The Belgian film ‘Têtes brûlées’ has received a special mention from the jury for the Generation 14plus competition for youth films at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF) announced on Friday evening.
The film, produced with support from the VAF, tells the story of 12-year-old Eya (Safa Gharbaoui), who tragically loses her brother Younès (Mehdi Bouziane) overnight. Eya must find a way to cope with the loss of her brother, with whom she spent every day.
‘Têtes brûlées’ was filmed in Brussels and marks the feature-film debut of director and actress Maja-Ajmia Zellama. The film was produced by Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir for Komoko, in co-production with Quetzalcoatl and 10.80 Films.
“The special mention from the jury was a wonderful surprise for me,” said Maja-Ajmia Zellama. “It feels like a collective recognition; I was surrounded by a great team and a fantastic cast, and I am very happy that our work is appreciated. I believe these kinds of stories deserve a place, and I am grateful that they resonate with others.”
The 75th edition of the Berlinale began on 13 February and ends on Sunday 23 February.
