This valuable entry in the encyclopedia-style Oxford Bibliographies series explores the category of ‘Films for Children’.
Continue reading “Encyclopedia-style Entry on Films for Children”
Publications
Jean-Claude Rozec & Leon Vidmar about TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN
“Autumn was the perfect season”
Producers from four countries (MAUR film, Czech Republic; Artichoke, Slovakia; ZVVIKS, Slovenia; Vivement Lundi!, France) collectively fell for OF UNWANTED THINGS AND PEOPLE, a book by Arnošt Goldflam. In each country, the adaptation of one short story was launched, then brought together in a narrative framework. The enchanting result premiered in the Berlinale’s Generation competition under its new title TALES FROM THE MAGIC GARDEN.
Bernd Sahling about TOMORROW I’LL BE BRAVE
“Authenticity comes with a lack of budget”
Photography has been Karl’s favourite pastime for years, and when he invites Lea into his improvised ‘bathroom laboratory’, she is impressed by his ‘light magic’. But is that enough to win her heart? A dramatic scene at the end of the film shows them sitting side by side on a bench; the space between Karl and Lea is physically so narrow, but actually it’s huge… unbridgeable. Director Bernd Sahling: “You see how she’s looking at him, he’s looking at her… and then he just stands up and walks away without saying a word. That’s how love sickness works.”
Anneke de Lind van Wijngaarden about SWEETIES
“The first time you feel being looked at”
This summer, the 14-year-old girls Malak, Celia and Jae travel with their respective parents to a campsite in the south of France. Great expectations and strong desires await them there. This year, it just might happen: their first steps in love. Documentary makers Anneke de Lind van Wijngaarden and Natalie Bruijns wonder whether reality can match those dreams. In SWEETIES, they observe the girls in their daily walk around the campsite, and talk with them about dreams and deeds.
Leonardo Van Dijl about JULIE KEEPS QUIET
“Giving the silence as much sound as possible”
As a promising tennis talent, Julie’s life is all about the sport. But when her coach is suddenly suspended and an investigation is launched, Julie remains silent. While her parents and her club beg for clarity, she demands time and space to deal with the situation at her own pace and on her own terms. In JULIE KEEPS QUIET, silence can sound louder than the biggest bang.
Zohra Benhammou & Younes Haidar about RUPTURE
“The media only mention crime and drugs”
RUPTURE is not only the name of a documentary, but also of a project with great social impact in one of Brussels’ impoverished neighbourhoods. For over 30 years, a local youth centre has been taking local youngsters on a demanding trek through the Pyrenees. The fatigue and the overwhelming mountain scenery force them to reflect on their lives. Even with a camera pointed at them. Last year, documentary filmmakers Younes Haidar and Zohra Benhammou joined them on their trek.
Anggi Frisca & Chandra Sembiring about TEGAR
“Like a bird, locked in a cage”
It took a while for the film to find its way from Indonesia to the European festivals. The road was not only long geographically, but also formally – TEGAR tells a story in a cinematographic way that Western eyes and ears are not used to. The film’s genesis story was shaped by filmmakers for whom inclusion is not an empty concept. In conversations with filmmaker Anggi Frisca and her partner / producer / medical doctor Chandra Sembiring, social impact stories far outweigh cinematic details.
Kristina Dufková & Matěj Chlupáček about LIVING LARGE
“I remember her making a delicious beef stew”
Ben Pipetka is a witty teenager, facing the hardships of adolescence with humour and optimism. He plays in a band with his best friend, and his passion is in cooking and eating. However, Benʼs obesity is becoming problematic, and a bunch of classmates find him a perfect bullying victim. More and more, Ben doubts himself, especially when he falls in love with beautiful Klara. Wanting to please her, Ben starts a diet. But when Klara rejects his amorous efforts, he falls into an emotional hole of apathy and gluttony. How can Ben find the courage to accept himself the way he is, even with his physical imperfections?