Synopsis
Max, a young ice cream vendor with aspirations of becoming a techno musician, is paralyzed by fear just before stepping on stage at a rave club. Forced on an introspective yet visually expressive journey, Max is confronted by his insecurity and the cold presence of Alex, the guardian of loneliness. But when he unexpectedly meets the charming Helen, she is determined to free him from the clutches of self-doubt.
Max, a young ice cream vendor with aspirations of becoming a techno musician, is paralyzed by fear just before stepping on stage at a rave club. Forced on an introspective yet visually expressive journey, Max is confronted by his insecurity and the cold presence of Alex, the guardian of loneliness. But when he unexpectedly meets the charming Helen, she is determined to free him from the clutches of self-doubt.
Full credits
- Section
- International Student Competition
- Director
- Roberts Vanags
- Choreographer
- Karīna Lapšina
- Production countries
- Latvia
- Production year
- 2024
- Duration
- 22 minutes
- Producer
- Nikola Ozola, Emīls Alps
- Website
- https://neonorma.lv/en/portfolio/north-pole/
You might also like:

Her Body New Dutch
Daphne Lucker, 2024, NL, 14 min
Sophie, a curious and healthy eleven-year-old girl, is confined to a hospital bed under her mother’s constant watch. When she meets Buck, a cheerful nine-year-old adventurer, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and movement. As they explore together, Sophie begins to question the reality of her situation, wondering if she is truly as unwell as her mother insists.

Hanging On Short Docs
Alfie Barker, 2021, GB, 11 min
In Oulton, Leeds, an old coal-mining community of over 60 houses still stands. Originally built as temporary council housing but later sold to private investors, these homes now face the threat of demolition, putting a large number of residents at risk of displacement—some of whom have lived there their entire lives. Through a combination of audio interviews and a striking visual metaphor, we uncover the stories of a tightly-knit community, their cherished memories, and the stress and uncertainty surrounding their ongoing campaign to save their homes.

Ineffable Shape: The shape of language New Dutch
Emilia Tapprest & Miri Lee, 2024, NL, 13 min
In a world where translation is increasingly automated, what understanding can emerge from intuition, improvisation, and nonverbal bodily intelligence? Amid the hum of their environment, two candidates train to interpret the rhythms, patterns, and nuances of a nearby field sparrow. What starts as an exercise in empathy and attunement leads to unexpected realizations about the ‘shape’ of language.