tonino, a 15-year-old Roma boy, has always lived here with his family. He and his best friend, Bilal, film the world around them using a mobile phone, inspired by legends Tonino hears at home. But everything falls apart when a notice of imminent eviction arrives at his home and he discovers that his best friend is leaving La Cañada for good. Tonino finds himself torn between the dream of a new life and his attachment to his family and roots. Runtime: 97 minutes |
|
Sunday, August 2 3:30 p.m. |
Mara Tamkovich Poland |
Under the Grey Sky (2024) | Belarus, 2020: Mass protests follow the elections rigged by Lukashenko. Antiregime journalist Lena livestreams the brutal crackdown on a peaceful demonstration and is tracked down by a police drone and arrested. Lena and her husband, Ilya, must face unbearable choices in an attempt to survive and remain true to themselves, even as the regime is determined to break them both. The film is inspired by the true story of Belarusian journalists Katsyaryna Andreeva and Ihar Ilyash. Runtime: 81 minutes |
EU