»Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.«
– Susan B. Anthony, 1896

The bicycle is a symbol of freedom. We can get around more freely with a bike than with a car, bus or train. And it’s also faster than walking. The use of bikes is a plus in terms of flexibility, space and air to breathe. This is true for us as individuals – but for the city itself too. Biking takes up less space, produces no emissions, and bike paths are much easier to build than roads.

There’s also a case for saying that short films symbolise freedom. Producing them takes less time, money and effort than feature films. At the same time, due to the lack of standard distribution parameters such as exist for television or cinema, short films are produced in a wider range of formats. Short films are more experimental in terms of narrative, imagery and content. All of which justifies teaming up the bike and the short film, and highlighting another of their commonalities: they provide pleasure!

Shorts on Wheels takes us on a journey of discovery through Dortmund, leaving behind the traditional cinema setting and venturing out into the city. Equipped with mobile projector, sound system and playback device, we cycle to select locations and turn bare walls into projection screens. Together we take over the urban environment to promote an independent cultural scene and sustainable city life where cycling and cinema have a firm place. Shorts on Wheels has been regularly organised since 2014 by Cologne Short Film Festival (KFFK) and has become a fixture in Cologne’s biking and cultural scene. In collaboration with the KFFK, Punta Velo and Velo Kitchen Dortmund, this special event is taking place in Dortmund for the first time.