YOUNG HEART

Status Belgian release December 18, 2024

Written and directed by Anthony Schatteman

With Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, Geert Van Rampelberg, Emilie De Roo, Dirk Van Dijck

Genre Family Drama

Synopsis Elias (14) feels attracted to his new neighbour Alexander (14). Soon he realizes that he’s truly in love for the first time. The interactions with his friends and family bring more questions than answers. Confused by his burgeoning feelings, Elias tries to sort out his inner chaos to prove that he is worth Alexander’s heart.

Produced by Polar Bear (BE/FL)

Co-produced by Kwassa Films, Family Affair (NL)

With the support of Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF) of the government of Flanders, Screeen Flanders, Ketnet, BeTv, Sabam for culture, Tax Shelter of the Belgian government via Mohow!, Netherlands Film Production Incentive

Distribution BENELUX Kinepolis Films Distribution

International Sales Films Boutique

Selections Berlinale International Film Festival (DE), Cannes Ecrans Junior (FR), Zlín International Film Festival for Children and Youth (CZ), Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival (KR), TIFF Junior 2024 (NO), Film Fest Gent (BE), Kyiv International Film Festival Molodist (UA), Thessaloniki International Film Festival (GR), Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (EE), (…)

Awards Crystal Bear Special Mention Award – Berlinale International Film Festival (DE), Grand Prix Des Collégiens – Cannes Ecrans Junior (FR), Best Feature Special Mention Award-Pink Apple (CH), Audience Award – Schwule Filmwoche Freiburg (DE), New Directors Award – Seattle International Film Festival (US), Prize of Outstanding Performance for Lou Goossens – Inside Out Toronto (CA), Prix du Public Solveig Anspach – Festival Ciné-recontres Récompenses 2024 (FR), Best International Feature – Filmout San Diego (US), Outstanding Emerging Performance for Lou Goossens – Filmout San Diego (US), Jury Award Best Narrative Feature – Out on Film Atlanta (US), Jury Award Best First Feature – Out on Film Atlanta (US), Audience Award Runner-up Best Narrative Feature – Out on Film Atlanta (US), (…)