Identities

Films in this category address the process of searching for and defining one's own identity in various ways. They emphasise that identity is not bound by set limits or predefined boxes.

Rather it is a fluid and evolving process that unfolds at our own pace and on our own terms. And above all, identity is a matter of personal choice.

Life Is Not a Competition, But I'm Winning takes a courageous dive into the discourse on gender identity, using a visually striking essay format to challenge the rigid norms of the sports world. Through thought-provoking arguments and examples, the film showcases contemporary and historical sports figures who have defied the societal expectations and norms of their time.

Obstacles encountered by characters in these films often stem from entrenched social norms and conservative attitudes. In La Singla, a hybrid film, the protagonist follows in the footsteps of a mysterious flamenco dancer known for her captivating dance, charisma, and enigmatic persona.

Similarly, Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry tells the powerful story of a confident heroine who defies the conformist ideals of female destiny in a conservative Georgian community, whilst navigating a late-blooming first love. Films like Queendom and Sorry/Not Sorry grapple with the complexities of achieving equality within one's own identity. Meanwhile, 20,000 Species of Bees underscores the importance of a supportive environment and having ample time for self-discovery. Your Struggle – My Struggle takes on a more existential approach in exploring identities, through which the characters contemplate their own lives and future directions.

Films in category Identities

Girl resting head on arm, looking over at man, man

Feature film

20,000 Species of Bees

Surrounded by beehives, eight-year-old Cocó discovers her identity as a trans girl. Not only does Cocó undergo a gradual social transition – her mother changes too as together, in the heat of the Basque sun, they reassess what it means to be a woman.

Man and woman sitting closely on a picnic blanket in a grassy field.

Feature film

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry

The protagonist of this unforced ode to female independence is a middle-aged single woman who, after a close encounter with danger, re-evaluates her priorities and discovers her own sexuality.

Full-length documentary

La Singla

Talented, passionate, creative, rhythmically accurate – and deaf. Antonia Singla mesmerised crowds with her dance while she herself moved in complete silence. 50 years later, a young woman fascinated by the extraordinary flamenco dancer’s art reveals her forgotten story.

Three people yelling in a red-tinted light.

Full-length documentary

Life Is Not a Competition, But I'm Winning

Gender norms are reflected even in elite sport. Who has historically been excluded from the Olympics and other sports events? And who is being pushed out to the margins today?

Person in avant-garde white costume and makeup in a subway station.

Full-length documentary

Queendom

Gena, a Russian queer artist, expresses herself through outlandish costumes. Her public performances attract not only new followers but also aggression from passers-by.

Three people sharing a moment, one sitting on the floor showing a phone.

Feature film

Slow

The film portrays varying forms of an intimate relationship between two very different people: spirited dancer Elena and reserved sign language interpreter Dovydas, who want to stay together despite their differing physical needs.

Smiling woman in red top with blurred bar background

Full-length documentary

Sorry/Not Sorry

In 2017, a New York Times article accused influential comedian Louis C.K. of a series of sexual assaults. But instead of leading to the necessary legal action, the testimonies provided material for other stand-up comedians, while Louis C.K. returned to the scene unpunished.

Feature film

Sultana's Dream

This animated film, inspired by a utopian narrative about a world run by women, is a journey to an alternative reality, serving as a basis for contemplating gender dynamics and sisterhood.

Concerned man and woman sitting on couch with a young child between them.

Full-length documentary

Your Struggle – My Struggle

Forty-something and feeling blue? You’re not alone. This sarcastically therapeutic documentary uses the director and his friends as examples of the 21st-century midlife crisis. As they try to define their inner emptiness, they discover that the world isn’t such a terrible place after all.

Other Thematic Categories

Competitive Film Category

International Competition

The international competition features eleven titles, which includes premieres and acclaimed or award-winning films from other world festivals. These films, both in content and form, offer remarkable insights from both highly visible regions and countries that are often overlooked.

Competitive Film Category

Right To Know

The title of this competitive section speaks volumes about its thematic focus, centring on a dozen documentaries that address topical issues demanding a mass audience.

Competitive Film Category

Czech Competition

Every year, One World's national competition presents a rich array of documentaries on human rights issues. This year's lineup comprises nine films, each offering a unique perspective. Some investigate national icons, others tackle contemporary social challenges, whilst some cast their gaze towards the future.

Competitive Film Category

Immersive Films Competition

The Competition of Immersive Films showcases a curated selection of interactive virtual reality projects and 360° films that explore human rights themes in the broadest sense of the word.

Thematic Film Category

Middle East

The Middle East and North Africa, often abbreviated as MENA, have always been areas of focus for One World. In these regions, there are always numerous pressing issues that compel filmmakers to capture them on camera, whether it's the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the status of women in Iran and Syria, or the situation in Yemen or Lebanon.

Thematic Film Category

Ecosystems

In recent years, One World has dedicated a separate category to ecological issues. Whilst films addressing this topic continue to feature this year, we now approach the topic from a fresh perspective. How do nature, humans, and other entities coexist to form complex ecosystems?

Thematic Film Category

Searching For Freedom

The category Searching for Freedom has long been a cornerstone of One World. This year, we decided to reintroduce it into the program, but with a twist: our understanding of freedom has now been expanded to encompass a broader spectrum.

Thematic Film Category

On the Edge of Maturity

The delicate and pivotal phase between childhood and adulthood is marked by a period of self-awareness, acceptance of bodily changes, independence from one’s family, and the development of one's moral compass. It represents a profound personal metamorphosis, during which one attempts to navigate the boundaries of social norms, political liberties, and family acceptance.

Thematic Film Category

Identities

Films in this category address the process of searching for and defining one's own identity in various ways. They emphasise that identity is not bound by set limits or predefined boxes.

Thematic Film Category

Communities

Films in this category explore the diverse community experiences of contemporary society. It’s precisely communities – groups interlinked by various shared circumstances and bonds – that play a significant role in shaping society, perhaps even evolving into a new form of family — or perhaps acting as a “second family” has always been among the functions of any community?

Thematic Film Category

Structures of Power

The entrenched hierarchy of social status, in which the rich and powerful rule from the upper echelons whilst the marginalised and disenfranchised are stuck at the bottom of the barrel, remains a sad constant of our society. In this year's selection of top ten films exploring the rule of law and its exploitation, we witness the courageous endeavours of individuals and collectives striving to break through the usurping structures of power.

Thematic Film Category

Docs For Families

One World also caters to its younger audience. Films shown within this category enable children to learn more about the lives of others their own age from different parts of the world.