ZEČJI NASIP (WALLS OF SAND)
Čejen Černić Čanak, Croatia 2025, 88', Croatian original version with German subtitles
Date: Wednesday, October 15, at 11 a.m. at the Metropolis Cinema
Marco has just turned 18. He has a girlfriend, is popular at school, and is a loving big brother. In the remote village somewhere in Croatia, his life seems perfect on the outside. But with the return of Slaven, who reappears in the village after the death of his father, everything begins to change. An old love reignites – which is difficult to hide in the close-knit village community. Soon, Marco's mother becomes suspicious. The situation finally comes to a head at the village's traditional arm wrestling tournament, forcing Marco to make a decision for himself.
Themes: Homosexuality, village life, first love, outing, masculinity, queerphobia
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Followed by a discussion with guests about the film (requested)
WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID, YOU TAKE YOUR HEART IN YOUR MOUTH AND SMILE
Marie Luise Lehner, Austria 2025, 87', original version in German, English, and sign language with German subtitles
Date: Thursday, October 16 at 11 a.m. at Metropolis Cinema.
Anna is 12 when she starts at a new school. She quickly notices that her classmates are different: they wear different clothes, have cell phones, and go to the gym. Anna, on the other hand, lives in a less affluent neighborhood and shares a bed with her deaf mother. She has to skip the school ski trip because her family can't afford it. Ashamed of her family and background, Anna tries to fit in. When she slowly befriends Mara, Anna realizes that she may not be the only one growing up “different.”
Themes: Puberty, being “different,” class differences, belonging, friendship, queerness, gender identity, deafness, abortion
Recommended for grades 7 to 9.
Followed by a discussion with director Marie Luise Lehner and possibly other guests
