Latest news with #Generation14plus
Broadcast Pro
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Têtes brûlées' continues festival run after Berlinale debut
MAD World oversees the film's international sales, while MAD Distribution manages its distribution across the MENA region. Following its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it earned two Special Mentions in the Generation 14plus section, Têtes brûlées is set to continue its festival circuit with upcoming screenings at the D'A Barcelona Film Festival. The film's director, Maja Ajmia Zellama, will participate in Q&A sessions after the screenings on March 28 at 5:15 PM and March 29 at 7:35 PM at Aribau 4, offering audiences deeper insight into her creative process and storytelling approach. A Belgian production infused with Tunisian influences, Têtes brûlées is a coming-of-age drama centred on 12-year-old Eya, who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès. Bound by an unbreakable connection, Eya finds herself navigating a structured and emotional grieving process, leaning on her creativity, resilience, and Younès' close friends to make sense of her loss and move forward. At Berlinale, the film was recognised with two Special Mentions—one from the official Generation 14plus jury and another from the Independent Jury of the AG Kino – Gilde – Cinema Vision 14plus. These accolades further solidified its status as one of the festival's standout films. The Generation 14plus jury praised Têtes brûlées as 'a remarkable debut that provides a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl. With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it captures the complexity of grief and its transformative power. A bold yet delicate film, it highlights the strength found in unity during difficult times.' The film has also garnered critical acclaim, with Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa describing it as 'a film of few words but many gestures—hands reaching out, arms embracing and consoling.' She commended Zellama's sensitive direction, noting her ability to 'capture both the strength and fragility of these moments.' Written and directed by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish filmmaker Maja Ajmia Zellama, Têtes brûlées is produced by Komoko, with co-productions by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films. Zellama, a graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, is also the co-founder and president of ASBL Bledarte, a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to empowering immigrant youth through art and culture. The film's production team includes producers Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir, cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove, editor Dieter Diependaele, production designer Eve Martin, casting director Marie McCourt, and sound designer David Vranken. Têtes brûlées is represented for international sales by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is overseeing its release across the MENA region. The film features Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Narrating life of Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels: Têtes brûlées scoops Special Mentions at Berlinale - Screens - Arts & Culture
Têtes brûlées (Hotheads) by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama scooped two Special Mentions at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film was honoured by the official Generation 14plus jury and the Independent Jury of the AG Kino-Gilde—Cinema Vision 14plus. The plot of Zellama's debut feature film follows twelve-year-old Eya and her 25-year-old brother Younès. When Younès suddenly dies, Eya's world collapses. She finds solace in her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès' friends. Through Eya's grieving journey, the viewers uncover the life and customs of the Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels. Eya is aware of her community's solidarity as it rallies around her family and the silence that isolates each individual in their grief. Generation 14plus jury praised the film as "a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl.' They added: 'With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief's complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times." The film enjoyed a full-house screening at the Berlinale and a Q&A session with the cast and crew. The second screening took place on Sunday. Têtes brûlées stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb. Berlinale, which ran from 13 to 23 February, revealed the winners of its 75th edition on Saturday, its closing day. Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus are two of the festival's numerous competitive segments, screening state-of-the-art international cinema suitable for young audiences, with programmes featuring coming-of-age narratives. The films in Generation 14plus tackle important themes like identity, family dynamics, social challenges, and personal growth while providing artistic and thought-provoking narratives. The section includes feature films, short films, and documentaries from all over the world. Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Narrating life of Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels: Têtes brûlées scoops Special Mentions at Berlinale
Têtes brûlées (Hotheads) by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish director and screenwriter Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama scooped two Special Mentions at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). The film was honoured by the official Generation 14plus jury and the Independent Jury of the AG Kino-Gilde—Cinema Vision 14plus. The plot of Zellama's debut feature film follows twelve-year-old Eya and her 25-year-old brother Younès. When Younès suddenly dies, Eya's world collapses. She finds solace in her creativity, resilience, and the support of Younès' friends. Through Eya's grieving journey, the viewers uncover the life and customs of the Tunisian-Muslim family in Brussels. Eya is aware of her community's solidarity as it rallies around her family and the silence that isolates each individual in their grief. Generation 14plus jury praised the film as "a remarkable debut that offers a rare glimpse into a world of solidarity and love through the eyes of a young girl.' They added: 'With visually fresh imagery and heartfelt storytelling, it brings grief's complexity to the forefront, showing how loss can be painful and transformative. A bold yet gentle work, it reminds us of the power of unity in difficult times." The film enjoyed a full-house screening at the Berlinale and a Q&A session with the cast and crew. The second screening took place on Sunday. Têtes brûlées stars Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama, and Monia Taieb. Berlinale, which ran from 13 to 23 February, revealed the winners of its 75th edition on Saturday, its closing day. Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus are two of the festival's numerous competitive segments, screening state-of-the-art international cinema suitable for young audiences, with programmes featuring coming-of-age narratives. The films in Generation 14plus tackle important themes like identity, family dynamics, social challenges, and personal growth while providing artistic and thought-provoking narratives. The section includes feature films, short films, and documentaries from all over the world. Short link:
