Ten-year-old Asalif and his mother have been displaced from their farmland on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the construction of a condominium. To fight back against those casting him out, Asalif taps into a fantasy of becoming his hero: the lion (“anbessa” in Amharic). Asalif uses his imagination to battle forces beyond his control. He must find the strength that resides in him in order to deal with the tides of change that are usurping a community, a country, and his own identity.
Anbessa Anbessa
Through an intimate coming-of-age story, Anbessa captures one boy taking on modernization on his own terms, revealing a unique and magical perspective on the myth of “progress”.
What's On
LIFFe
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Kinobalon at LIFFe
Aleque & Issay Aleque & Issay
Tora Mkandawire Mårtens
Saturday, 22. 11. 2025 / 10:00 / Main Hall
The film follows three-year-old twins who have just moved from Sweden to China, consistently maintaining a child’s-eye perspective, keeping the camera at their level.
Tales from the Magic Garden Tales from the Magic Garden
Leon Vidmar, David Súkup, Patrik Pašš, Jean-Claude Rozec
Saturday, 22. 11. 2025 / 13:00 / Small Hall
Three kids spend the night at their grandpa’s house. To fill the silence after losing their grandma, the family’s storyteller, they create their own stories and discover the power of imagination. This uplifting stop-motion film celebrates creativity and its healing magic.
LIFFe
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Kinobalon at LIFFe
Miss Boots Mlle Bottine
Yan Lanouette Turgeon
Saturday, 22. 11. 2025 / 15:00 / Main Hall
A funny and moving tale of an unlikely bond that brings two lonely souls together in a story full of humour, creativity, and warmth. A film that will charm both children and adults alike.