“Heimat.” A term all too often romanticised, whether by politicians or to boost souvenir sales. Yet, in our daily lives, it rarely plays a conscious role. What a luxury it is, then, to feel at home without having to give it a second thought.

In collaboration with the District of Lower Bavaria, the 26th Landshut Short Film Festival presents seven international entries in the DaHome competition, each exploring the existential question of belonging.

There is the expectant couple joking playfully in the kitchen. “Then you’ll finally have a headscarf.” “And you’ll finally have blonde hair and blue eyes.” But behind the affectionate banter, a bitter gallows humour glints: Mu’tasem has been the victim of a racist attack. (BLONDE HAIR, BLACK EYE)

In the cramped confines of a lorry, refugees crouch on the floor. Every sound, every smell becomes vital information in the struggle to escape the total disorientation of this NIGHT OF PASSAGE.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the ground is torn from beneath a little girl’s feet by war. Yet her freefall transforms into flight—borne by the hope that one day the sky will be free of bombs (IF I COULD FLY).

Endless circles, screeching tyres. They, too, revolve constantly around one another on the concrete square: THE LAST PEOPLE. Their small provincial town is deserted; the silence between the few words they exchange feels oppressive.

A young couple also dreams on the riverbank of a future in a nearby, foreign land. They want to dive into a new life, but the current is treacherous, and perhaps the grass on the other side is only greener from a distance. (CHASING THE WIND)

Grimaces, devilish and distorted; noise, clattering and metallic: the Krampuslauf is about to begin. Like larvae, the men cocoon themselves in a foreign pelt and MASKS that nevertheless feel like their own. It is both things at once: a martial, rustic custom and unleashed aggression.

The treetops of the Guatemalan jungle form a canopy over our heads. Green, vibrant, and protective. But gradually the trees are felled, and our entire world is uprooted. (ASTRONAUTA)

These films can be seen exclusively in this special programme. The festival jury will be present at the screening on 12 March at 8:00 pm. We cordially invite you to a small get-together afterwards.