Fri 02.06.2023 | 18:30Just Charlie (2017)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Rebecah Fortune
United Kingdom, 2017, 99 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
InfoCharlie lives for football, he's amazing with the ball and now he's getting the chance to play football professionally. He might succeed at what his father couldn't. But he’s got a secret buried deep in his heart, and now that his future is clearly defined, he cannot keep his secret under wraps. His decision to come clean will tear his once united family apart and wreak havoc on his relationships with his friends. The security they each felt for themselves and those around them is shattered, and the road back to harmony is paved with obstacles, prejudice and embarrassment.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 18:30Futura (2021)
Section: Competition of European Feature Documentaries for Young Audience
Directed by: Pietro Marcello, Francesco Munzi, Alice Rohrwacher
Italy, 2021, 105 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Are you more afraid of the past or the future? How important is education to you? How do you view adults? Three renowned Italian directors have made an engaging and timeless reportage with young people aged 15 to 20. It explores the state of mind of young Italians and seeks to answer how they see their future. Interviewing teenagers as they cross Italy, the boys and girls talk about where they live, their dreams, expectations, desires, and fears. They interview young residents of large cities and provincial villages from north to south. A penetrating portrait of one generation has adults look in the mirror as well. It encourages us to think about our parental and social roles. The filmmakers were inspired by the large investigative television shows of the 1960s and 1970s by renowned directors Mario Soldati and Luigi Comencini, of which we will see several examples in the film.
Sat 03.06.2023 | 09:30Get a Life (2023)
Section: European Web Series for Teenagers
Directed by: Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen
Denmark, 2023, 80 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Sixteen-year-old Helga planned the perfect suicide. She needs a pill called “Golden Apples” to make her fall asleep like Snow White. They are not on the market, but a classmate, Ingrid, can get them and agrees on the condition that Helga helps fulfill a few wishes. But Helga soon realizes that she can think of countless wishes she would like to fulfill with the lovely and beautiful Ingrid. A Danish serial phenomenon about the fragility of mental health, love and everything that keeps us afloat. Do You Just Want to Hang?, duration: 28 min Get a Life, duration: 20 min
Sat 03.06.2023 | 15:30Life without Sara Amat (2019)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Laura Jou
Spain, 2019, 75 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Pep, a 13-year-old boy, is completely in love with Sara Amat, a girl from her grandparents' village. One summer night, Sara disappears, but Pep later finds her hidden in his own room. That's when the young woman explains that she has run away from home and asks to stay for a few days. Although Pep knows that the whole town is looking for her, he becomes her protector. Consequently, the boy is forced to live a double life: he must lie to everyone while satisfying Sara's demands, which puts him to the test and makes him mature before the summer's end.
Sat 03.06.2023 | 17:00Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2022)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Aitch Alberto
United States of America, 2022, 96 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Set in El Paso, Texas in 1987, the story follows two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, their friendship, and their struggles with racial and ethnic identity, sexuality, and family relationships. Based on the coming-of-age young adult novel by American author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
Sat 03.06.2023 | 17:30Bubble (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Aleksi Salmenperä
Finland, 2022, 102 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Sixteen-year-old Evelina's life is turned upside down when she happens to spot her mother passionately kissing another woman. Like all teenagers, she feel freedom of thought and action are important, but not when it comes to her own parents. She lives in a free-spirited family, where her dad has lots of good advice for his daughter, but does not see his own marriage is in jeopardy. Evelina decides to end her mother's affair at all costs and make her parents fall in love again, or at least stay together. She knows she is the glue holding her parents together – if she has any difficulties, her parents will do anything to support her. Set in motion are a series of big decisions and actions, with all their dramatic and comedic consequences. This fresh family comedy is now a movie in the Finnish film scene. Stella Leppikorpi, the lead actress, was given the Jussi Awards as the Discovery of the Year for her performance.
Sat 03.06.2023 | 18:30So Damn Easy Going (2022)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Christoffer Sandler
Sweden, Norway, 2022, 91 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Joanna's mind is like a flashing amusement park at peak season. She is 18 years old and needs ADHD meds to keep her buzzy brain in order. With a depressed father whose sick pay is barely covering the rent, money runs out and Joanna can’t afford her medication. So as not to become a disturbing and unfiltered version of herself, Joanna must be creative in her hunt for money. In the midst of the chaos, the charming and confident Audrey appears.
Sat 03.06.2023 | 18:30Ademoka´s Education (2022)
Section: Festival Laurels from around the World
Directed by: Adilkhan Yerzhanov
France, Kazakhstan, 2022, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
This is the story of a teenage illegal migrant girl Ademoka who lives in Kazakhstan and is forced to be a beggar to survive. But at the same time, she’s bright and talented and dreams of studying all the time. Her illegal status and absence of citizenship is a serious obstacle for that. At some point, Ademoka gets a chance to receive an education and help comes from the unexpected side. The one least believable to be supportive, an alcoholic loser, Ahab, stretches out a helping hand…
Sat 03.06.2023 | 19:30When You Finish Saving the World (2022)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg
United States of America, 2022, 88 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Evelyn has devoted herself to helping people in hard times, but she struggles to connect with her son Ziggy, an aspiring internet star oblivious to the problems of the world. As Evelyn attempts to become a parent figure to an unassuming teenager she meets at her shelter, and Ziggy fumbles through his pursuit of a brilliant and politically conscious young woman at his high school, this emotional comedy reveals a funny and sharply perceptive portrait of a mother and son who may seem at odds but who are more alike than either would care to admit.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 09:3017 (2018)
Section: European Web Series for Teenagers
Directed by: Bendik Stalheim Møller
Norway, 2018, 80 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Seventeen-year-old Abdi is a offspring of Somali immigrants. He lives in the suburbs of Oslo and spends most of his time outdoors with his friends, not too worried about his future. But in just seventeen days his life changes beyond recognition. The Norwegian series from the so-called “countdown concept”, where the countdown is made in episodes in a dramatic narrative, while the number 17 refers to the age of the main characters, with whom the audience can "grow up" together in the next series. 16 Days Left, duration: 12 min 15 Days Left, duration: 11 min 14 Days Left, duration: 15 min
Sun 04.06.2023 | 10:00Dancing Queen (2023)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Children’s Category (up to 10 years of age)
Directed by: Aurora Gossé
Norway, 2023, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
The world of 12-year-old Mina, a slightly pudgy loser with strong glasses, is turned upside down when a young hip-hop dancer named Edwin, aka ED WIN, enters her school and she falls madly in love with him. When Edwin arranges an audition for a new dance group, blinded by love, Mina recklessly volunteers. She doesn't even realize one important thing: she can't dance! Full of self-doubt, but with the support of her lively and wise grandmother and the power of her own unrelenting enthusiasm, Mina plunges into practice and rehearsal just to get into the group. Will she finally dare to step into the unknown and remain true to herself? A classic, yet original story about adolescence, full of humor and surprising twists; it will please not only children, but also their parents. This positive film about the importance of friendship and the courage not to give up on your dreams premiered at this year's Berlinale.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 11:00Sea Sparkle (2023)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category (over 11 years of age)
Directed by: Domien Huyghe
Belgium, Netherlands, 2023, 98 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Twelve-year-old Lena rides a skateboard, listens to Angèle, is quite good at sailing and loves the ocean. She enjoys a carefree childhood by the sea, with her feet in the water and her head in the clouds. On her sailboat, she fights the winds and waves as passionately as her father did on his fishing expeditions. When he and the rest of his crew don't return one day, some say it was an accident, others say he was reckless. Lena is sure it couldn't have been her father's fault. It must have been a giant sea creature that overturned the ship. She just needs proof to prove everyone wrong. Lena's rage focuses her on a single task: to hunt down the underwater monster she believes is responsible for the disaster. This story of a teenager against a background of sadness, is based on the director's own experience. It was the opening film of the Generation Kplus section at this year's Berlinale.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 13:00How to Get Your Parents to Divorce (2022)
Section: World Children´s Film Panorama
Directed by: Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers
Canada, 2022, 83 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Justine (12) firmly believes that she will be happier if her parents get divorced. The catch? They have no plans to do so. Tired of the arguing at home, Justine decides to use the language of her parents – both lawyers – to finally make herself heard. Surrounded by her group of friends, she creates a "Youth Court" to get what she wants.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 15:30Rickshaw Girl (2021)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Amitabh Reza Chowdhury
Bangladesh, United States of America, Germany, 2021, 110 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Naima, a brave and determined girl, wants to help her poor Bangladeshi family financially, but her undeniable artistic talent is useless in this matter. With her father gravely ill, it seems that the only thing she can do is to leave her native village and throw herself into the whirlwind of big city Dhaka. But here she faces the same economic, social and gender inequalities as most young girls in Bangladesh.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 16:00Neneh Superstar (2023)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Ramzi Ben Sliman
France, 2023, 95 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Born to dance, Neneh is a 12-year-old black girl who dreams of entering the Paris Opera Ballet School. Despite her enthusiasm, she has to redouble her efforts to escape from her circumstances and be accepted by the school’s director, Marianne Belage, the guarantor of traditions and the bearer of a secret that links her to the little ballerina.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 17:00Sand Flakes (2022)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Gitit Kabiri, Yahel Kabiri
Israel, 2022, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
David, a sensitive, creative teenager, lives in Southern Israel with his ill mother, his father who gave up his dreams, and his young brother. He discovers an online writing forum and starts publishing his family stories under the fake identity of the rich kid "Nadav". As he gets entangled in his lies, he is afraid of losing his new forum friends and being exposed by his family. The situation undermines the delicate fabric of the family.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 17:30Big Boys (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Corey Sherman
United States of America, 2022, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Fourteen-year-old Jamie prepares for a trip with his older brother Luke and his favorite cousin Allie. But he’s surprised to learn of the unexpected presence of Allie's boyfriend Dan. Despite his initial fears, Dan's sense of humor, shared interests, and self-confidence make him an object of interest. Moreover, Dan supports Jamie against Luke, who teases his brother for lack of virility and experience in his sex life. That makes his fascination even stronger, and Jamie does all he can to get closer to Dan, while also hiding his true feelings. The director decided to bring his own queer coming-of-age story to the screen, with an emphasis on today's notion of masculinity and positive acceptance of one's physical and mental identity. This small film with a big heart stands out for its excellent script and the performance of the main actor Isaac Krasner. It had its world premiere at the BFI Flare in London.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 18:30Dating Amber (2020)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: David Freyne
Ireland, 2020, 92 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Set-in Ireland during the mid-90s, Eddie and Amber (both 17) are in the closet about their sexuality and decide to stage a relationship in order to stop everyone speculating. Eddie is keen to follow his dad into the military, while Amber dreams of moving to the liberal hub of London. However, their ‘ideal’ arrangement begins to fall apart, forcing Eddie deeper into denial as Amber realizes that a perilous future awaits her best friend unless she intervenes.
Sun 04.06.2023 | 20:00Delegation (2023)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Asaf Saban
Poland, Israel, Germany, 2023, 99 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Israeli high school students Frisch, Nitzan, and Ido, their classmates, teachers and Frisch's grandfather Josef, travel to Poland to visit Holocaust sites. The trio’s friendship faces problems; Nitzan is in love with Ida, but he is dating another girl, and Frisch is starting to feel more than friendship for Nitzan. When they visit camps where millions died, hear Joseph's stories, and watch the musical Fiddler on the Roof on a bus, their lives change. But it is not the tragic past of their nation that brings about change; it is mainly the journey itself. The teens are out of school, out of the country, and out of order. They are more aware of who they are and what is important to them. The sensitive film, which opens the theme of love, identity and friendship against a background of cultural traditions and tragic history, premiered at this year's Berlinale.
Mon 05.06.2023 | 08:40Big Boys (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Corey Sherman
United States of America, 2022, 90 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Fourteen-year-old Jamie prepares for a trip with his older brother Luke and his favorite cousin Allie. But he’s surprised to learn of the unexpected presence of Allie's boyfriend Dan. Despite his initial fears, Dan's sense of humor, shared interests, and self-confidence make him an object of interest. Moreover, Dan supports Jamie against Luke, who teases his brother for lack of virility and experience in his sex life. That makes his fascination even stronger, and Jamie does all he can to get closer to Dan, while also hiding his true feelings. The director decided to bring his own queer coming-of-age story to the screen, with an emphasis on today's notion of masculinity and positive acceptance of one's physical and mental identity. This small film with a big heart stands out for its excellent script and the performance of the main actor Isaac Krasner. It had its world premiere at the BFI Flare in London.