Oldenburg Film Festival Unveils Five Must-See Indie Features
The Oldenburg Film Festival, renowned for showcasing unconventional indie cinema, is set to take place from September 10 to 14, 2025. This year’s lineup features a diverse selection of films, including a Belgian punk music satire and a Mexican cartel thriller. Here are five standout movies that promise to captivate audiences.
Exploring Family Dynamics in ‘Horseshoe’
The Irish drama Horseshoe revolves around four siblings who return to their childhood home following their father’s death. As they confront the unresolved issues of their past, they are haunted by his ghost, who is not ready to let them go. The film presents a gripping 24-hour timeline where old resentments surface, secrets are revealed, and allegiances shift. With its dark humor and poignant exploration of grief, the estate transforms into a pressure cooker of emotions.
A Journey of Courage in ‘Under the Burning Sun’
Another notable entry is Under the Burning Sun, directed by Yun Xie. The film follows Mowanza, a young woman who becomes pregnant after an assault in a country where abortion is illegal. Armed with only a car and a bottle of water, she embarks on a harrowing journey through the desert to seek legal medical help in a neighboring state. This microbudget film captures essential feminist themes while depicting a gripping and haunting narrative.
Satirical Exploration of the Music Industry in ‘Summer Hit Machine’
Oldenburg regular Jerome Vandewattyne, winner of the 2023 Audacity Award for The Belgian Wave, returns with another music satire titled Summer Hit Machine. The film portrays a band locked in a studio, trying to record a cover song that their eccentric label boss believes will secure him a prestigious Summer Hit Machine Award. As his grip on reality begins to unravel, the recording session descends into chaos, offering a humorous yet critical look at the music industry.
Supernatural Thrills in ‘Good Boy’
From the recent SXSW festival comes Good Boy, directed by Ben Leonberg. This supernatural horror film is told entirely from the perspective of Indy, a loyal Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Indy senses dark forces threatening his owner, prompting him to confront these dangers in a unique twist on the haunted house genre. The film offers a fresh and canine perspective on familiar horror tropes, engaging audiences in an unexpected way.
Truth in Adversity: ‘Cocodrilos’
Finally, Cocodrilos, directed by J. Xavier Velasco, premiered at the Guadalajara Film Festival and will have its European premiere in Oldenburg. The film follows Santiago, a young photojournalist in Veracruz, who aspires to expose corruption. After his mentor is murdered and the investigation is stifled, Santiago decides to go public against warnings that doing so could jeopardize his life. This tense thriller highlights the real dangers faced by journalists in Mexico, emphasizing the courage required to pursue the truth.
With its diverse selection of films, the Oldenburg Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for innovative storytelling in independent cinema. As the festival approaches, audiences can look forward to engaging narratives that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
