I 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.
You 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.
You 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.
Bubble (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.
Big 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.
Delegation (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.
Big 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.
Forever (2023)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Anders Hazelius
Sweden, 2023, 103 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 3
Score:
Fourteen-year-old girls Mila and Kia have always been best friends, plus teammates in a girls' football club. When the team gets a new demanding coach, their common goals begin to grow apart. Mila, who lives with only her mother, dreams of becoming a professional footballer and playing in the Gothia Cup, the world's largest youth football cup. Surrounded by a financially secure and harmonious family, Kia begins to realize there are other things in the world besides sport. Will their friendship stand, or will it fall victim to personal success? A great football movie about identity, friendship, love, courage and the sacrifices you have to make to follow your dreams. A warm film that all teenagers can identify with, regardless of whether they are football fans, provides lasting values and a fun spectacle. The film is presented in its international premiere.
I 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 5
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.
Bubble (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 4
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.
Forever (2023)
Section: International Competition of Feature Films in the Youth Category (over 15 years of age)
Directed by: Anders Hazelius
Sweden, 2023, 103 min
Projection place: Golden Apple Cinema 4
Score:
Fourteen-year-old girls Mila and Kia have always been best friends, plus teammates in a girls' football club. When the team gets a new demanding coach, their common goals begin to grow apart. Mila, who lives with only her mother, dreams of becoming a professional footballer and playing in the Gothia Cup, the world's largest youth football cup. Surrounded by a financially secure and harmonious family, Kia begins to realize there are other things in the world besides sport. Will their friendship stand, or will it fall victim to personal success? A great football movie about identity, friendship, love, courage and the sacrifices you have to make to follow your dreams. A warm film that all teenagers can identify with, regardless of whether they are football fans, provides lasting values and a fun spectacle. The film is presented in its international premiere.