❗ Trigger/content warning: attempt of sexual assault, violence, nudity
Navigating the highs and lows of adolescence, Teen Spirit dives deep into the world of teenage experiences. The selection brings together stories that capture the intense emotions and pivotal moments of youth – from the thrill of first love and the challenges of friendships to the complexities of relationships with parents and the journey of self-discovery. Teen Spirit explores the urgent, sometimes overwhelming aspects of growing up, including learning about our own bodies and the importance of setting boundaries with others. These films offer an authentic and relatable glimpse into the rollercoaster ride that is being a teenager.
ULTRAVIOLET
Director: Veerle De Wilde
Country: Belgium
Duration: 24
A young girl struggles to come to terms with her mother’s psychological problems as she searches for her own female identity.
L'invulnérable
Director: Lucas Bacle
Country: France
Duration: 25
While caring for his sick father, Marcus, 17, has only a few days left to submit the short film needed to apply for his dream film school. Lost between the guilt of leaving his father alone and the desire to live his own life, Marcus throws himself into his shoot. But soon, his father's illness brings him back to his role of caregiver.
I was busy dreaming about boys
Director: Katharina Sporrer
Country: Germany
Duration: 13
Powerless. Alma is sexually harassed by a friend in a club. At first, she wants to forget all about it quickly and dismisses it as a drunken mistake. But the experience sends her into a downward spiral that she can't seem to get out of - until she has to.
The One Who Knows
Director: Eglė Davidavičė
Country: Lithuania
Duration: 12
Anxious teenager Ūla is taken on an unexpected adventure during her swimming practise, through which she grows-up and learns to see her body anew.
To the Lake
Director: Federico Fasulo
Country: Italy
Duration: 10
Between chores, daily errands, waits and meetings, the two teenagers in this story look for an opportunity to spend time together in the short span of summer holidays.