Listen + #bullyingstory

(9 years and up)

Block OKI DOKI. Hate Stop

How should we discuss violence with children—those who suffer from it and those who perpetrate it? Two films in this section explain the feelings of children who are different. Where do they look for help with bullying at school or online? These two films will serve as a starting point to a conversation with children about the emotions on either side of the conflict and the importance of respecting our fellow human beings. This block is a set of two movies: “Listen” and “#bullyingstory”.

"Listen", dir.: Astrid Bussink, Netherlands / 2017

pictures: Sander Roeleveld

production: Hasse van Nunen, Renko Douze / Een van de jongens

festivals ans awards : 2017 – IDFA Amsterdam: Special Jury Award for Children’s Documentary

How should we discuss violence with children—those who suffer from it and those who perpetrate it? Two films in this section explain the feelings of children who are different. Where do they look for help with bullying at school or online? These two films will serve as a starting point to a conversation with children about the emotions on either side of the conflict and the importance of respecting our fellow human beings. This block is a set of two movies: “Listen” and “#bullyingstory”.

Life can seem pretty overwhelming at times, particularly when you're growing up. And it’s not always easy to talk to your parents or friends about your problems. Fortunately, the “Kindertelefoon” (Child Helpline) in the Netherlands provides a listening ear. ”Listen” presents a cross-section of conversations between children and the Kindertelefoon.

One girl talks about being home alone virtually all week; another is sad because her parents are getting divorced. A boy in an asylum seekers’ center is worried about the future, while another one doesn’t want to be gay and hopes these feelings will pass. Every day, the Kindertelefoon takes calls like these from children who need someone to talk to. But children also call to talk about their pets, to practice their audition for The Voice Kids or to make pranks. Recordings of these phone conversations are accompanied by images that quite literally give color to them, and which beautifully reflect their tone – sometimes hilarious or naughty, but more often sad or heartrending.

"#bullyingstory"

director: Eef Hilgers

production: Nienke Korthof, Willem Baptist / Tangerine Tree

festivals and awards: 2019 – IFF Berlin, 2018 IDFA Amsterdam

Bullying is a shockingly common phenomenon which begins in the schoolyard and goes viral on social media. Filmmaker Eef Hilgers lends a platform to a seldom heard voice, as 13-year-old Rosalie paints a picture of persistent psychological torment, which ends up tainting even the former sanctuary of her own bedroom. By speaking up about it and trading stories with other victims over the Internet, she slowly recovers her self-esteem.