SECRETS OF WAR

Dir. Dennis Bots (95min, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, 2014)
Dutch with English Subtitles
Narrative
East Coast Premiere

During World War II, everyone had to keep secrets to survive, but at what price? Lambert and Tuur, two 12-year-old boys living in a small town in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, share a strong friendship. It’s 1943, but for these thick-as-thieves friends, the German occupation is merely inspiration for more exciting cave-war games.

Even this bond is put at risk with the arrival of a lively young girl named Maartje, carrying with her a heavy secret about her past. As Tuur and Maartje become close, the estranged Lambert grows increasingly jealous and acts irrationally, exposing Maartje’s secret with far-reaching consequences that are beyond his understanding.

Recommended for ages 10+

Co-presented by All Generations and 3GDC.

Dennis Bots was born in Kitwe, Zambia, and raised in Gemert, Netherlands. He has directed for television, and his films include Zoop in Afrika and Cool Kids Don’t Cry.

“The talent of the young actors (their facial expressions conveying genuine emotions), the idyllic musical score and the skillful work of director Dennis Bots depict a friendship that brings back reminiscences of the famous chums Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.” -The Sky Kid