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
What Marielle Knows Was Marielle weiß
Frédéric Hambalek
Sunday, 24. 05. 2026 / 11:00 / Main Hall
What would happen if your child suddenly knew everything about you? This funny and incisive social satire with a supernatural twist will make you rethink your family relationships.
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes
Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han
Sunday, 24. 05. 2026 / 11:30 / Small Hall
Amélie is a little Belgian girl born in Japan. Thanks to her friend Nishio-san, life is a succession of adventures and discoveries. But on her third birthday, a single event changes everything. Because for Amélie, this is the age where everything hangs in the balance: happiness as well as tragedy.
Honey Honey
Natasha Arthy
Sunday, 24. 05. 2026 / 14:40 / Main Hall
A shy Honey is caught between family secrets and her love of music. When she learns her grandfather might still be alive, she sets off on a journey – to find him and herself.