In December 2024, Eleven Ten Studio welcomed the first edition of the FAST FORWARD Film Festival, a celebration of innovative cinema from bold, emerging voices. Running from December 5th to 20th, 2024, the festival spotlighted themes of feminism, nomadic lifestyles, and critiques of modern society, inviting audiences to reimagine their place in an ever-changing world.
The festival kicked off with "Ink & Origins – Rediscovering Our Connections," a thought-provoking exploration of identity and embodiment. Yoo Ra Hong’s “AGAMI: Prelude”, blending documentary and fiction, delved into humanity’s bond with water and disparities in access through mesmerizing tattoo-inspired art. The night ended with a live tattooing session, offering an unforgettable immersive experience.
Films that spark conversations
Each festival block brought unique narratives to life:
Voices Unbound – Stories of Identity & Resilience
This collection brought to light profound narratives of personal and collective struggles, with a particular focus on women's rights and social justice in Iran. Rojin Shafiei’s “Threads of Identity” offered a deeply intimate exploration of resilience and feminist movements, while Mont Carver’s “Crying Queens” and “Hangover of Love” introduced experimental and emotionally charged perspectives on healing, heartbreak, and societal beauty standards.
Landscapes of Being – Place, Presence, and Belonging
This block invited audiences to reflect on the deep connections between identity and the landscapes we inhabit. From Tom Lane’s poetic “A HYMN FOR HARMONY”, which celebrated the harmony between people and places, to Shi Yun Teo’s introspective “spaces as traces”, the films offered a rich tapestry of cultural and personal reflections on belonging and presence.
Systems and Communities – Tech, Transformation, and Society’s Impact
Exploring the intersection of technology and identity, this segment challenged viewers to reconsider societal norms and the influence of technology on modern life. Tom Lane’s speculative feature “DESQUAMATION” delved into transformation and mental health, while Bailey Keogh’s “TECHNO HOLISTIC MEDICINE” and other shorts brought experimental and thought-provoking takes on the role of technology in shaping individual and collective experiences.
Beyond the screen: embodying change
A live performance by Tom Lane on December 19th, paired with “DESQUAMATION” streaming, pushed the boundaries of storytelling by urging viewers to confront the fluidity of identity and transformation. It was a fitting conclusion to a festival that constantly pushed the audience to reflect and evolve.
Thank you to our artists and visitors
The Fast Forward Film Festival owes its success to the incredible talent and vision of our participating artists and the enthusiasm and engagement of our visitors. To the filmmakers who shared their bold, transformative stories and the audiences who embraced them, we extend our deepest gratitude. Together, you’ve made this inaugural festival a memorable celebration of creativity, resilience, and innovation.
Films and artists featured at the festival (in order of appearance):
"AGAMI: Prelude" by Yoo Ra Hong
“Seams of Resilience,” “There…,” “Untitled,” “I Trust My Fall,” “The Toaster I Used to Live In” by Rojin Shafiei
"Crying Queens" and "Hangover of Love" by Mont Carver
"A HYMN FOR HARMONY" by Tom Lane
"What Has the Landscape Witnessed?" by Magdalena Hart
"Gurumi pt.1" by Sulme & Jae-Nder Fluid
"Il corpo" by Asiia Gabdullina
“(Unraveling the Elephant) - (E)xp(L)oring spirals in th(E) (PH)ysic(A)l curre(NT)” by Lin Pei-Han
"spaces as traces" and "Now, Then" by Shi Yun Teo
"Tierra" and "Obex Icis" by Carlos Silva
"Die (臺) i (語) ng in Fovsen-Njaarke" by Lin Pei-Han
"DESQUAMATION" by Tom Lane
"TECHNO HOLISTIC MEDICINE" by Bailey Keogh
"suppressive behavior" by Vincent Stangl
"Franz" by Tom Lane
"20 minutes full body workout" by Vaste Programme
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