Young Hearts
In the middle of the school year, 14-year-old Elias meets his new neighbour Alexander, a boy from Brussels who seems self-confident and headstrong. The two quickly hit it off. Alexander asks Elias if he has a girlfriend – and reveals without hesitation that he’s into boys himself. Elias enjoys spending time with Alexander but keeps his burgeoning feelings to himself. Afraid of the reactions of those around him, he becomes entangled in a web of lies until he no longer knows how to extricate himself apart from to push Alexander away. Elias feels completely alone. However, after a heartfelt conversation with his grandfather about how much he loved his deceased wife, Elias realises that love is too precious to let it slip away.
With his debut feature, Belgian filmmaker Anthony Schatteman wanted to make the film that his 13-year-old self would have wanted, and needed, to see. He might have missed this heartwarming message of kindness and acceptance at the time, but generously gifts it today to the teens and parents who will be lucky to watch this festival favourite.
SF: This screening will have additional accessibility for young people with sensory sensitivities.