When 14-year-old Alexander moves in next door, Elias quickly forms a close bond with him. Headstrong and self-assured, Alexander openly shares that he likes boys. As Elias begins to grapple with his own burgeoning feelings for his new friend, he fears what others might think and pushes Alexander away. Will Elias realize that love is too important to lose?
A sensitively rendered portrait of two teenage boys navigating their mutual attraction, Schatteman’s film explores the theme of first love with tenderness and nuance. Set against the lush and bucolic farmlands of Flanders, this is a warm and emotionally authentic look at queer desire.
Special Mention Best Film, Berlinale - Berlin IFF 2024, 2024, de
Best International Narrative Feature, New York’s LGBT Film Festival, 2024, us
Special Jury Mention, Seattle International Film Festival, 2024, us
Best International Feature, Outstanding Emerging Talent, FilmOut San Diego, 2024, us
Audience Award, Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival, 2024, us
Jury Award for Best Narrative, Feature,Jury Award for Best First Feature, Montclair Film Festival, 2024, us
Honorable Mention for Outstanding First Feature, Out on Film, 2029, us
Anthony SCHATTEMAN
Anthony Schatteman (1989) is a director and screenwriter whose work focuses on sensitive coming-of-age narratives about sexuality. A graduate of Ghent’s KASK School of Arts, he later earned his Master’s in Film Studies and Visual Culture from the University of Antwerp. His first short, Kiss Me Softly (2012), garnered critical acclaim at international film festivals. Alongside his work in film, Schatteman has also contributed to numerous television series. Young Hearts marks his feature debut.
