Valentijn Braeckman

In an authoritarian dystopia where silence is law, Eris discovers a secret resistance keeping expression alive. But her brother, a relentless law enforcer, will stop at nothing to silence them - not even her.

Nola tells the harrowing story of sisters Nola (9) and Liza (15), who grow up in a household scarred by neglect, poverty and domestic violence. Their mother Gina struggles with a drinking problem and constantly oversteps her role as a parent. Despite the hopeless situation, the girls seek solace in small, tender moments together. Liza assumes the role of care figure, but their attempts to maintain some normality are undermined each time. When the situation escalates, child protection intervenes. Nola is a poignant and moving short film about how important it is for a child to be able to grow up in a loving, safe environment. Through the eyes of two children, the film takes a confrontational look at a reality where parental care is lacking and children have to grow up too early. Nola emphasises the need for warmth, stability and protection in a child's formative years.

Nicky, a young ambitious and confident pure blooded motorcyclist. He always puts his life on the line while racing, not for the money but for kicks, respect and fame. When he gets into an accident, his world crumbles apart, not sure whether he’ll ever be able to race again. He has trouble accepting this new life and turns to his sister-in-law Vero and her son Charlie to start over. But the adrenaline junkie inside him rears his ugly head and Nicky tries relive his dream by coaching his nephew Charlie. It quickly becomes clear though, that they’re not cut from the same cloth.

Wild Youth is an ode to being young. A sensitive and intimate story of the first experiences of losing one's childlike innocence, questioning the imposed "masculinity" and (re)discovering yourself in the function of others.

After a night out, 17-year-old Otis is approached on the street by a model scout who invites him for a photo shoot: the start of a rollercoaster for Otis, who discovers the wonderful world of glamour, the catwalk and the associated parties. But he soon gets to know the dark side, a toxic world of appearances, drugs and transgressive behavior. Used, hurt and humiliated, he almost collapses mentally and physically.