Giffoni 2025 Unveiled the 99 Films in Competition

The selection of titles in competition at the 55th Giffoni Film Festival, scheduled from July 17 to 26, has officially closed.
The transition to adulthood, the relationship with nature, family relationships, self-acceptance, and the overcoming of prejudice are some of the themes explored in the films in competition. Topics range from the power of friendship and overcoming challenges to more complex subjects concerning human experiences linked to individual and family resilience, the desire for identity and belonging, and the impact of socio-political contexts on young people’s lives. Not to mention cultural identity and the role of art and creativity as forms of expression and survival.
Over 2,500 productions were submitted for preselection, which the Giffoni team evaluated with great care in order to offer, as always, the best of international cinema to its young audiences. The films will be viewed and judged by the Giffoni juries: over 5,000 young people from 30 countries, who will decide the winners of the Gryphon Award. Following are the titles in competition for the 2025 edition, divided by categories. 

ELEMENTS +3 (ages 3 to 5)

The films in Elements +3 are mainly animated shorts or children’s stories that explore universal themes through simple and often allegorical narratives. The main themes that emerge include the search for acceptance and belonging, overcoming challenges and prejudice, the power of friendship and collaboration, and the importance of nature and freedom.

The search for friendship beyond preconceptions, or the stigma of disability, can be found in BOBEL’S KITCHEN (Belgium, directed by Fiona Rolland), A DREAM TAKES FLIGHT (Italy, directed by Chiara Helm), ONCE UPON A TIME IN DRAGONVILLE (France, Switzerland, directed by Marika Herz), THE CHIPMUNK AND THE SQUIRREL (South Korea, directed by Kim Sumin Huttzza), A STRANGE TOAD / UNO STRANO ROSPO (Italy, directed by Claudia Giorgini), and WOLFIE (Czech Republic, directed by Phillipe Kastner).

Another central theme is the strength of the bonds formed between characters, sometimes in surprising ways, and how those bonds can help overcome all kinds of obstacles. This is the case in CAPYBARAS (France, directed by Alfredo Soderguit), THE CARP AND THE CHILD (France, directed by Morgane Simon, Arnaud Demuynck), THE RUMBLE-BUMBLE RALLY (Norway, directed by Annette Saugestad Helland, Johan Kaos), FOREVER (France, by Theo Djekou, Pierre Ferrari, Cyrine Jouini, Pauline Philippart, Anissa Terrier), PERFECT PET (Russia, directed by Maria Shatilova), STUPID DOG (Russian Federation, 2025, directed by Daria Ishcheykina), TIN TUNE (USA, directed by Carolyn Gair) and HOW THE BEAR COMPOSED A SONG (Slovakia, directed by Kristína Bajaníková).

Many protagonists are driven by a desire for freedom. This happens in AMEN (France, directed by Coutier Orphée, Demarty Bettina, Maingonnat Kimié, Perego Laurène, Poulain Louise, Zundel Avril), DREAMING OF FLIGHT (Germany, directed by Elena Walf), EPIFANÍA (Germany, directed by Mila Useche), WITH EACH PASSING DAY (Portugal, directed by Emanuel Nevado).

Finally, nature plays a leading role in THE GOLDFISH (Italy, directed by Gisella Gobbi), ABOVE THE TAMARIND TREE (Qatar, directed by Buthyna Al-Mohammadi), THE MOTHERLESS EGG (Germany, directed by Elena Walf), MUSHROOM’S LIFE (Latvia, directed by Evalds Lacis), NUTISSIMO (France, directed by Nicolas Bianco-Levrin, Julie Rembauville, Maxence Camelin), DMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH, POLKA (Russia, directed by Tatyana Musalyamova), FIRST FLIGHT (Germany, directed by Adrian Jaffé), TEARS OF THE LITTLE CLOUD (Estonia, Italy, Portugal, directed by Anya Ru, Masha Rumyantseva), A PAIN IN THE BUTT (Germany, directed by Elena Walf) and FULL NEST (Germany, 2025, directed by Elena Walf).

ELEMENTS +6 (ages 6 to 9)

Stories of growth and self-discovery for very young protagonists, exploring the importance of family and friendship, the connection with nature and the environment, and the power of imagination and creativity as tools for resilience and healing: these are the themes of the films in competition in Elements +6. Among the films, A GIRL NAMED WILLOW (Germany), whose director Mike Marzuk is a returning guest at Giffoni. In previous editions, he presented THE FAMOUS FIVE (winner of Elements +6 in 2012), THE FAMOUS FIVE 2 (winner of Elements +6 in 2013), and THE CHAOS SISTERS FEAT. PENGUIN PAUL (Elements +6 in 2024). The selection also includes ELLA & FRIENDS – OPERATION OTTER (Finland, debut film by Elin Grönblom), MY PENGUIN FRIEND (Brazil, USA, Spain, directed by David Schurmann – distributed in Italy by Leone Film Group), which also features Jean Reno in the cast, a Giffoni guest in 2012, the debut film THE SONGBIRDS’ SECRET (France, Belgium, directed by Antoine Lanciaux), STITCH HEAD (Germany, Luxembourg, directed by Steve Hudson and  distributed in Italy by Vertice 360), featuring Asa Butterfield among the original voice talents, SUPER CHARLIE (Sweden, Denmark, directed by Jon Holmberg – distributed in Italy by Plaion Pictures) and TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, debut film by David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Leon Vidmar, Jean-Claude Rozec).

The short films in Elements +6 also tackle universal themes with depth and sensitivity, such as personal growth through connection with the past: CARMEN AND THE WOODEN SPOON (Spain, directed by Carlos Gómez-Mira Sagrado). Courage and resilience in the face of obstacles are an important part of TWO / DUE (Italy, directed by Lisa Ricciardi), THE EAGLE AND THE KINGLET (Belgium, France, directed by Paul Jadoul) and SON (Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, directed by Zhanna Bekmambetova).

Emotional bonds, human connections, and the value of friendship are at the heart of: PLAYING HOUSE (Norway, directed by Maria Alvsaker Næss), SMOKE FINGERS (Mexico, directed by Jorge Antonio Estrada) and WHEN I GET RICH (Netherlands, directed by Lucas Camps).

A small collection that, blending intimate and universal narratives, invites us to look inward and toward others, reminding us that growth, courage, and authentic relationships lie at the heart of the human experience.

ELEMENTS +10 (ages 10 to 12)

The Elements +10 films present a variety of core themes, often centered on childhood and adolescence, the search for acceptance and identity, and the challenges of family and social relationships. Many also touch on the importance of resilience, the power of imagination or creativity, and the impact of difficult historical or social contexts.
Here are the titles: BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER (India, debut film by Manohara K.), BRIGHTLY SHINING (Norway, debut film by Ida Sagmo Tvedte), HONEY (Denmark), whose director Natasha Arthy was at Giffoni in 2001 with the film Miracle, THE MOUNTAIN (New Zealand, debut film), directed by Rachel House, who is also an actress and starred in three films previously presented at Giffoni: Whale Rider (Free to Fly, 2003, by Niki Caro), Eagle Vs. Shark (Y Gen, 2007, by Taika Waititi), and Boy (Generator +13, 2010, again by Taika Waititi). She is also among the voice talents in Moana and Moana 2. NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE (France, Canada, Belgium, directed by Ricardo Curtis and Rodrigo Perez-Castro),
THE SECRET FLOOR (Germany, Austria, Luxembourg), directed by Norbert Lechner, who previously came to Giffoni with Fortune Favors the Brave (Elements +10, 2016) and TOMORROW I’LL BE BRAVE (Germany, directed by Bernard Sahling) are going to be screened at the festival.

Among the selected short films, we find the major obstacles that preadolescents begin to face on their path: the difficulty of managing one’s impulses (EARTHQUAKE / TERREMOTO, Italy, directed by Massimiliano Di Lauro and Lorenzo Latrofa), the misunderstanding of adults regarding their passions (MARTA VUOLE GIOCARE, Italy, directed by Matteo Quarta), exploitation that puts education at risk (PATAKHA, United States, directed by Rohit Relan), bullying and the school system’s inability to accept learning disabilities (TEARFUL TIGERS, Spain, directed by Adán Pichardo).

The value of emotional bonds and friendship serve as guiding lights through life’s storms, which often bear the threatening faces of: illness (HAPPY SNAPS, United Kingdom, directed by Tyro Heath), climate change (SNOW BEAR, United States, 2024, by Aaron Blaise), and a chilling, dystopian future (NO PLACE LIKE HOME, Italy, directed by Valeria Gaudieri).

GENERATOR +16 (Ages 16 to 18)

A clear thread running through the section is the journey of young protagonists toward adulthood — often accelerated or complicated by unexpected events or personal challenges.
Six of the seven films featured are debut works: CHRISTY (Ireland, UK), directed by Brendan Canty, COMEBACK (Belgium, Netherlands), directed by Jan Roosens and Raf Roosens, DJ AHMET (Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Serbia), directed by Georgi M. Unkovski – distributed in Italy by Movies Inspired, ISLE CHILD (South Korea, USA), directed by Thoman Percy Kim, LITTLE TROUBLE GIRLS (Slovenia, Italy, Croatia), directed by Urška Djukić – distributed in Italy by Tucker Film, PROMISE I’LL BE FINE (Slovakia, Czech Republic), directed by Katarína Gramatová and CUERPO CELESTE (France, Italy, Chile), directed by Nayra Ilic.

GENERATOR +18 (Ages 18 and up)

The films in this section, though set across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes, share a deep focus on human experiences tied to individual and familial resilience, the search for identity and belonging, and the impact of socio-political contexts on young lives. Many of these stories explore the characters’ ability to face and overcome extreme situations — whether personal, familial, or born of broader crises. CARAVAN (Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia), debut feature by Zuzana Kirchnerová – Italian co-production by Tempesta Film, KNEECAP (Ireland, UK), debut film by Rich Peppiatt – distributed in Italy by Europictures, featuring Michael Fassbender in the cast, LUNA PARK (Albania, Greece, Italy), directed by Florenc Papas – Italian co-production by Lupin Film, MONGRELS (Canada), debut feature by Jerome Yoo, OMAHA (USA), debut feature by Cole Webley, SURVIVING EARTH (UK), debut feature by Thea Gajic, XOFTEX (Germany, France), directed by Noaz Deshe.

PARENTAL EXPERIENCE – Short Films

The selection of short films aimed at parents offers a deep and powerful look into the challenges and complexities of the human experience, with a particular focus on parent-child relationships.

The inability of parents to truly know their children is at the heart of WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU (Germany, Janina Hüttenrauch) and HER NAME IS IDA (Norway, Oscar Bøe), whereas family violence, both physical and psychological, against women and girls is explored in KONG KONG (China, Bochen Gong), LUKHTAK (China, Samariddin Mukhitdinov), and THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (Iran, Mikaeel Dayani).

Themes of resilience in the face of trauma — such as migration, grief, and war — are central to INUNDATION (Netherlands, Ilia ten Böhmer), RAAF (Belgium/Portugal, Jeroen Ceulebrouck) and I DIED IN IRPIN (Czech Republic, Anastasiia Falileieva — Oscar nominee 2025). Through different genres, QUOTA (Netherlands, Job, Joris & Marieke) and NURA (Italy, Lorenz Klapfer) confront us with the possibility of a catastrophic future.

Finally, the following films invite us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and on the many adolescents forced to shoulder responsibilities that adults can no longer bear: THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS (Canada, Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski), THE POMEGRANATE (Iran, Mehrdad Jalali), WORMS (Italy, Domenico Distilo), KŪĪ (New Zealand, Kahu Kaiha).

GEX DOC

The documentaries in this section present a rich panorama of human experiences, often focused on journeys of growth and self-discovery, the complexity of family relationships, and the profound impact of socio-political contexts on the individual. Themes such as resilience, cultural identity, and the role of art and creativity as forms of expression and survival also emerge powerfully.

Featured titles include: BECOMING ROOSI (Estonia, Germany), directed by Margit Lillak, MY BROTHER ALI (Spain), directed by Paula Palacios, MY SWEET LAND (USA, France, Jordan, Ireland), debut film by Sareen Hairabedian

Many of the films delve into intricate family dynamics, exploring the bonds, sacrifices, and challenges that arise from them, as seen in: MOTHERBOARD (UK), debut film by Victoria Mapplebeck, PORTRAIT OF A CONFUSED FATHER (Norway, France), directed by Gunnar Hall Jensen, CUTTING THROUGH ROCKS (Iran, Germany, USA), directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammareza Eyni — distributed in Italy by Wanted Cinema, YALLA PARKOUR (Sweden, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), debut film by Areeb Zuaiter.