Young Hearts

Young Hearts

TIFF65: Greek Premiere
In the middle of the school year, 14-year-old Elias meets his new neighbor 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 escape: the only solution is to distance himself from Alexander. Elias feels completely alone. However, after a heartfelt conversation with his grandfather about how much he loved his deceased wife, Elias realizes that love is too precious to let it slip away... A tender but brave coming-of-age and coming-out tale about a boy who discovers love against all odds, deciding that when the world feels cold, our hearts find ways to make it warmer and less scary. A captivating study of first love and queer self-acceptance, which won a Special Mention in Berlinale's Generation, as well as the Grand Prix of Cannes Cinéphiles in 2024.
Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Anthony Schatteman
Script: Anthony Schatteman
Cinematography: Pieter Van Campe
Editing: Emiel Nuninga
Sound: Rosanne Blokker, Meghan Van der Meer
Music: Ruben De Gheselle
Actors: Lou Goossens, Marius De Saeger, Geert Van Rampelberg, Emilie De Roo, Dirk Van Dijck, Saar Rogiers, Ezra Van Dongen, Jul Goossens, Olivier Englebert, Wim Opbrouck, Florence Hebbelynck, Jill Malfroot, Cassie Alcendor, Samba Thiam, Sam Michiels, Marie Gevaert
Production: Polar Bear
Producers: Xavier Rombaut
Co-production: Family Affair Films, Kwassa Films
Co-producers: Floor Onrust, Annabella Nezri
Costumes: Gudrun Wylleman
Production Design: Kato Bulteel
Make Up: Jacqueline Hoogendijk Chinouk Meurer
Format: DCP
Color: Color
Production Country: Belgium, The Netherlands
Production Year: 2024
Duration: 100'
Distribution in Greece: Cinobo
Contact: Films Boutique
Awards/Distinctions: Special Mention – Berlin IFF 2024, Grand Prize (Écrans Juniors) – Cannes FF 2024
Suitable for kids over the age of 13.

Anthony Schatteman

The director’s films focus on the world of young people and their relationships, shaped by their awakening sexuality. Paying great attention to emotions that are difficult to express, he portrays universal characters with whom it is easy to identify. His debut short film, Kiss Me Softly, won awards at film festivals around the world. Four more shorts followed. Between 2020 and 2022, he directed four drama series, including the Irish series Northern Lights. He is making his feature debut with Young Hearts.

Filmography

2012 Kiss Me Softly (short)
2015 Follow Me (short)
2016 Hello, Stranger (short)
2017 Petit ami (short)
2021 L’homme inconnu (short)
2024 Young Hearts