At the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, young directors tell the story of the agricultural crisis

At the heart of the 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, a selection of 66 films from around the world offers a striking immersion into global concerns. Workers’ struggles, women’s rights and even the agricultural crisis are on the program until February 10.

The short film emerges as an artistic cry, often considered a more reactive means of expression than the feature film. With a smaller team and a smaller budget, he can quickly deal with current events. To this end, young directors from the four corners of the world are portraying men and women who fight for the environmental cause during the 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. In total, 500 films under 60 minutes will be screened in theaters until February 10, reflecting a world with burning realities.

Farmers have been at the heart of French news in recent weeks. Angry, they demonstrate and block the roads to warn on the many problems preventing them from making a living from their profession and leaving them with the bitter taste of abandonment by public authorities. Among the international selection of 66 short films competing during the festival, one of them resonates: The Wheat Will Not Be Golden by Guoxin Wang who bears witness to a similar crisis, beyond our borders, through the story of an old Chinese farmer, fighting to preserve his land against multinationals. It highlights current issues in agriculture around the world.

The short movie Zima to Tma by Peter Hosták features a horse named Kubo and immerses us in the world of slaughter in rural Slovakia. He denounces the persistence of the energy crisis in Europe, where firewood could become the only source of heat and energy. The short film thus asks the question of whether draft horses and firewood could be the solutions of the future?

A future that seems to worry two young Icelanders, Birta and Selma, in the short film Puffing by Jessica Bishopp. They devote their nights to saving young birds, while their friends spend their time at the party. This film highlights awareness among young people.

“Environmental issues are also at the heart of the concerns of young short film directors. They carry this voice and contribute to raising public awareness of these issues.”

Tim Redford

coordinator of the international competition at the festival

The short film is therefore a mirror of our world in crisis. It allows us to take a critical look at current issues. The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival offers inspiring stories and contributes to the debates of our time.

To attend the International Short Film Festival, count on 4.50 euros for entry.