Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

Japan (2026, dir. Yusuke Hirota) – 95 mins
This thoughtful, visually vivid sequel to anime mega-hit Poupelle of Chimney Town is an epic adventure about the power of belief.

Guided by Horses

Australia (2025, dir. Sean O’Reilly) – 76 mins
Amid the breathtaking vistas of the Kimberley, a groundbreaking equine sanctuary helps First Nations teenagers discover reconnection and healing.

Hold Onto Me

Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, USA (2026, dir. Myrsini Aristidou) – 102 mins
A young girl connects with her miscreant father via small-time hustle in this beautifully photographed, emotionally deft, award-winning debut.

Mary Anning

Belgium, Switzerland, USA (2025, dir. Marcel Barelli) – 72 mins
The story of a pioneering female palaeontologist, whose discoveries – at just 12 years of age – changed our understanding of prehistory.

Phenomena

Australia (2026, dir. Josef Gatti) – 87 mins
A filmmaker’s chemistry experiments produce dazzlingly psychedelic results in this spectacular, scientifically illuminating Australian debut.

Sad Girlz

Mexico, France, Spain (2026, dir. Fernanda Tovar) – 90 mins
This delicate, sunlit, Berlinale award-winning drama follows two teenage girls forced to navigate the fallout from a traumatic experience.

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Germany (2025, dir. Bernd Sahling) – 80 mins
The anxieties and heart-fluttering feelings of first love are given tender, respectful treatment in this charming coming-of-age tale.

Whispers in May

China (2026, dir. Dongnan Chen) – 92 mins
The winner of the main prize at CPH:DOX, this impressionistic hybrid documentary follows a teenage girl on a quest to find a ceremonial skirt.