Thu 01.06.2023 | 08:40Juniors (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category (over 11 years of age)
Directed by: Hugo Thomas
France, 2022, 95 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
InfoFourteen-year-old boys Jordan and Patrick live in a small village in the south of France and are bored to death. The only thing they enjoy is Call of Duty, a popular war video game in which they compete with Korean opponents. But one day, tragedy strikes; Jessica (their PlayStation 4) breaks down. How will they get money for a new one? Influenced by circumstances, the teens come up with a crazy idea: Jordan will fake cancer and start an online collection to support his treatment. Both completely cut off from reality, the boys are convinced that their virtual lie will never reach them. Not in their village, not at school, not at home... Money flows in, but the lie gets out and threatens their friendship. A brilliant comedy with a deep message; it plays with limits and breaks traditionally accepted decorum in the face of the suffering. Vanessa Paradis appears as a mother alongside the talented young non-actors.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 09:10Dancing 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 6
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.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 10:50My Life as Lotta (2023)
Section: World Children´s Film Panorama
Directed by: Martina Plura
Germany, 2023, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
Based on the worldwide best-selling book series of the same name by Alice Pantermüller, we meet Lotta and her best friend, Cheyenne, who are excited to go on their first school trip. That is, until they find out who’s going: Cheyenne´s little sister Chanell, Lotta’s father as a chaperon, and their new French classmate Rémi who has a huge crush on Lotta! And from there the trip goes from bad to worse: a haunted hostel, Chanell disappears, and an old legend of a poltergeist. Fortunately, there is Lotta´s gang the “Wild Rabbits” - you can always rely on them.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 15:30I Like Movies (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Chandler Levack
Canada, 2022, 100 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
The clear and distinct title of the film is the basic premise of the life of a teenager, Lawrence, who is obsessed with the world of film. His longtime and only friend Matt shares his passion for amateur filmmaking and other unusual hobbies. Lawrence's mother struggles to cope with the death of her husband and the difficult adolescent years of her son, whose dream is to get into NYU's New York Film School. Lawrence's selfishness, rage, and almost pathological desire cause fundamental cracks in his relationships. He sees the people around him only as pawns on his journey to become a world-class filmmaker. A great script full of references to film classics and outstanding acting make this indie film a favorite of film festivals. The script was based on the debuting director Chandler Levack's own experiences as a video store salesclerk and it has a cast of fresh young actors' faces.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 15:30Comedy Queen (2022)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Sanna Lenken
Sweden, 2022, 94 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
The story of 13-year-old Sasha, who, despite her immense sorrow, refuses to mourn her dead mother. She secretly writes a list of everything she must do to survive: shave her hair, stop reading books, say no to the world's cutest puppy and, above all, become a stand-up comedian to make everyone laugh, especially her father, who secretly cries in the shower when he thinks no one can hear him.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 18:30Girl Picture (2022)
Section: Top Teen Ten
Directed by: Alli Haapasalo
Finland, 2022, 100 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Mimmi, Emma and Rönkkö are girls on the cusp of womanhood, trying to draw their own contours. Over three consecutive Fridays, two of them experience the earth-moving effects of falling in love, while the third goes on a quest to find something she’s never experienced before… pleasure.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 19:00Billie Blue (2023)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Mariloup Wolfe
Canada, 2023, 115 min
Projection place: Congress Centre
Score:
At 16, Billie is just now catching up with her peers: in love, in height (a growth spurt has propelled her to 1m80), in having her first period. In a hurry to catch up, she begins her summer as a lifeguard at the water park with her best friends and her oh-so-perfect older sister Annette. Everything goes wrong when Billie and Annette both fall for Pierre, a talented local racing cyclist. Thus begins a heartbreaking love triangle where Billie must once and for all take her place, shine bright and fight to live the love story she deserves.
Thu 01.06.2023 | 20:00You Can Live Forever (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Sarah Watts, Mark Slutsky
Canada, 2022, 96 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
After the sudden death of her father, Jaime is sent to live with relatives, members of a devout Jehovah's Witness congregation. The daughter of an apostate from the faith, she's at the mercy of the community if she again integrates herself among the believers. At a meeting, she meets the charming Marike, the daughter of the congregation's leader. At first glance, they make a connection, which they must hide from everyone. Despite all the do's and don'ts of their faith, their relationship focuses only on their mutual love, which becomes a source of tension and inevitable condemnation. This sensitive queer drama from the 1990s premiered at New York's Tribeca Film Festival and is a sought-after title by festival programmers. Audiences will be reminded of Danish director Niels Arden Oplev's magnificent drama Worlds Apart (2008), which also sets a story of forbidden love in a mysterious yet attractive religious setting.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 09:00Billie Blue (2023)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Mariloup Wolfe
Canada, 2023, 115 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
At 16, Billie is just now catching up with her peers: in love, in height (a growth spurt has propelled her to 1m80), in having her first period. In a hurry to catch up, she begins her summer as a lifeguard at the water park with her best friends and her oh-so-perfect older sister Annette. Everything goes wrong when Billie and Annette both fall for Pierre, a talented local racing cyclist. Thus begins a heartbreaking love triangle where Billie must once and for all take her place, shine bright and fight to live the love story she deserves.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 09:30Eagles (2018)
Section: European Web Series for Teenagers
Directed by: Amanda Adolfsson
Sweden, 2018, 80 min
Projection place: Zámek
Score:
Elias is the son of a former NHL star and is a junior hockey talent. When he moves back to Oskarshamn, Sweden, with his parents and sister, he joins the local high school and, of course, the hockey team. But fitting in with his classmates will be more difficult than beating a shorthanded Canadian team. Especially when his sister falls for Elias' biggest rival on the ice. A Swedish hit series about sports, friendship, love and unsportsmanlike fouls on and off the ice. Homecoming, duration: 22 min First Kiss, duration: 18 min Sunday, duration: 20 min
Fri 02.06.2023 | 10:30Juniors (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category (over 11 years of age)
Directed by: Hugo Thomas
France, 2022, 95 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 2
Score:
Fourteen-year-old boys Jordan and Patrick live in a small village in the south of France and are bored to death. The only thing they enjoy is Call of Duty, a popular war video game in which they compete with Korean opponents. But one day, tragedy strikes; Jessica (their PlayStation 4) breaks down. How will they get money for a new one? Influenced by circumstances, the teens come up with a crazy idea: Jordan will fake cancer and start an online collection to support his treatment. Both completely cut off from reality, the boys are convinced that their virtual lie will never reach them. Not in their village, not at school, not at home... Money flows in, but the lie gets out and threatens their friendship. A brilliant comedy with a deep message; it plays with limits and breaks traditionally accepted decorum in the face of the suffering. Vanessa Paradis appears as a mother alongside the talented young non-actors.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 10:40Dancing 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: Aula
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.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 11:00My Life as Lotta (2023)
Section: World Children´s Film Panorama
Directed by: Martina Plura
Germany, 2023, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 5
Score:
Based on the worldwide best-selling book series of the same name by Alice Pantermüller, we meet Lotta and her best friend, Cheyenne, who are excited to go on their first school trip. That is, until they find out who’s going: Cheyenne´s little sister Chanell, Lotta’s father as a chaperon, and their new French classmate Rémi who has a huge crush on Lotta! And from there the trip goes from bad to worse: a haunted hostel, Chanell disappears, and an old legend of a poltergeist. Fortunately, there is Lotta´s gang the “Wild Rabbits” - you can always rely on them.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 11:10We Will Not Fade Away (2023)
Section: Competition of European Feature Documentaries for Young Audience
Directed by: Alisa Kovalenko
France, Poland, Ukraine, 2023, 100 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 4
Score:
Five teenagers face the next stage of their education. They hope to become a photographer, policeman, engineer, or actor, but they have been living in a village in the Donbass among ruins, minefields, and bomb shelters since 2014. Gunfire is a part of life, as is the ubiquitous desire for a better life. They dream of leaving the war zone and exploring a world not ruled by missiles. Amid this despair, our heroes receive an unexpected offer from a Ukrainian traveler. An expedition to the Himalayas provides five Ukrainian teenagers with an opportunity to fulfill their dream for at least a little while – before Russia's total invasion in February 2022 destroys the last remnants of their hope. With a sensitive, unobtrusive gaze, the documentary portrays a touching portrait of a generation of young people surrounded by darkness, yet – or perhaps because of this – able to recognize the fragile beauty of life.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 11:20Dojo (2022)
Section: World Children´s Film Panorama
Directed by: Boris Paval Conen
Netherlands, 2022, 89 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Brandon (13) and his best friend Stefano live in a multicultural working-class neighborhood. They find comfort and brotherhood with a local gang and rise quickly in the street hierarchy by carrying out dangerous tasks. But when Brandon gets caught breaking into a dojo by Kai, a former judo champion and owner of the dojo, he demands that Brandon join his judo school to avoid arrest. In the dojo, Brandon discovers the peaceful philosophy behind judo, which gives him the peace and discipline that his life lacks. Can Brandon break free from the ruthless street life?
Fri 02.06.2023 | 11:30Sex O’Clock (2022)
Section: New Czech Films and TV Programmes
Directed by: Karolína Zalabáková, Jan Bártek
Czech Republic, 2022, 80 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Until now, fifteen-year-old Adam had been mainly concerned with his dancing career and the burning question of when he would finally lose his virginity. But his father soon turns the family's life upside down and sets off a chain of unexpected events that both Adam's mother Judith and grandmother have to deal with. And no one yet knows what Adam's sister Ema is soon to deal with...
Fri 02.06.2023 | 13:30Sisters (2022)
Section: Beyond the Childhood Horizon
Directed by: Linda Olte
Latvia, Italy, 2022, 104 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Anastasia and Diana are two sisters living in a Latvian orphanage. When they get to know that an American family is ready to adopt them, Diana cannot wait to move to the States, while Anastasia is less excited about the idea of leaving her home. When their estranged biological mother Alla returns to their lives, Anastasia does everything to establish a relationship with her, but Alla has other plans.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 15:00Sweet As (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Junior Category (over 11 years of age)
Directed by: Jub Clerc
Australia, 2022, 87 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
Aborigine teen Muura's life is like the landscape in which she lives with her alcoholic mother: lonely, boring and even pathetic. In her remote part of Australia, she has no friends and prefers to spend time away from home, which is beginning to lack any meaning. One day she runs out of patience and goes to her uncle. To keep his niece from getting lost in the welfare system, he signs Muuru up for a photography trip to the Australian outback with three other troubled teens. Their task is to find stories through the viewfinders of their small cameras. This fresh road movie tells the story of growing up and finding unexpected friendship, first love, new challenges, responsibility, and the truth about yourself. We sit next to Muura in the seat of a rundown bus and embark on a journey into the depths of the breathtaking Australian outback and the souls of broken young people who are taking a chance.
Fri 02.06.2023 | 17:00Sex O’Clock (2022)
Section: New Czech Films and TV Programmes
Directed by: Karolína Zalabáková, Jan Bártek
Czech Republic, 2022, 80 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 1
Score:
Until now, fifteen-year-old Adam had been mainly concerned with his dancing career and the burning question of when he would finally lose his virginity. But his father soon turns the family's life upside down and sets off a chain of unexpected events that both Adam's mother Judith and grandmother have to deal with. And no one yet knows what Adam's sister Ema is soon to deal with...
Fri 02.06.2023 | 17:30You Can Live Forever (2022)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Sarah Watts, Mark Slutsky
Canada, 2022, 96 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 6
Score:
After the sudden death of her father, Jaime is sent to live with relatives, members of a devout Jehovah's Witness congregation. The daughter of an apostate from the faith, she's at the mercy of the community if she again integrates herself among the believers. At a meeting, she meets the charming Marike, the daughter of the congregation's leader. At first glance, they make a connection, which they must hide from everyone. Despite all the do's and don'ts of their faith, their relationship focuses only on their mutual love, which becomes a source of tension and inevitable condemnation. This sensitive queer drama from the 1990s premiered at New York's Tribeca Film Festival and is a sought-after title by festival programmers. Audiences will be reminded of Danish director Niels Arden Oplev's magnificent drama Worlds Apart (2008), which also sets a story of forbidden love in a mysterious yet attractive religious setting.