OPENING NIGHT FILM & PARTY: Young Hearts

Fourteen-year-old Elias (Lou Goossens, in a breakthrough performance) lives a carefree life in his charming Belgian town until the arrival of Alex, a cool new neighbor. As Elias’s feelings for Alex deepen, he embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and emotional discovery, making for a touching and rewarding experience. Filmed beautifully in the Belgian countryside, Young Hearts is a refreshing exploration of first love. Writer/director Anthony Schatteman’s feature debut delivers a unique and profound story that resonates on multiple levels: a balm for those whose initial queer experiences were traumatic, a mirror for today’s LGBTQ+ youth, and a hopeful message for parents of future generations.