Competition Programs | International Competition: Worn-out places, worn-out faces
UNIT.Verse | B.12

30.09 | 19:00

03.10 | 15:00

18+

Lonely dreamers, disillusioned adults, eccentric rebels, and those desperately seeking an escape from everyday life inhabit this programme. Its protagonists retreat into fantasies, conspiracy theories, alcohol, parties, or digital illusions, trying to fill an inner void and find themselves in a world that seems increasingly absurd. These are stories about people lost in the noise of modern life, yet still searching for meaning, connection, and their place in the world.

Running time 67 min.

  • Luz Diabla
    Patricio Gabriel Plaza, Paula Boffo, Gervasio Canda

    Argentina, Canada | 11:10 | 2025

    Martin, a flamboyant urban raver, is involved in a strange accident on the road on his way to a party in the middle of the Argentine Pampas. Finding refuge in a mysterious country grocery store and sheltered by two strange locals, Martín's paranoia begins to take over him.

  • I'm Looking for Mr. Laser
    Laura Boráros

    Czechia | 06:45 | 2026

    What would you do if you came across a video that defies the laws of physics, yet seems convincing in some way? A short story about following in the footsteps of someone who may or may not exist, mapping the maze of imagination and illusions created by the mysterious Mr. Laser.

  • Cabbage Daddy
    Grace An

    Canada | 03:50 | 2025

    Why am I so bad at Korean?

  • Crab Diane
    Ryan McCown

    USA | 17:43 | 2025

    A young woman, tired of working at a seaside diner, reaches out to cosmic forces

  • Angry Cars
    Shaun Clark

    United Kingdom | 06:50 | 2025

    In the brutal chaos of life on the London roads, cars clash, flirt, and fume in this savage reflection of humanity’s impatience and absurdity.

  • Mr. Ogre's Castle
    Maxime Chudeau

    USA | 05:29 | 2025

    A group of teenagers enjoys an illicit stay at a luxurious villa while the mysterious owner is away. But when Lisa, a CCTV camera operator, calls ready to inform the police, she discovers that Mr. Ogre has something else in mind to spoil the party…

  • Biting the hands that feeds you
    Chantal Peten

    Belgium, France | 05:54 | 2025

    The contest is called "Payday," and Chantal is in a rush because she clearly has a lot to say on the subject. For once, she ticks all the boxes: director, woman... She's ready to start taking notes, drawing... But very quickly, her everyday reality comes rushing back.

  • A Pint of Bitter
    Conor Kehelly

    Ireland | 08:58 | 2025

    You are trying to enjoy a quiet pint in the pub but a patron and his son seemingly have a problem with your demeanour.