A selection of films about the challenges that the adult world poses to children and teenagers.

My Roots of Love, dir. Juliette Marrecau (France) 2024, 23’, 16+

In the absence of her mother, Alice, a lively and joyful girl, is put in charge of taking care of Paul, her older brother, who is dependent on a wheelchair. She would rather go swimming, but since she has to stay home, she invents new games that allow her brother to participate in them. Film presented at e.g. Champs-Élysées FF and Shanghai IFF. Polish premiere.

Is the Storm Hungry?, dir. Adéla Honová (Czech Republic) 2024, 17’, 13+

Little Meda spends her last summer days with her parents on a half-decayed farm. Among the overgrown flowerbeds, she seeks shelter from the approaching storm and the looming threat of losing her home. Film presented at e.g. LSFF. Polish premiere.

L’aînée, dir. Alma Jodorowsky (France) 2024, 19’, 13+

Twelve-year-old Ana’s body begins to change, and the desires awakening within her both fascinate and terrify her. Her dismay deepens when she discovers a mysterious letter hiding a family secret. Film presented at e.g. FFA. Polish premiere.

Amplified, dir. Dina Naser (Egypt, Jordan, Palestine) 2024, 19’, 15+

A teenage girl with a hearing disability is trying to qualify for a karate competition. If she wins, she will be allowed to take the black belt exam. On her path to mastery, she must face an unexpected obstacle. Film awarded at e.g. Berlinale and HollyShorts FF. Polish premiere.

400 Cassettes, dir. Thelyia Petraki (Greece) 2024, 14’, 16+

After a lesson about cosmic archaeologists and a water fight in the schoolyard, Elly steals Faye’s soul and Faye gives Elly a rare birthday present. Film presented at e.g. Locarno IFF and Oberhausen ISFF.