The South East European Film Festival in Los Angeles (SEEfest) pioneered the concept of regional, cross-border programming with issue-driven films that tell a larger story about South East Europe, where borders of all kinds are fluid and porous just as often as poisonous. By presenting multiple points of view from this troubled region, the festival unlocks delicate doors into human existence, highlighting concerns of our time that resonate with American audiences.

The festival annually presents internationally acclaimed films, art installations, a filmmaker conference, accelerator for film and new media projects in development, film retrospectives, literary salons, and other events. SEEfest maintains an extensive network of cultural, artistic, civic and public diplomacy partners and also serves as a resource for film aficionados, educators, young scholars, youth volunteers and the media.

The 20th annual South East European Film Festival (SEEfest), co-presented by ELMA, the foundation for European Languages and Movies in America, is excited to bring you another stellar lineup.

Schedule

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Shorts Program 1: Documentaries

10 - 11:30 AM @ Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

How and why do historical figures become key to our memories of the past? How do specific places become sites of post-imperial memory? And how are former empires personified through objects and material culture? The daughter of a Transylvanian-Saxon travels to Romania with her mother to discover her family's life under communism and the meaning of home. This personal short documentary tells the story of a soldier who never wanted to be one.

Shorts Program 2: Documentaries

11:30 AM - 1 PM @ Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

Cena, the grouchy Slovenian woodcarver spent his childhood dreaming of jumping from the Giant of Planica, a legendary ski-jump built to break records. Although a bad case of asthma cut his wings at an early age, his dreams live on. Each summer, he organizes his very own Ski Jumping World Championship - in his own garden.

Shorts Program 3: Animation

1 - 2:30 PM @ Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

A movie about a breakup. A young man is cleaning his father's apartment who recently passed away. He is forced to relive traumatic memories of growing up and losing his soul. A Colombian cumbia song that tells us how to respect our timing and enjoy the small things. How the Croatian space forces were sent to the newly discovered planet New Paradise as part of the space exploration program. The painter is always stopped by a butterfly before making his first brushstroke.

At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking

5 - 6:30 PM @ Laemmle Royal

A story about man and grief as a universal human experience that can be both isolating and unifying.

When Santa Was a Communist

7:15 - 8:45 PM @ Laemmle Royal

An acting troupe tries to bring the joy and sparkle of Santa Claus to children in post-war Bosnia, but the shadows of the past do not rest.

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Date: April 30 to May 7, 2025