11th FeKK: Keep the Dream Burning
The tagline ‘Keep the dream burning’ might be interpreted as a restrained appeal to tenacity. This interpretation may be significantly enhanced by an echo from Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream, a song which is neither ecstatic nor optimistic but rather mantric, repeating a single sentence as a mechanical prayer. Its tenacity serves as a metaphor for the world, where to persevere means to win – not because the goal is attainable but because the mere existence of dreams ignites the (preservation of) meaning.
And so, film festivals, especially short film festivals, can be understood as a platform for small acts of tenacity – micro-rebellions, statements with no guarantee but no less weight. In this respect the tagline is political. Yet, not in the sense of a programme but as a stance to keep the dreams alive even when the world resembles a nightmare – a mixture of the collapse of international ethical and legal order, burnouts and tangible threats. These burning dreams are not a clear vision of the future but an imperfect alternative of the present. Their burning symbolises longevity, not advancement.
If our 10th anniversary last year declared that FeKK as a manifestation of a dream (and as a short form) is not just a phase but a symbol and result of tenacity, we now look forward to the new decade and dare to dream anew. Based on the past, we consider new stages and goals, which bring with them new responsibilities.
As a festival, we strive to act thoughtfully, responsibly, and sustainably, especially given that cultural work does not exist outside of a broader social context. Furthermore, we accept responsibility that comes with certain achievements, which means that the European support of our programme, connections with partner festivals and networks, and the trust of our viewers, creators, partners, and funders compel us to continue developing. It is also for these reasons that we cultivate new practices, shape festival etiquette, and create programmes and content that do not shy away from challenging themes (such as genocide, misogyny, or other forms of systematic violence), but instead address them thoughtfully. We believe that the festival’s creative and organisational setting may foster fair labour conditions, mutual assistance, and a clear moral stance. We aim to build stronger foundations for the team, creators, and viewers, and it is not inconsequential that our adherence to ideals such as solidarity, respect, integration, accessibility, and transparency is what enables the dream to keep burning at all. Although the short film field in which we operate is a niche, we know that this is where fresh ideas, which can broaden the future horizon, emerge. As a result, we view growth as a process that is inextricably linked to concern for people, the environment, and the festival’s cultural and social significance.
‘Keep the dream burning’ is therefore not a call to great ideals but a mantra or an operational guideline. It is vital to dream and to actively strive to keep our dreams alive. You don’t have to believe in them; just keep them alive. It may not sound all that ecstatic and inspiring, but, for now, it is enough.
Peter Cerovšek, Matevž Jerman