At some point in SUMMERTIME, a book authored by a therapist makes an appearance: “How to Rap Battle Your Demons” tells how to diss away the voices in your head, and is a perfect summation of this original summer hit by Carlos López Estrada. 27 young spoken-word poets take their hopes and dreams, their pain and struggles to the sunny streets of L.A. via their DIY verses. The interwoven episodes touch on body shaming and workplace exploitation, poverty and fame, racism and homophobia. Oh, and the formidable task of finding a simple, tasty burger. With dark humour throughout and no lack of hijinks, this maverick German premiere is nevertheless full of authentic emotion, and not afraid of spreading it on a bit thicker at times either.

Carlos López Estrada began his career directing music videos for musicians like Billie Eilish, Father John Misty, Thundercat and Flying Lotus, Carly Rae Jepsen, Clipping and Passion Pit. In 2012, he won a Latin Grammy for an animated music video he directed for artists Jesse & Joy. He recently joined Walt Disney Animation Studios to co-direct the original animated feature RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.

Filmography: 2018 BLINDSPOTTING, 2019 LEGION (short film), 2020 SUMMERTIME, 2021 RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (co-director: Don Hall)

Awards: Futurewave Youth Jury Award (Seattle International Film Festival, USA 2020), Publikumspreis (La Roche-sur-Yon International Film Festival, France 2020)