Fri 26.05.2017 | 17:20Sami Blood (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Amanda Kernell
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, 2016, 110 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Info
The Scandinavian variant of a shameful practice employed by self-proclaimed “civilized" nations around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries: the systematic removal of Indigenous children from their parents, homes, and traditional lifestyles and forced integration into an educational system that taught them that their customs and lifestyles were inferior at best. Elle Marja is a teenage Sámi girl in the 1930s who is sent to a boarding school intended on raising its Indigenous charges to a level "acceptable" to the rest of Swedish society. Curious and excited, Elle Marja at first excels in her new surroundings, mastering the Swedish language and her other lessons while her younger sister, Njenna, struggles. But this very success, coupled with Elle Marja's intense desire to be accepted by her teachers, her internalization of the school's vile lessons about race and class, and her burgeoning sexuality, soon drives a wedge between her and her fellow students, forcing her to take an action she may not have the opportunity to regret.
Fri 26.05.2017 | 20:00Butterfly Kisses (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Rafael Kapelinski
U.K., 2017, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
At the housing estate they call home, Jake, Kyle and Jarred hang around playing billiards, partying, smoking pot, watching porn, and talking about sex. They welcome anything that breaks the routine, even if it's a fight at the snooker hall – or a new neighbour such as the pretty Zara, a teenage girl who just moved into the estate with her younger sister. Standing at the window on the top floor, Jake can survey the whole housing block. Something about this place captivates him: the solitude, the isolation, the anonymity. In high contrast black and white, set to haunting organ music, the film portrays the life of a teenager whose increasing isolation takes on a sinister form under the burden of a secret he cannot tell anyone.
Sat 27.05.2017 | 17:20Little Wing (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Selma Vilhunen
Finland, Denmark, 2016, 100 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
A sharp and touching portrait of adolescence. A tender-hearted coming-of-age story shot in a low-key, realist style. It centers on a resourceful adolescent who decides to track down her biological father… Twelve years old and small for her age, Varpu may not be as physically developed as other girls but she is mature and independent beyond her years. Indeed, it's her mother that behaves in an inappropriately child-like manner: crying when she can't pass her driver's test, clambering into her daughter's bed when she feels sad and lonely and complaining about her life rather than asking Varpu about hers. She can't even remember her daughter's birthday. Yearning for a less self-centered parent, one night Varpu decides to go find her dad. But even though she can act like an adult, it doesn't mean she has an adult's understanding of the world...
Sat 27.05.2017 | 20:00The Young Offenders (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Peter Foott
Ireland, 2016, 83 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Best friends Conor and Jock dress the same, act the same, and go pretty much everywhere together. When news breaks that 61 bales of cocaine worth seven million euros each has gone missing off Ireland's west coast, the boys steal a pair of bicycles — Jock is already an inveterate bike thief who has attracted the keen attention of a local police sergeant — and pedal across the Irish countryside hoping to find the contraband treasure and sell it to finance their escape from difficult circumstances. With the Garda in close pursuit, mayhem and misadventure inevitably ensue. Delightful and absurdly funny, the film is a portrait of the friendship between two sensitive young desperados with noble intentions.
Sun 28.05.2017 | 17:20Summer 1993 (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Carla Simon Pipó
Spain, 2017, 96 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
In the summer 1993, following the death of her parents, 6-year-old Frida moves from Barcelona to the Catalan province to live with her aunt and uncle, who are now her new legal guardians. The country life is a challenge for Frida – time passes differently in her new home and the nature that surrounds her is mysterious and estranging. She now has a little sister for whom she has to take care of and has to deal with new feelings, such as jealousy. Often, Frida is naively convinced that running away would be the best solution to her problems. Yet, the family does what it can to achieve a fragile new balance and bring normality to their life. Occasional family outings to a local fiesta or a swimming pool, cooking or listening to jazz in the garden bring them moments of happiness. Slowly, Frida realizes that she is there to stay and has to adapt to the new environment. Before the season is over, she has to cope with her emotions and her new parents have to learn to love her as their own daughter.
Sun 28.05.2017 | 20:00Butterfly Kisses (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Rafael Kapelinski
U.K., 2017, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
At the housing estate they call home, Jake, Kyle and Jarred hang around playing billiards, partying, smoking pot, watching porn, and talking about sex. They welcome anything that breaks the routine, even if it's a fight at the snooker hall – or a new neighbour such as the pretty Zara, a teenage girl who just moved into the estate with her younger sister. Standing at the window on the top floor, Jake can survey the whole housing block. Something about this place captivates him: the solitude, the isolation, the anonymity. In high contrast black and white, set to haunting organ music, the film portrays the life of a teenager whose increasing isolation takes on a sinister form under the burden of a secret he cannot tell anyone.
Mon 29.05.2017 | 16:30Hunting Flies (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Izer Aliu
Norway, 2016, 106 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
The rise and fall of a dictatorship in a classroom. At first glance this is a film about childhood, but it is also deeply political. The story takes place in Macedonia, where politics and ethnicity still create great divisions in the population. On their first day in junior high school, three friends meet their new classmates. The teacher Ghani quickly discovers that old conflicts divide the class. Ghani, who will lose his job as the new government replaces the old teachers with their own administration, tries to convince the director to keep him on. He declares his intention to make peace in his class, and starts work on mediation. He is determined not to quit until the groups have reconciled. This is a film about boys who reproduce their fathers’ feuds and about a country where choosing the wrong side in politics can have serious consequences.
Mon 29.05.2017 | 19:20Filthy (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Tereza Nvotová
Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, 2017, 87 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
This is the coming-of-age story of 17-year old Lena. In love with a boy for the first time, Lena longs for freedom and adventure. Her magic world is shattered instantly when her teacher, whom all her classmates have a crush on, rapes her in her own home. Instead of sharing her trauma, Lena keeps it a secret, even from her best friend. Her pent up feelings drive her to attempt suicide. Her family in shock, Lena ends up in a psychiatric ward. In the middle of wild and similarly misunderstood kids, she discovers she is not alone in her experience. But when her close roommate hangs herself, Lena hits bottom. She agrees to electroconvulsive therapy. At first, it seems to help and – apart from memory loss – Lena is well again. But the attempt to live her old life doesn’t last long. Gradually, her memories come to the surface, bringing a realization that is unbearable. This time, however, she does not fall into the same abyss of self-hate and instead tries to face the trauma.
Mon 29.05.2017 | 19:40Heartstone (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson
Iceland, 2016, 129 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
In his directorial debut, director and screenwriter Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson offers us a view into the lives of two teenage boys in a remote fishing village in Iceland. Thor and Christian truly experience a turbulent summer. As one tries to win a girl's heart, the other discovers till now unfamiliar emotions towards his best friend. As Iceland's harsh nature takes back its right with the ending summer, it is high time to leave the playground and face adulthood. The sensitive and intimate story is like a mosaic composed of many of life's important themes: the relationship between parents and children, life in a remote village, first love, awakening of puberty and sexuality, and friendship.
Tue 30.05.2017 | 17:20Heartstone (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson
Iceland, 2016, 129 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
In his directorial debut, director and screenwriter Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson offers us a view into the lives of two teenage boys in a remote fishing village in Iceland. Thor and Christian truly experience a turbulent summer. As one tries to win a girl's heart, the other discovers till now unfamiliar emotions towards his best friend. As Iceland's harsh nature takes back its right with the ending summer, it is high time to leave the playground and face adulthood. The sensitive and intimate story is like a mosaic composed of many of life's important themes: the relationship between parents and children, life in a remote village, first love, awakening of puberty and sexuality, and friendship.
Tue 30.05.2017 | 19:40Butterfly Kisses (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Rafael Kapelinski
U.K., 2017, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
At the housing estate they call home, Jake, Kyle and Jarred hang around playing billiards, partying, smoking pot, watching porn, and talking about sex. They welcome anything that breaks the routine, even if it's a fight at the snooker hall – or a new neighbour such as the pretty Zara, a teenage girl who just moved into the estate with her younger sister. Standing at the window on the top floor, Jake can survey the whole housing block. Something about this place captivates him: the solitude, the isolation, the anonymity. In high contrast black and white, set to haunting organ music, the film portrays the life of a teenager whose increasing isolation takes on a sinister form under the burden of a secret he cannot tell anyone.
Tue 30.05.2017 | 20:00Filthy (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Tereza Nvotová
Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, 2017, 87 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
This is the coming-of-age story of 17-year old Lena. In love with a boy for the first time, Lena longs for freedom and adventure. Her magic world is shattered instantly when her teacher, whom all her classmates have a crush on, rapes her in her own home. Instead of sharing her trauma, Lena keeps it a secret, even from her best friend. Her pent up feelings drive her to attempt suicide. Her family in shock, Lena ends up in a psychiatric ward. In the middle of wild and similarly misunderstood kids, she discovers she is not alone in her experience. But when her close roommate hangs herself, Lena hits bottom. She agrees to electroconvulsive therapy. At first, it seems to help and – apart from memory loss – Lena is well again. But the attempt to live her old life doesn’t last long. Gradually, her memories come to the surface, bringing a realization that is unbearable. This time, however, she does not fall into the same abyss of self-hate and instead tries to face the trauma.
Wed 31.05.2017 | 17:10Summer 1993 (2017)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Carla Simon Pipó
Spain, 2017, 96 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
In the summer 1993, following the death of her parents, 6-year-old Frida moves from Barcelona to the Catalan province to live with her aunt and uncle, who are now her new legal guardians. The country life is a challenge for Frida – time passes differently in her new home and the nature that surrounds her is mysterious and estranging. She now has a little sister for whom she has to take care of and has to deal with new feelings, such as jealousy. Often, Frida is naively convinced that running away would be the best solution to her problems. Yet, the family does what it can to achieve a fragile new balance and bring normality to their life. Occasional family outings to a local fiesta or a swimming pool, cooking or listening to jazz in the garden bring them moments of happiness. Slowly, Frida realizes that she is there to stay and has to adapt to the new environment. Before the season is over, she has to cope with her emotions and her new parents have to learn to love her as their own daughter.
Wed 31.05.2017 | 17:20Boy on the Bridge (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Petros Charalambous
Cyprus, 2016, 85 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Spring has come to a Cypriot village, bringing with it an invitation for Socrates to indulge in his favourite pastimes: setting off homemade fireworks, tormenting local pensioners, hurtling through the village on a moped and defying his mother. As Easter looms, Socrates masterminds a plan to make the biggest firecracker of the year and set it off at midnight on Holy Saturday. The device explodes collapsing part of the church and burying an old man beneath the rubble. The spotlight shines briefly on Socrates before illuminating a more serious crime. A boy has been attacked and the village becomes a hotbed of gossip and finger-pointing. When a friend is arrested for the crime, Socrates, convinced of his innocence, is determined to find the real perpetrator. Behind the scenes in this seemingly idyllic backwater, an abused wife plots revenge on her husband, a scheming miser falls in love and a dangerous predator stalks the innocent. Spring brings a rude awakening to all the villagers and Socrates in particular.
Wed 31.05.2017 | 19:20Sami Blood (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Amanda Kernell
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, 2016, 110 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
The Scandinavian variant of a shameful practice employed by self-proclaimed “civilized" nations around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries: the systematic removal of Indigenous children from their parents, homes, and traditional lifestyles and forced integration into an educational system that taught them that their customs and lifestyles were inferior at best. Elle Marja is a teenage Sámi girl in the 1930s who is sent to a boarding school intended on raising its Indigenous charges to a level "acceptable" to the rest of Swedish society. Curious and excited, Elle Marja at first excels in her new surroundings, mastering the Swedish language and her other lessons while her younger sister, Njenna, struggles. But this very success, coupled with Elle Marja's intense desire to be accepted by her teachers, her internalization of the school's vile lessons about race and class, and her burgeoning sexuality, soon drives a wedge between her and her fellow students, forcing her to take an action she may not have the opportunity to regret.
Wed 31.05.2017 | 19:40Where Have All the Good Men Gone (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Rene Frelle Petersen
Denmark, 2016, 94 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Living in a tiny trailer in the back of their family's bar, Sofia and her older half-sister Olivia live a rough life filled with abuse and exploitation. Sofia's stepfather, Lars, is a violent man who keeps the girls and their mother under an iron thumb. When their mother lets it slip that Sofia's biological father may still be alive and living nearby, Sofia packs up her and Olivia's bags and they hit the road, going off of an address found on an old love letter. What they find is rather unexpected. Adam, Sofia's father, is holed up in an isolated farmhouse surrounded by barbed wire and signs that warn everyone to "KEEP OUT!" An ex-soldier with severe PTSD, Adam lives alone and has no interest in opening up to anyone, much less two young runaways. The girls camp out outside his property until he finally gives in and lets them stay with him, and slowly but surely they all grow close to resembling the kind of stable, caring family the girls have always wanted. Things can't stay perfect forever, though, and the girls realize they might not have gone far enough to escape Lars.
Thu 01.06.2017 | 17:20Boy on the Bridge (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Petros Charalambous
Cyprus, 2016, 85 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Spring has come to a Cypriot village, bringing with it an invitation for Socrates to indulge in his favourite pastimes: setting off homemade fireworks, tormenting local pensioners, hurtling through the village on a moped and defying his mother. As Easter looms, Socrates masterminds a plan to make the biggest firecracker of the year and set it off at midnight on Holy Saturday. The device explodes collapsing part of the church and burying an old man beneath the rubble. The spotlight shines briefly on Socrates before illuminating a more serious crime. A boy has been attacked and the village becomes a hotbed of gossip and finger-pointing. When a friend is arrested for the crime, Socrates, convinced of his innocence, is determined to find the real perpetrator. Behind the scenes in this seemingly idyllic backwater, an abused wife plots revenge on her husband, a scheming miser falls in love and a dangerous predator stalks the innocent. Spring brings a rude awakening to all the villagers and Socrates in particular.
Thu 01.06.2017 | 19:20The Young Offenders (2016)
Section: International Competition of European First Films
Directed by: Peter Foott
Ireland, 2016, 83 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
Best friends Conor and Jock dress the same, act the same, and go pretty much everywhere together. When news breaks that 61 bales of cocaine worth seven million euros each has gone missing off Ireland's west coast, the boys steal a pair of bicycles — Jock is already an inveterate bike thief who has attracted the keen attention of a local police sergeant — and pedal across the Irish countryside hoping to find the contraband treasure and sell it to finance their escape from difficult circumstances. With the Garda in close pursuit, mayhem and misadventure inevitably ensue. Delightful and absurdly funny, the film is a portrait of the friendship between two sensitive young desperados with noble intentions.