2011 Program

Seven child characters from a variety of European countries open their hearts to reveal what makes children tick. For many viewers this production is like a trip back to their own childhood - a time of wonder and simplicity, a time of great questioning, adventure and deep thought.

The documentary opens access into a world that often remains closed to adults as the children tell their stories with authenticity, sincerity, humour, and real imagination. For all those interested in early education and in the future of this planet 7 Or Why I Exist offers a unique perspective on the world.

The directorial debut of renowned Mexican actor Diego Luna, Abel challenges childhood perceptions of reality and fantasy. Balancing sadness and joy through the performances of a superb cast, this sensitive feature is filled with amusing moments.

Upon his return home from hospital, Abel assumes a new role in his fractured family – in his father’s absence he becomes the family man. With some original and unconventional parenting methods he becomes an unusual role model both for his mum and his siblings.

Remarkable for its footage of the natural kingdom, the dramatic Among Wolves is a simple and moving account of family, love and friendship. Set in Spain’s remote Sierra Morena Mountains, it tells an adventurous tale of survival and maturity of an abandoned young boy, Marcos.

The film follows Marcos as he learns the secrets of living in the wild: hunting, setting traps, tracking, and avoiding the clutches of an avaricious landowner. With no human company he develops an affinity with the animal kingdom, including a ferret, an owl and Lobito, a four month old wolf cub who changes his life forever.

When his mother passes away, 12-year-old Jaya is sent to live with his father – a stranger who is surprised to discover he has a son. With nowhere else to go, Jaya stays with his father at his place of work and residence - a fishing platform, or jermal, in the middle of the ocean.

Bullied by the other young workers, Jaya learns to rely on himself, even as he and his father take the first steps towards reconciliation. Shot on an actual jermal and featuring the breathtaking vistas of the Malacca Straits, this film is a rare window into a unique world

Winner of the Crystal Bear Award at the 2011 Berlin Film Festival - as voted by the Children’s Jury, Arild Andresen’s heart-warming comedy The Liverpool Goalie delves into the suburban world of 13-year-old Jo as he transforms from outsider to hero.

Jo’s world is one of madcap adventures, growing pains, and all the complications of teenage life in high school. A bit of a geek - quick of mind but slow at sport, Jo needs to employ all his wits to cope with bullies, the new girl Mari, and ultimately build his treasured soccer card collection.

Based on the award-winning autobiographical comic book of the same name, Maria and I is a documentary with a difference. Challenging traditional views on autism and family relationships, the film employs a variety of cinematic devices - including animation - to explore the sensitive topic.

Nominated for best documentary at the Spanish Goya Awards, the film presents the diary of a loving elationship between a father, a real life comic book artist, and his teenage daughter, Maria, who suffers from autism.
Humorous and uplifting, the production has enjoyed well-deserved box office success in Spain.

Soul Boy started as a workshop in one Nairobi’s poorest regions to assist the next generation of African filmmakers to make a feature film. A collaborative venture by Tom Tykwer’s (Run Lola Run) production company, the final feature is a simple yet substantial folk tale.

Set in one of the largest slums in East Africa, the film unravels as an adventure that journeys into the heart of contemporary social conditions on the continent.
Pitting adolescent Abila against an evil sorceress who has stolen his father’s soul, the feature charts his attempts to conquer seven challenging tasks to
restore his life.

Abraxas is a subtle exploration of a man’s journey to reconcile the spiritual and secular. Brimming with authenticity and charm, it charts the efforts of ex-punk rocker turned Buddhist monk, Jonen, to come to terms with his decision to surrender his past. When he delivers a career speech at a local school, Jonen’s world comes crashing down as he realises that he can’t continue without music in his life.

With the head monks’ support Jonen sets out to stage a live show, uniting his need for transcendence and extreme noise, and in the process giving his community a night they will never forget.

Set amongst Greenland’s indigenous Inuit community, this tale centres around 16 year old Inuk. When his parents prove incapable of looking after him Inuk is sent to a children’s home in the middle of the arctic sea-ice.

Here Inuk meets Ikuma, one of the last great hunters of the North and keeper of traditional skills. With the annual seal hunt fast approaching Ikuma is persuaded to take the city boy on the epic dogsled voyage. As well as the bitter cold and physical dangers of such a trek both men discover that the most challenging part of the journey is the one they make within themselves.

The second film by Céline Sciamma, Tomboy is a gentle film of self-discovery and acceptance. Following in the footsteps of the director’s first feature Water Lilies, the film explores themes of youthful sexuality and concepts of female identity.

10-year-old Laura discovers a new life, increased confidence and a completely transformed persona when she crops her hair, changes her clothes and takes to the streets as a boy. As her new guise becomes accepted by the local kids, friendships flourish, particularly with new neighbour Lisa, but as the summer kicks in life becomes a little more complicated.

Set during China’s Cultural Revolution and based on a best-selling novel by Chinese author, Aimi, this film centres on high-school student, Zhang Jingqiu, sent to the countryside to be “re –educated “. Her village lives under the symbolic shade of a hawthorn tree reputedly nourished by the blood of Chinese martyrs executed by the Japanese in WW2.

With her father branded a political prisoner and her mother forced to undertake manual work Junqui lives a tenuous life, but when she falls in love with geology
student Sun Jianxin all is transformed. A moving tale of love and duty set in a world plunged into upheaval.