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:

Absent Presence International Student Competition
Giorgia Ponticello, 2023, IT, 1 min
To perceive, from the Greek meaning 'touch at a distance'. Absent Presence is a surreal journey of a disconnected body seeking itself in the empty spaces of a house. A play of perceptions unfolds, blurring the line between the ambiguity of reflections and distorted shadows, prompting viewers to question their own experience.

Better Not Kill the Groove International Student Competition
Jonathan Leggett, 2024, CH, 7 min
In search for his identity through scootering and self-development, a young boy explores his relationship to his body and emotions. Composed of footage collected online, the film chronicles the character’s attempts to navigate his existential dismay.

Contresens International Student Competition
Tizia Benmchich-Lanardonne, 2024, FR, 3 min
From a Parisian Métro platform below to the night streets above, one woman decides to go against the current and defy the Parisian routine.