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BIUFF — Berlin International Underground Film Festival
Poster for The Leopard Goddess

Filmmaker Spotlight

The Leopard Goddess

Die Leopardengöttin

Directed by Ringo Krause

The most beautiful goddess of Switzerland recounts her mythic transformation in this surreal mockumentary—a tale woven with ego, bloodshed, and unexpected self-awareness.

Official SelectionBIUFF Founding Edition 2026BIUFF-26-0037

About the Film

Valerie claims to be a leopard goddess who has lived for thousands of years. After emancipating herself from the animal kingdom, shedding her fur through meditation and discovering enlightenment in Goa, she now lives peacefully in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Between supermarket shopping, ancient memories and modern self-development advice, she reveals what it really means to have evolved beyond humanity.

Runtime
7 min
Category
Short Film
Country
Switzerland
Year
2025
Language
German
Aspect ratio
16:9

Stills

Still 1 from The Leopard GoddessStill 2 from The Leopard GoddessStill 3 from The Leopard GoddessStill 4 from The Leopard GoddessStill 5 from The Leopard Goddess
Ringo Krause

Ringo Krause

Ringo Krause is a visual artist from Berlin with experience in theatre and short-film production. As a visual artist, he works across painting, stop-motion animation, and photography. His work is informed by a high degree of empathy and an ability to connect with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and environments. He is accustomed to collaborating with diverse groups and bringing different perspectives together. IHe believes that one of the best ways to serve a good idea is to carry it forward and share it with others.

— Director’s statement

We believe in leopards—creatures of grace, patience, and power. They chill when it’s time to chill and hunt when it’s time to strike. That’s the spirit behind this film. We wanted to share a playful yet pointed message: life doesn’t always need to be taken so seriously, but when it calls, go after your dreams with the focus of a predator. Thank you for watching and welcome to the jungle.

Inspired by the Zooerastia movement, the film aims to overcome the heliocentric worldview in which humans are considered the pinnacle of creation and the center of the Earth. In the Bible, there is a command to subdue the creatures of nature, which has not only caused unspeakable suffering but has also driven humanity to the brink of the abyss. Our goal is for humanity to dedicate itself to serving our unique planet, as the preservers and guardians of life.

Credits

Directed by
Ringo Krause
Written by
Valerie Knill
Produced by
Ringo Krause
Cinematography
Ringo Krause
Editing
Valerie Knill
Principal cast
Valerie Knill - The Leopard Goddess
Also
AVII GOLD - Music

— Festival history

Awards: Asian Talent International Film Festival - Best Short Film iDEAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - Best Short Film

Honorable Mention: London Global Film Awards - Best Comedy Folkestone Film Festival - Best Short Film Post-Cinema Film Festival - Best Short Film

Nomine: 7th-RIFF-Roshani International Film Festival - Best Short Film

Film Festivals: Southeast Asia International Film Festival Critics Society Film Festival Berlin International Pictures Awards

The Leopard Goddess is part of the Official Selection of the BIUFF Founding Edition 2026 — 75 films from 32 countries. See the full programme.