Winterthur Short Film Festival: From algae to algorithms
The 29th Winterthur International Short Film Festival, taking place November 4–9, presents a festival of contrasts. With special programs focusing on Indian cinema and the relationship between the body and space, as well as a record number of world premieres, the festival promises new perspectives on nature, movement, and technology.
Algae that overgrow people, bodies that redefine spaces and machines that learn to dream: The 29th Winterthur International Short Film Festival will interweave nature, movement and technology into an extraordinary festival program from 4 to 9 November 2025.
This year's festival trailer "Algae" by Matthias Sahli and Immanuel Esser sets the tone: A glistening red water algae spreads in crystal-clear river pools. People try to remove it, but when thrown ashore it overgrows stones and bathers until it takes over everything. With analog charm and glittery aesthetics, the filmmakers create a dystopian vision that seems frighteningly real.
The 2025 festival program presents two focal points: The "Focus: Cinema of India" takes us through more than 100 years of Indian film history and shows the diversity of the subcontinent beyond Bollywood in six short film programs. In "Focus: Motion in Motion", the human body becomes a political statement - between ecstasy, resistance and community.
A special highlight awaits industry guests: Nebojša Slijepčević, award-winning director of "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" (European Film Award "Best Short Film", Short Film Festival Audience Award, Oscar nomination), will give the keynote speech at the Industry Lab.
