71st edition. From 23 to 31 October 2026.
71st edition.
23/31 Oct. 2026
23/31 Oct. 2026
In this war-worn and impoverished corner of Eastern Ukraine where addiction casts a long shadow, there sits a safe haven for children temporarily removed from their parents. A House Made of Splinters follows three kids awaiting their fate— will they go back or move on to a new home?— while a group of dedicated social workers create small moments of joy and respite from childhoods all but lost.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Simon graduated as a Documentary Film Director from The National Film School of Denmark in 2009. His first feature documentary film ‘The Distant Barking of Dogs’ (2017), premiered at IDFA (2017), and was awarded Best First Appearance. It has since then won 35+ awards worldwide, and it was nominated for a European Film Award (EFA 2018), an Emmy (2020), and shortlisted for an Oscar (2019). As a director, his films also include ‘Dormitory Master’ (2009), ‘Above Ground, Beneath the Sky’ (2008), ‘Chikara - The Sumo Wrestler’s Son’ (2013) and ‘The Fencing Champion’ (2014). ‘A House Made of Splinters’ (2022) premiered at the Sundance Festival, where it won the award for Best Director in the documentary section.
