Now more than ever, there is a pressing need for narratives capable of stimulating critical thought, rekindling excitement or prompting introspection within the tumultuous landscape of contemporary society – and this sentiment underscores the collective vision of Less Is More (LIM). The LIM 2024 selection epitomises a fervent commitment to cultivating stories that offer fresh insights into the complexities of our present reality. LIM endeavours annually to champion emerging storytellers who recognise the profound impact their narratives can have on individuals within their communities. Beyond mere entertainment, they assert that cinema possesses the potential to resonate deeply within the human psyche.

LIM embarks on a cinematic journey across the diverse landscapes of Europe, where borders blur and narratives intertwine. Each project brings forth a unique perspective, reflecting the aspirations, fears, dreams and visions of the directors and screenwriters involved. They recognise the importance of collaboration with both each other and LIM to enhance the development of their projects. Whether hailing from Ukraine, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Balkans or Central Europe, their collective aim is to effectively communicate the intrinsic value of their stories, making them resonate with viewers and those who understand the profound impact of storytelling.

This year's participants bring a diverse range of talents to the table. Isla Badenoch, a filmmaker hailing from the UK and Ireland, delves into the intricacies of hidden communities and their connection to nature, aiming to challenge stereotypes and elicit compassion through her films. Nathan Fagan, an accomplished writer-director from Ireland, boasts a remarkable festival history, exploring varied narratives that have earned international acclaim and paved the way for his upcoming feature debut. Meanwhile, Greek filmmaker Georgis Grigorakis (Digger [+lire aussi :
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interview : Georgis Grigorakis
fiche film]), drawing on a background in social psychology, crafts powerful shorts and features that have garnered global attention, setting a high standard for his future endeavours. Slovak director Terézia Halamová's work revolves around the themes of loneliness and intimacy, showcasing a talent for working with non-professional actors and earning recognition on the international stage, thus solidifying her position as a rising star in European cinema. Jenna Hasse (Longing for the World [+lire aussi :
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Furthermore, Gvozden Ilić, hailing from Belgrade, captures the essence of both locales and emotions, employing silent expression to delve into human connections and the beauty of urban landscapes. Scottish filmmaker Catriona Macinnes, renowned for her distinct visual style, creates narratives that captivate audiences and earn accolades at prestigious festivals, cementing her position as a rising star in European cinema. Isabella Margara, a Greek talent, seamlessly integrates her medical expertise into cinematic storytelling, earning widespread acclaim and emerging as a formidable presence in national cinema. Frederike Migom (Binti [+lire aussi :
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fiche film]), based in Brussels, is celebrated for her compelling narratives and visually striking films, having won numerous awards for pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Alina Panasenko, a Ukrainian director and visual artist, explores the intertwining realms of cinema and politics, contributing to the cultural dialogue in Ukrainian filmmaking. Meanwhile, Tess Quatri, a Norwegian-Swedish filmmaker, injects a fresh perspective into Scandinavian cinema with her unique storytelling approach, garnering early recognition for her upcoming debut feature and signalling a promising future in the industry.

Additionally, Hilke Rönnfeldt, a filmmaker of Danish-German descent, weaves poetic narratives that delve into rural life and human connections. Daniel Soares, a Portuguese-German writer-director, crafts visually arresting narratives that resonate deeply with viewers, earning him a series of awards and nominations, and positioning him as a significant figure in European cinema. Anastasiia Solonevych, a Ukrainian director, seamlessly merges fiction and non-fiction elements in her storytelling, garnering international acclaim for her genuine approach and solidifying her status as a rising star in Ukrainian cinema. Meanwhile, Christina Tynkevych, a Ukrainian filmmaker based in London, offers a distinct perspective in her narratives, with her debut feature, How Is Katia? [+lire aussi :
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interview : Christina Tynkevych
fiche film], having premiered at Locarno, swiftly establishing her as a prominent voice in European cinema. Lastly, Ívar Erik Yeoman, an Icelandic filmmaker, delves into philosophical themes in his visually striking narratives, spanning the realms of fiction and documentary, and continuously pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling with his diverse body of work.

Supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme of the European Union, LIM | Less is More is led by Le Groupe Ouest, and was developed with Control N, the Flanders Audiovisual Fund – VAF (Belgium) and the Krakow Festival Office – KBF, in partnership with the Norwegian Film Institute, the Brittany region, Focal and the MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, as well as Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Ffilm Cymru Wales.

Here is the full LIM 2024 selection:

30 Days of Summer - Anastasiia Solonevych (Ukraine)
900 Tons - Daniel Soares (Portugal)
All-clear - Christina Tynkevych (Ukraine)
Black Water - Isabella Margara (Greece)
Construction - Frederike Migom (Belgium)
Gait - Alina Panasenko (Ukraine)
Gift from God - Catriona Macinnes (Scotland)
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf - Terézia Halamová (Slovakia)
Like There is No Tomorrow - Tess Quatri (Norway)
Morphs - Hilke Rönnfeldt (Germany)
Nektar - Georgis Grigorakis (Greece)
Snow - Jenna Hasse (Switzerland)
Spindrift - Nathan Fagan (Ireland)
Thorn - Gvozden Ilić (Serbia)
The Ward - Ívar Erik Yeoman (Iceland)
Whisperer - Isla Badenoch (UK/Ireland)