– We delve deep into the six children’s and youth film projects presented in this segment of the Industry@Tallinn forum
Dirty Land by Luis Campos
The second Works in Progress (WIP) session held during this year’s Industry@Tallinn spotlighted the Just Film section, concentrating on film projects tailored for children and young audiences. The Just Film Youth and Children’s Film Festival stands as the premier sub-festival within the framework of Tallinn Black Nights. The €2,500 monetary prize offered by Nafta Films was awarded to the project Emi by Ezequiel Erriquez Mena (see the news). Here, we take a closer look at the six projects presented.
Dirty Land – Luis Campos (Portugal/Italy)
Producers: Ana Almeida, Alessandro Amato, Luigi Chimienti, Humberto Rocha, Pedro Medeiros, Mário Patrocínio, Marta Lima, Nuno Tavares (Matiné, dispàrte)
Dirty Land takes place on the rugged riverbanks of Northern Portugal, where João, an introverted 12-year-old boy, navigates the challenges of life with his alcoholic father, António, an artisanal lamprey fisherman. Their sparse communication leaves João isolated, and he seeks comfort in the neighbouring house of Teresa and her two daughters, Paula and Liliana. Together, they form an unconventional family, bonded by their shared struggle. However, a year of drought and climate change puts a strain on their fragile existence, and João’s world is shaken when he witnesses a disturbing act of aggression from his father towards Paula. Faced with a moral dilemma, João must decide where his loyalty lies. Directed and written by Luis Campos, the film explores themes of addiction, youth and the complexities of family loyalty. Currently in post-production, Dirty Land is looking for festival screenings, foreign broadcasters and a sales agent. The film is expected to be completed in 2025.
Ella and Friends: Nature Calls by Elin Grönblom
Ella and Friends: Nature Calls – Elin Grönblom (Finland)
Producer: Aleksi Hyvärinen (Don Films)
Ella and Friends follows fearless second-grader Ella and her quirky classmates – Tiina, Samppa, Tuukka, Pate, Hanna and Pukari – on an exciting adventure in their fight to save their beloved forest from a greedy businessman. When their strict headteacher threatens to hold them back a grade unless they complete an environmental science project, the children head out to the forest for a hands-on learning experience. There, they discover that Father One, a businessman, plans to destroy the woods and build a luxury resort with the help of corrupt nature photographer Hunter Korhonen. As the children bond over their love for nature and animals, including a family of otters, Ella leads them on a daring mission to stop the destruction. With clever traps and teamwork, they outsmart the villains in a thrilling showdown that teaches them the importance of friendship, standing up for the environment and protecting wildlife. Directed by Elin Grönblom and based on Timo Parvela’s popular series of books, Ella and Friends is a fun-filled family comedy. The film is currently in post-production, and is looking for broadcasters, distributors and sales agents.
Emi by Ezequiel Erriquez Mena
Emi – Ezequiel Erriquez Mena (Argentina/Uruguay)
Producer: Laura Mara Tablón (Rita Cine, El Cielo Cine)
Emi follows an 18-year-old boy living with his adoptive parents in Buenos Aires, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his biological family. Emi works at a motorcycle repair shop in a working-class neighbourhood, where he meets Sol, the daughter of his employer, and learns that she has a brother who was also put up for adoption. As Emi spends his days contemplating his past and identity, his curiosity leads him on silent motorcycle rides, and he grapples with his feelings of isolation. After an accident at work reveals a long-hidden secret, Emi’s search for answers and understanding begins to unravel, changing his relationship with his adoptive family. Written and directed by Ezequiel Erriquez Mena, Emi is a coming-of-age drama about familial relationships, identity and the complexity of finding one’s place in the world. The film is currently in post-production, and is looking for festivals and sales agents.
Little Elephant in the Woods by Meikeminne Clinckspoor
Little Elephant in the Woods – Meikeminne Clinckspoor (Netherlands/Belgium)
Producers: Gijs Kerbosch, Guusje van Deuren, Ingmar Conjarts (100%)
Little Elephant in the Woods tells the story of six-year-old Ollie, who feels responsible for her 11-year-old half-sister Nim, who has Down syndrome. The sisters are excited to perform a special act for their grandmother at a family party, but when Nim panics and runs off to retrieve her forgotten elephant headband, Ollie follows, leading them into the forest, where they lose their way. On their adventure, Ollie tries to take charge but soon realises she doesn’t have to do everything alone. Nim, in her own unique way, takes on the caregiving role, and the two return to the party, stronger together. Directed by Meikeminne Clinckspoor, the film explores sibling relationships and the evolving dynamics of caregiving. The project is fully financed and is currently in post-production. It is set for release in the summer of 2025, and is looking for distributors, festivals and sales agents.
The River by Cristóbal García
The River – Cristóbal García (Chile/Argentina)
Producers: Francisco Bisañez (Vórtice Films), Santiago Ortúzar
The River follows the journey of five teenagers who, after losing their shack owing to the rising waters of the Mapocho River during a harsh winter in Santiago, Chile, decide to travel along the entire river to reach its mouth and see the ocean. The group, consisting of Toño, Pancho, Mayita, Katia and Beto, must navigate the riverbank while dealing with both personal loss and the harsh realities of street life. Along the way, they face tragic events, including the suicide of one of their own, and Mayita unexpectedly discovers she is pregnant. Despite these hardships, the teens press on towards their goal. Directed and written by Cristóbal García, the road movie explores themes of friendship, survival and the rights of children. The film is seeking distributors, festivals, post-production services and sales agents.
Secret Delivery by Ján Sebechlebský
Secret Delivery – Ján Sebechlebský (Czech Republic/Slovakia/Serbia)
Producer: Julietta Sichel (8Heads Productions)
Secret Delivery is an adventurous family film set in the Czech Republic’s snowy Giant Mountains during the final days of the Nazi occupation. The story follows a group of child heroes who rescue a French pilot shot down over the region. The children embark on a dangerous journey, passing the pilot between mountain villages like a secret message in the well-known “telephone game”. As they navigate the perilous terrain, they must outwit Nazi soldiers, traitors and informers, all while facing the harsh winter conditions. The film, based on a true story and adapted from a novella by Jiří Stránský, explores themes of courage, friendship and heroism. The movie has secured full financing and is currently in post-production. The project is seeking distributors, festivals, foreign broadcasters and sales agents.
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