EN / CZ

Rites

Young & Short 2023 (15–18 years)

Not to Be Alone

 

original title: Rituály

directed by: Damián Vondrášek

year: 2022

duration: 16 minutes

country: Czechia

Michal was born with facial cleft, Ondra is from a socially disadvantaged family. They are both twelve years old and never really fit in. They want to finally break out of the outsider position, so they decide to undergo the ritual of joining a local street gang. Together they have one afternoon to prove to the gang that they deserve their respect. But the enticing adventure soon turns into an initiation ritual into adulthood.

The film won the 2022 Czech Lion for Best Short Film and was nominated for the 2022 Magnesia Award. At FAMUfest 2022, it won the award for Best Director and Best Camera.