Young Hearts
Original title: Junge Herzen
Sat
16
Sat 16 Nov 6:30 PM
Selling Fast
Palace Cinema Como - Cinema 5
Wheelchair
Allocated Seating
MELBOURNE PREMIERE
For families frustrated by the Australian federal government’s backflipping on protecting queer kids from being removed from schools on the basis of their sexual or gender identity, seek solace in the sweet-hearted debut feature from Belgian filmmaker Anthony Schatteman. It follows the tentative first steps out of the closet of 14-year-old Elias (Lou Goossens) as he falls head over heels for handsome new neighbour Alexander (Marius De Saeger) despite technically still dating girlfriend Valerie (Sara Rogiers). Garnering a special mention in the Berlinale’s youth-focused Generation Kplus competition and nominated for a Teddy Award, this gently unfurling romance was co-written by Close director Lukas Dhont but won’t leave you emotionally ruined. Instead, it offers a metaphorical hug for the soul with a hint of Heartstopper.