The Little Thief
A 6-year-old boy experiences the feeling of guilt for the first time after stealing a bean from a local market in the early 50s.
Directed by Nicole Vanden Broeck (USA)
Lea’s Secret
When Lea and her father move in to their new condominium unit, she suddenly acquires the power to go through walls and closed doors. Based on the acclaimed children’s book that aims to raise awareness on child sexual abuse, and empower victimized children to seek help and tell their stories.
Directed by Rico Gutierrez (Philippines)
Stick To Manual
When a curious robot finds a seemingly worthless book, he discovers that the knowledge within is truly priceless.
Directed by Christian Antonini, Tanice Arnold, and Heather Knott (USA)
Winter
In bitterly cold northeast China, generations of locals survive in the wilderness by hunting for their food. A young boy born into this culture develops a strong connection with the forest and the wildlife living there, while the relationship between the boy and his father grows increasingly tense, like the thick winter snow of winter that resists melting with the coming change of seasons.
Directed by Guodong Yu (China)
Ole, Benni und der Rest des Universums
That his friend Benni has the Down syndrome, Ole (11) has never disturbed so far. But now – on the threshold of childhood to youth – their friendship is changing. Ole is in love for the first time and suddenly it’s no longer easy to stand by his friend…
Directed by Anna Ludwig (Germany)
Time & Days
Daniele and Caterina have a friendship beyond definition, living between sky and sea, at the precious age of eleven. Daniele knows that Caterina’s heart is overwhelmed by a dark secret, so he does everything he can to bring her light back and preserve the sweetness of childhood. But the adults loom. Life, as they have always known it, is about to change.
Directed by Alessia Buiatti (Italy)
World premiere
Calf Rope
A former rodeo champion and cattle auctioneer from Oklahoma bonds tightly with his young grandson during the summer of ‘66 while teaching him a few tricks from his previous trades. Shot entirely in rural Pennsylvania.
Directed by Bradley Hawkins (USA)
California premiere