One Year Stories

IDLE SHORTS UNVEILED

IDLE SHORTS is a one-of-a-kind fiction film project we launched in 2016 with a bold vision: to create 52 unique stories and vignettes, each representing a week in a year-long calendar. To date, we have proudly produced 28 films, with many more on the horizon. Our anthology delves deeply into the nuances of the human experience, featuring a diverse array of characters, worlds, and narratives from across Europe and the Mediterranean. Join us at our annual screenings of handpicked episodes and become part of our unfolding journey.

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IDLE FILMS

An Open Film House

IDLE FILMS is a Hamburg-based independent film collective and company in the heart of the creative Kreativquartier Oberhafen. We develop and produce unscripted films and short-form fiction for the big screen, the web, and anywhere between. We love telling stories that make you feel something, no matter where you're from or what language you speak. From the very first frame to the final scene, we strive to move our audience, ensuring that every moment is heartfelt and genuine.

A filmmaker's Journal

For more details and answers to frequently asked questions, consult our FAQ. Alternatively, scroll down to discover the program and synopses of the films presented at the premiere.

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Handpicked Selection

Our film lineup explores the delicate nature of our connections to life and each other. Some films celebrate the significance of serendipity, while others showcase a resolute determination to live. This thoughtfully curated selection of six films delves into a range of themes including autism, love, music, loss, and resilience, offering a nuanced exploration of the human experience.

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Company Name: Idle Films UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Address: Filmfabrique, Stockmeyerstrasse 43, DE 20457, Hamburg
HRB: 118122
Managing Director: Iliès Terki.H
TAX ID: DE287763802

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Website: [idlefilms.tv]

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Les Œufs au Plat (original title)

Sunny Side Up

Overview

Set in Marseille's vibrant and bustling Noailles neighborhood, "Sunny Side Up" captures a pivotal day for Majid, an undocumented Algerian musician, and his wife, Asma. Majid is rehearsing for a significant concert that could secure his residency permit, while Asma is frantically packing their belongings in the face of imminent eviction. The escalating tensions lead to a heated confrontation over Majid's apparent indifference.A broken guitar string symbolically represents their strained relationship. Yet, a simple meal of two fried eggs rekindles their fragile bond. This scene, inspired by Albert Camus' "The Stranger," underscores the theme of finding peace in life's simplest moments despite its harrowing absurdity.The story draws from the real-life experiences of Djamel Reffes, a musician in Marseille who plays Majid. His personal journey and challenges add authenticity to the narrative.

About the Music

At the film's beginning, Majid's fragmented riffs, constantly interrupted, mirror the chaos and disruption in his life. As the film progresses, these riffs evolve into a free, uninterrupted performance, paying homage to Ahmed Zergui, a pioneer of electric Raï music. This musical transformation highlights the persistence needed to create art amidst adversity, capturing the broader struggles of life as a musician against the backdrop of gentrification and precarious living.

Sunny Side Up is Episode Nº23, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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CREDITS

Ivan's Gift

Overview

In the hinterlands of Southern France, Ivan, an autistic underground gunsmith, leads a solitary life in a run-down workshop. He crafts and fixes firearms for anonymous clients in exchange for vital supplies. Amidst the machinery and weapons, a grand piano stands out as Ivan's musical escape from his isolated world.Ivan's routine is shattered when an unknown assailant targets him, turning his life upside down. As gunshots ring out in his trailer, he narrowly escapes with his life. Anticipating danger from his shadowy patrons, he sets a well-prepared gun trap. Ivan flees using the assailant's car, racing through the winding landscapes of Southern France. He pulls over to collect himself and hears mysterious sounds from the back seat. Opening the tailgate, Ivan discovers an unexpected passenger left by his assassin.

Scene Focus

In a pivotal scene, we find Ivan sitting on the edge of a mattress in his trailer. Various musical instruments and a piano surround him. This setting paints an immediate picture of seclusion and Ivan's inclination towards music, an essential aspect of his character. Ivan spins a fidget spinner, an object associated with individuals with Autism, subtly revealing his coping mechanisms and the routines that ground him. The scene later transitions to Ivan playing the Goldberg Variations by Bach on his piano.Ivan's autism reflects modern society's growing isolation, where technology and virtual interactions create individual bubbles.

Ivan's Gift is Episode Nº06, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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CREDITS

Eine Frau zu Sehen (original title)

To See a Woman

"To see a woman: just for a second, just for the brief span of a glance, to then lose it again in the darkness of a corridor, behind a door that I cannot open." — Annemarie Schwarzenbach

Overview

The story unfolds in the village of Sils Maria, where Marie seeks inspiration to prepare for her role as Swiss writer Annemarie Schwarzenbach. Amidst the stunning snowy backdrop of the Engadine, Marie grapples with her lines and the emotional depth of her character, struggling to embody the enigmatic author.A visit to the local library changes everything. There, Marie encounters a young woman immersed in her research. Their connection is brief yet intense—a gaze and a moment frozen in time. This fleeting moment leaves Marie with the woman's forgotten notebook, filled with personal entries and insights about Schwarzenbach. Immersing herself in these writings, Marie's dreams become haunted by visions that blur the lines between her life and the woman she met.To See a Woman intertwines wanderlust, longing, and connection with the stunning Engadine Alps, framing a moment of connection within its landscape. It’s not just the person we desire, but the entire world around them that shapes our connection.

About Schwarzenbach

The film honors to Annemarie Schwarzenbach's life and legacy, celebrating her queerness in exploring uncharted encounters.Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908-1942), the 'black swan' of a wealthy Swiss family, was renowned for her angelic beauty and adventurous spirit as a writer, journalist, and photographer. Despite her creative success, she struggled with morphine addiction, adding complexity to her multifaceted personality.Schwarzenbach boldly explored her queer identity, embracing same-sex love affairs and defying societal norms. Her significant relationship with writer Ella Maillart greatly influenced her life and work. Tragically, Schwarzenbach's life ended in Sils Maria, Switzerland, on November 15, 1942

Original Score

The film's score is loosly inspired by The Sisters of Mercy's "Some Kind of Stranger," creating a haunting atmosphere of mystery and melancholy. Eva Taylor's 1920s jazz track "Have You Ever Felt That Way?" adds emotional depth to the film's closing moment.

To See a Woman is Episode Nº41, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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Tout Brûle (original title)

All Things Burn

Overview

The film is inspired by the 2021 wildfire in southern France and centers on Ana, a sawmill operator who enjoys caring for her potted plants. When she hears about a wildfire on the radio, Ana encounters a firefighter roadblock and finds an alternative route to her remarkable treehouse nestled in a majestic oak tree.Ana's work involves cutting and loading wood logs at a nearby sawmill, which may seem contradictory to her love for plants. However, this conflict is resolved as Ana creates a hidden garden oasis within her treehouse at the edge of the natural reserve, "La Plaine des Maures." As the wildfire intensifies, Ana must make difficult decisions to save her home or flee.The story uses fire as a powerful metaphor to convey deeper meanings. Ana represents the complexity of human nature—vulnerable and endangered, subject to nature's forces while attempting to control and tame it. The film delves into the intricate and conflicting aspects of our relationship with nature.

Original Score

The music for "All Things Burn" was created by Glantz & Cortez. The score combines live instruments and electronic elements to create a modern yet timeless sound. It amplifies the mesmerizing nature of fire and takes the audience on an intense journey, enabling them to connect with Ana, who rarely speaks in the film.

All Things Burn is Episode Nº24, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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Sur le Pouce (original title)

Hitchhiking

Overview

Sarah, a spirited seasonal worker, hitchrides to L'Estellane restaurant in Provence for her new job. Her day begins early with Ludo, an enigmatic man driving a Land Rover filled with fresh pears. Throughout the day, Sarah's interactions are varied—from tense moments with Ludo to brief camaraderie with Justine, a psychotherapist. Justine's sudden distress abruptly separates them. Exhausted, Sarah wanders a deserted road until a foreign driver takes her in the wrong direction while she dozes off.This cycle of hope and disillusionment captures the unpredictability of her journey, subtly building tension and suspense. The film explores the search for genuine connections in a digital age. Sarah’s decision to travel without a phone symbolizes her off-the-grid independence, contrasting with technology's pervasive influence. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the transient nature of encounters. Sarah embodies resilience and curiosity, navigating a world where human connections can be fleeting yet profound.

Original Score

Christoph Klinger crafts a warm, organic score with acoustic guitars. A unique collaboration with Ben Galleries is an ode to our protagonist, blending musical melodies with introspective lyrics. Hitchhiking ends with nods to iconic French cinema, with Jean Ferrat's "Ma môme" subtly referencing 'My Life to Live' by Godard.

Hitchhiking is Episode Nº12, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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Getting Lost

Overview

Jenny and Timmi, played by Jennifer Lotsi and Timmi Davis, respectively, set out on a weekend trip to find a lighthouse that holds special meaning to their relationship. As they become lost in the unfamiliar town, tensions rise, leading to an emotional confrontation. Jenny eventually storms off into a nearby forest, leaving Timmi in a state of distress and guilt.The film captures the palpable tension and uncertainty as Timmi searches for Jenny. The moments of fear and hope culminate in a poignant resolution that underscores the strength of their bond."Getting Lost" is based on a real-life anecdote shared by Timmi and Jenny, who play themselves in the film. The story captures the essence of the idea that unexpected discoveries come with getting lost. It prompts us to consider the more profound implications of losing our way: Can getting lost help us uncover something within ourselves? Perhaps the true path to self-discovery is found through the very act of getting lost.

Original Soundtrack

The film's score, composed by Christoph Klinger, sets a wistful tone reflecting the complexity of the characters' relationship. "The Weight of Love" introduces our characters and their journey. At the same time, "Feathers in the Sand," an original song written by Joseph Daniel Pogson and Christoph Klinger, perfectly accompanies the film's final scene.

Getting Lost is Episode Nº49, part of the Idle Shorts Anthology.

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FILM INFOS

CREDITS