Beanie (2022)
Section: World Childrens Film Panorama
Directed by: Slobodan Maksimović
Slovenia, Luxembourg, Slovak Republic, Croatia, 2022, 86 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Erik is a 9-year-old boy living in a youth home due to his problematic parents. Beanie is his nickname. His only wish is to go home for Christmas. Instead, he gets to spend the holiday with a wealthy family and their 7-year-old daughter Lučka, who wishes for a puppy and a sister. In the middle of the night, Erik and Lučka encounter Santa in the family’s living room. They hide in his car, but Santa dumps them in the middle of the city. They embark on an extraordinary adventure…
Journey to Yourland (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Peter Budinský
Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Belgium, 2022, 85 min
Projection place: Congress Centre
Score:
Riki, a 10-year-old boy, runs away from home following a mysterious emergency signal sent by a shiny stone. The strange artefact leads Riki to a breathtaking parallel world called Yourland, where wonderful machines roam golden deserts, monkeys and ravens talk, and science peacefully coexists with nature. The shining stone merges with Riki by hiding in his heart and asking him for protection. It seems everybody in Yourland is eager to procure this treasure, as it is the core of Yourland’s power and owning it provides a great deal of influence. Riki embarks on an enchanting journey full of perils, traps and humour to restore the stone, the “Heart of a Tower”, to its nesting place. It is the only way for Riki to get back home and save his own heart.
Maika (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Ham Tran
Vietnam, 2022, 105 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Things could be better for 8-year-old Hung, who is grieving the loss of his mother, who died a year ago. His relationship with his father is strained, his best friend is moving away, and to top it all off, a greedy landlord is bullying his father to force them out of their apartment. He finds solace by watching the night sky from the roof of his apartment building. One night, he witnesses a meteor shower and an errant falling star that lands in the nearby countryside. He investigates, but instead of finding a fallen star, he meets a new friend, and he decides to do everything he can to help her. MAIKA is inspired by the 1978 children’s TV show "Spadla z oblakov" that became extremely popular on constant reruns in Vietnam in the early '90s. With gorgeous scenery, a fast-paced narrative, and charismatic performances, this Vietnamese sci-fi film for kids is a fun-filled adventure that touches on universal themes of friendship, family, and compassion.
Gandhi & Co. (2021)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Manish Saini
India, 2021, 101 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Mintoo & Mitra (both 11) are known for two things: their penchant for mischief and their friendship with Bharat Bhai, who is an embodiment of all the teachings of Gandhi. When Mintoo proclaims Mahatma Gandhi as his role model, he soon starts mimicking Gandhi’s behavior but he is nowhere close to accepting Gandhi’s values. His deception earns him rewards but little does he know how his behavior is leading him into troubled waters. Bharat Bhai takes it upon himself to teach the unprincipled boys a valuable lesson in honesty and harmony. As he rolls up his sleeves to watch events unfold, all he can hear is the voice of Gandhi saying “In a gentle way you can shake the world”.
Barley Fields on the Other Side of the Mountain (2017)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Tian Tsering
United Kingdom, 2017, 88 min
Projection place: Castle SVOBODY
Score:
A story about the price of freedom and who pays for it told through the eyes of a teenage girl. Sixteen-year-old Pema lives in the remote mountains of Tibet. For generations, her family has farmed their barley fields in peace. But when Pema's father is taken away by the authorities, her world is shattered. A Buddhist nun from the local nunnery walks into Pema's life and invites her to join a group of locals escaping persecution by walking over the Himalayas into India. Pema is torn; can she leave her mother, grandmother and younger siblings at this time of crisis? Does she have the right, or the courage, to join her friend and seek a new life for herself? As Pema struggles with her dilemma, there is no news about her imprisoned father. The clock is ticking for everyone
The Path (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category, Patron of Children Audience Award
Directed by: Tobias Wiemann
Germany, 2022, 99 min
Projection place: Congress Centre
Score:
A story about an adventurous crossing of the Pyrenees and the unexpected friendship of two children who couldn’t be more unalike. Young Rolf and his father flee Berlin to escape the Nazis. All Rolf took with him was a dog and a signed book by Erich Kästner. Now in the south of France, their destination is New York, where Rolf's mother is waiting for them. The only way to freedom a steep path over the Pyrenees, and their guide, Nuria, is only slightly older than Rolf. But the boy's father is captured and the kids must continue their dangerous journey into the unknown alone.
The Path (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category, Patron of Children Audience Award
Directed by: Tobias Wiemann
Germany, 2022, 99 min
Projection place: Congress Centre
Score:
A story about an adventurous crossing of the Pyrenees and the unexpected friendship of two children who couldn’t be more unalike. Young Rolf and his father flee Berlin to escape the Nazis. All Rolf took with him was a dog and a signed book by Erich Kästner. Now in the south of France, their destination is New York, where Rolf's mother is waiting for them. The only way to freedom a steep path over the Pyrenees, and their guide, Nuria, is only slightly older than Rolf. But the boy's father is captured and the kids must continue their dangerous journey into the unknown alone.
Gaja's World - This is My Planet! (2022)
Section: World Childrens Film Panorama
Directed by: Peter Bratuša
Slovenia, 2022, 95 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Being from a separated family, Gaja (14) confronts her envious classmates, experiences social network identity theft, and learns about true friendship. Aimed at teenagers as well as parents, this dynamic story is full of humor, emotion, and suspense and revolves around common problems, parental separation, and the dangers of the internet.
Best Birthday Ever (2021)
Section: World Childrens Film Panorama
Directed by: Michael Ekblad
Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, 2021, 75 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
The story of Little Charlie, a small rabbit who lives with his loving family, and pets in a house at the edge of town. Like many 5-year olds, Little Charlie goes to a kindergarten and plays with his friends in the neighbourhood. He is used to having his parents’ full attention – but all that changes when his baby sister Clara is born, leading to an unexpected adventure with his best friend Monica.
Singo (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Alireza Mohammadi
Iran, 2022, 82 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 4
Score:
From the first scene, it's clear that our hero, Shafa, is no ordinary girl. She races motorcycles, defends weaker friends, and saves animals from danger. Shafa lives with her father and two siblings on the island of Singo, a fishing community with strict rules. It is ruled by a local rich man who thinks money can buy everyone and everything. One day, Shafi's dad catches some very rare crabs, called horseshoe crabs, whose blood is worth a lot of money. The profit from their sale is to be distributed among all the island's inhabitants. But Shafa feels bad for the animals and releases them into the sea at night. Anger and blame fall on her father and the whole family faces the unpleasant consequences. The brave girl, however, refuses to be cast out by the locals. She sets out for a nearby island where rare crabs are said to live to save her loved ones from impending disaster.
Gandhi & Co. (2021)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Manish Saini
India, 2021, 101 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Mintoo & Mitra (both 11) are known for two things: their penchant for mischief and their friendship with Bharat Bhai, who is an embodiment of all the teachings of Gandhi. When Mintoo proclaims Mahatma Gandhi as his role model, he soon starts mimicking Gandhi’s behavior but he is nowhere close to accepting Gandhi’s values. His deception earns him rewards but little does he know how his behavior is leading him into troubled waters. Bharat Bhai takes it upon himself to teach the unprincipled boys a valuable lesson in honesty and harmony. As he rolls up his sleeves to watch events unfold, all he can hear is the voice of Gandhi saying “In a gentle way you can shake the world”.
Giant Little Ones (2018)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Keith Behrman
Canada, 2018, 94 min
Projection place: Castle SVOBODY
Score:
A heartfelt and intimate coming-of-age story about friendship, self-discovery and the power of love without labels. Adolescents face enormous pressure to make life-defining decisions every day and they want to lock in their identities sooner than later. All of this pressure is exacerbated by physical and social changes. Franky is under more pressure than most. His life was altered when his father left his mother for a man. Franky is left confused and angry toward his father for breaking up the family. Things are further confused for Franky when his wild birthday party ends in a sexual encounter no one could have imagined, including his best friend and girlfriend. As Franky's world crumbles, he and his friends are forced to decide what kind of people they want to be.
Maika (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Ham Tran
Vietnam, 2022, 105 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 4
Score:
Things could be better for 8-year-old Hung, who is grieving the loss of his mother, who died a year ago. His relationship with his father is strained, his best friend is moving away, and to top it all off, a greedy landlord is bullying his father to force them out of their apartment. He finds solace by watching the night sky from the roof of his apartment building. One night, he witnesses a meteor shower and an errant falling star that lands in the nearby countryside. He investigates, but instead of finding a fallen star, he meets a new friend, and he decides to do everything he can to help her. MAIKA is inspired by the 1978 children’s TV show "Spadla z oblakov" that became extremely popular on constant reruns in Vietnam in the early '90s. With gorgeous scenery, a fast-paced narrative, and charismatic performances, this Vietnamese sci-fi film for kids is a fun-filled adventure that touches on universal themes of friendship, family, and compassion.
Bigman (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category, Patron of Children Audience Award
Directed by: Camiel Schouwenaar
Netherlands, Germany, 2022, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Best friends Dylan and Youssef dream of becoming professional football players. When Dylan ends up in a wheelchair following an accident, he must come to terms with his new life. His dad – and former coach – wants him to accept his disability and keep football from his life, but Dylan is determined to play again. A story about true friendship and striving to win a final in the dying seconds of the game.
Moonbound (2021)
Section: World Childrens Film Panorama
Directed by: Ali Samadi Ahadi
Germany, Austria, 2021, 85 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Sometimes it's better to listen to your sister! When Peter finds out one night that his younger sister Anna has disappeared, he realizes that her story about a talking bug was not made up. Anna was abducted by the evil Moon Man when she tried to help a bug, Mr. Zoomzeman. To save her, Peter must go to the moon. During his incredible adventure he must take part in a space race and get help for the festivities hosted by the Night Fairy at her castle in the clouds.
Dragon Princess (2021)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Anthony Roux, Jean-Jacques Denis
France, 2021, 74 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Once upon a time, there was a dragon that lived in a cave full of gold. The cave was well hidden from people, whom the mighty dragon hated from the bottom of his soul. The treasure was his joy and pleasure, but he had no one to share it with. That's why he went to a witch for help. He wanted some offspring. The witch was happy to help him, but she had one condition: If he gets angry, the witch will come for his second favorite thing. The dragon agrees to this stupid condition, and he gets eggs which hatch 3 dragon offspring. One of them looks like a human girl. The dragon names her Bristle. She grows up next to her dragon siblings and enjoys the love of her dragon father, whom she loves unconditionally. When she saves the life of a princess from the castle in the forest, the dragon gets angry, the witch comes, and Bristle learns that she is the dragon’s second favorite thing. She decides to leave her father and enters the world of people, experiencing not only anger and resentment, but also friendship and solidarity.
The Tenant (2021)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category
Directed by: Sushrut Jain
India, United States of America, 2021, 112 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Bharat is a 13-year-old boy struggling with adolescence in a conservative Mumbai suburb. When Meera, a beautiful cosmopolitan woman from the big city, moves in next door, she immediately causes a stir. Bharat is drawn to her and pursues an unlikely friendship. But when he stumbles upon a dark secret from Meera’s past, Bharat is forced to choose: Is she a woman of bad character like everyone says, or is she the smart, sensitive person he knows?
Journey to Yourland (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Peter Budinský
Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Belgium, 2022, 85 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
Riki, a 10-year-old boy, runs away from home following a mysterious emergency signal sent by a shiny stone. The strange artefact leads Riki to a breathtaking parallel world called Yourland, where wonderful machines roam golden deserts, monkeys and ravens talk, and science peacefully coexists with nature. The shining stone merges with Riki by hiding in his heart and asking him for protection. It seems everybody in Yourland is eager to procure this treasure, as it is the core of Yourland’s power and owning it provides a great deal of influence. Riki embarks on an enchanting journey full of perils, traps and humour to restore the stone, the “Heart of a Tower”, to its nesting place. It is the only way for Riki to get back home and save his own heart.
My Robot Brother (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category
Directed by: Frederik Nørgaard
Denmark, 2022, 84 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
This utopian high-tech future helps you re-imagine life on Earth: the climate crisis is solved, people live in harmony with nature and robots work as personal assistants. Nevertheless, not everything is golden glitter. School life still sucks for 12-year-old Alberte. Her old teddy bear-like android Robbi is quite an embarrassment to her. With the perfect birthday present – the newest model of humanoids not even on the market yet – everything seems to change. The new robot Konrad looks and acts completely as if he were human and suddenly Alberte’s popularity spikes as she is now the kid with the most advanced technology at school. But can the connection between Alberte and Konrad hold up to a real friendship?
A Butterfly´s Heart (2021)
Section: World Childrens Film Panorama , Patron of Children Audience Award
Directed by: Inesa Kurklietyté
Lithuania, 2021, 105 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 4
Score:
Juozapas is a very special boy with a big secret. His heart is protected by a glass dome and thick armor. The center of his universe is the bug hotel he built himself in an old manor house and the insects that live there. One day, Rugilė moves to town and turns Juozapas’s life upside down. Thanks to Rugilė, Juozapas overcomes his fears and becomes open to the world. Friendship works wonders!