While massive eruptions occur in Iceland, young volcanologist Matilda is stranded in Zurich. Between webcam footage of the bubbling landscapes and the dull rhythm of a folk festival in her hometown, a longing for the vastness of Iceland grows within her. In a late-night phone call with an old friend, she shares her feelings. She confesses her sense of alienation – from the place, from the time, from herself. In their conversations, memories, thoughts, and existence begin to overlap – between exploration and longing, between origins and departure, between fire and stillness.
15’
Starring Esther Gaspart Michels
Written & Directed by Francis Meier
Festivals & Nominations
Solothurner Filmtage
Kurzfilmtage Winterthur
Born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1996. After studying at the University of Zurich, he worked on film productions, including at Ensemble Film, and was an assistant director at Theater Neumarkt. He made several short films and completed his bachelor's degree in film at ZHdK (Zurich University of the Arts) in 2025 with the short movie FIRELINE (2025). His practice moves between film and the visual arts.
Fireline was screened at Kurzfilmtage Winterthur (2025) and Neu! (2025).