Czech-German programme
The Czech-German programme of the ELBE DOCK festival offers a varied cultural dialogue in audiovisual fields. Its programme is connected in both festival cities and takes place in Ústí nad Labem and Dresden.
The Czech-German programme is supported by the Czech-German Future Fund.
Programme in Ústí nad Labem and Dresden:
The Czech-German installation Schatten der Realitäten: Dialogues of alienation
Where and when: in Ústí nad Labem - Ještěrka from 4 to 7 September, in Dresden GEH8 from 6 to 8 September
The forthcoming exhibition represents an innovative Czech-German collaboration, taking place simultaneously in Ústí nad Labem and Dresden. In the spaces of the former casino in Ústí, visitors will immerse themselves in a mysterious story of alienation, where the key element is the artificial intelligence that coordinates the entire act of this virtual appropriation. The exhibition is conceived as an interactive experience that includes not only visual stimuli, but also sound installations that amplify the atmosphere of tension and inner turmoil. This concept is then linked in Dresden, specifically in the former GEH8 freight station, where the exhibition focuses on the process of transporting the "lost" objects and the representation of the media response to the incident. The dual location provides viewers with a complex narrative experience that explores not only the boundaries between reality and fiction, but also between two nations whose histories are deeply intertwined with mutual relationships and cultural influences.
Authors: Max Burton, Emma Caithamlová, Klara Fuchs a Hans Eidechse
AI and audiovision
The festival includes a private discussion for decision makers on the use of AI in county building and the possibilities of developing the audiovisual industry.
Screenings for preschool children
Where and When: Dresden - GEH8, September 6, Ústí nad Labem - Ještěrka, September 7
Screening of curated films from the Czech-German programme with an accompanying film education programme. The aim is to develop film language in the youngest viewers. This screening for pre-school children is a combination of short films with an unconventional approach (the beginnings of cinema, contemporary animation, experimental films) and specially developed activities to stimulate children's imagination and enhance their experience of film. Children learn to think about audiovisual works and to name the feelings and impressions that films evoke in them. At the same time, they actively develop their creativity through practical tasks.
Programme in Ústí nad Labem:
Czech-German short films
Where and When: Ústí nad Labem - Ještěrka, 4 September at 13:00
A series of short films nominated for the CENTRAL - ELBE DOCK AWARD for Central Europian Short Film.
Tako Tsubo - Mr. Ham decides to have his heart removed in order to be relieved of his complicated feelings. The doctor assures him that this is no problem at all. Thoughtfully inclined, however, Ham keeps his heart for a while after the removal, perhaps to understand it better after all.
Sea Salt - The summer is coming to an end soon, and Nayla, a Lebanese teenager getting her first taste of independence, has life-changing decisions to make.
The Currency - Sensing 1 Agbogblsohie - In Agbogbloshie is one of the world's largest e-waste recycling sites in the middle of Accra. A contact zone of complex global economic, social, power-political and technological processes, questioning all this from a spiritual perspective.
3 MWh - A nuclear power plant worker obsessed with counting has set a maximum limit on how much electricity he wants to consume. But the energy that should have lasted him for the rest of his life is slowly running out, forcing him to decide on its final use.
Stuck Together - Viki, Sára, and Kiki, three inseparable friends since childhood, are dreaming about leaving their hometown, but only one of them will get the chance. The others might be willing to support her, if only their anger, sadness, and envy weren’t so powerful…
A Transient Taste - Little Félie is caring for the very special varieties of tomatoes with all her heart and will. Her mother Antonia has lost her sense of taste since her partner and Félies father has died. Félie doesn’t recognize her mother anymore since, yet needs her more than ever.
Networking and Presentation of audiovisual markets in Germany for filmmakers
Where and when: Ústí nad Labem - Hraničář, 5 September at 18:15
Presentation of distribution, alternative and festival opportunities on the broad German market. The whole presentation which is part of the roundtable discussion focusing on different stages of development of a short film, serves as an introduction to the various possibilities and alternatives for those interested in entering the German markets.
To participate in the discussion, please register using the form HERE.
Industry program is designed for film professionals and film school students.
Walk: Visual smog of Ústí
Where and when: Ústí nad Labem - 6 September at 16:00
The walk through the city centre will focus on advertising in public space, graphic waste and how the visual appearance of the city affects our everyday life in contrast to German cities. We will offer entertainment but also reflection on public space on Friday.
Programme in Dresden:
Czech-German networking
Where and when: Dresden - GEH8, 6 September
This networking activity is linked to the German part of the ELBE DOCK IFF. The main goal of this activity is to connect emerging Czech producers and other Czech filmmakers with their German colleagues. One of the weaknesses of the development of short film production in the Czech Republic is the disconnection from its key western neighbour. There are a large number of thematically, creatively and in terms of proximity successful projects that have no co-production or creative links to the Czech Republic, which is the case in contrast with typically Western European countries. This inspiring meeting within the industry programme will take place on Friday in Dresden. In an informal setting, Czech filmmakers, together with German filmmakers and other festival guests, will discuss their projects and individual needs for co-production or other mutual links. In the second part of the activity they will also meet representatives of film festivals and producers with experience in co-productions. This meeting will define examples of good practice in each country to support the production of short films. And thanks to the German-Czech context, the possibilities for cooperation between the main drivers of Czech and German cinema will also be further expanded.
To participate in the discussion, please register via the form HERE.
The Industry programme is designed for film professionals and film school students.
Czech-Slovak Dance House
Where and when: Dresden - GEH8, 7 September at 20:00
Czech and Slovak music and dance performances and short traditional dance lessons suitable for Czechs and Germans alike.
Guided walk with Ladislav Čumba
Where and when: Dresden - 8 September at 10:00
A guided walk with Ladislav Cumba through the historical context of Dresden in connection with the history of the Czech industrial city of Ústí nad Labem.
Pavel Koutecký Award - short documentaries
Where and when: Dresden - GEH8, 8 September at 16:00
Short documentaries nominated for Pavel Koutecký Award.
Trippin' on the Sidewalk - Walking along the sidewalk to one of Ostrava's railway stations can be a real trip for some. Locals and visitors alike highlight and curse its supposed hallucinogenic effects.
Homeward - When the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Svetlana went to the Czech Republic with her two daughters. Now she intends to return to the war-torn country. Christmas is approaching and the family wants to spend it with their husband and father, who stayed in the Kyiv region.
In The Dark - I've discovered that I can no longer pretend it didn't happen. I want to take everything that's left and make it into something I'm happy in. I often wonder why I went through all of this and this answer comes to mind - to tell the story and maybe help someone in the process.
In Between - You are worth as many people as the languages you speak. What if I speak two languages and was even introduced to two cultures from birth? Am I truly worth more people?
Quarry - Anežka lives surrounded by cracks after her foster son and begs God for his conversion. Fragments of echoes from his prison cell alternate with the daily routines that fill the endless time.
Rising Above - Story of a survivor of violent sexually motivated assault. The film reveals her harrowing experience and the subsequent emotional toll it takes on her. We follow her journey of healing and self-discovery as she finds a way to move forward highlighting the resilience and courage of all survivors.
Doubt - Doubt is a short animated essay, which, through voices of four different authors from various fields of art, describes all stages of the creative process.