Browse films

Ciao Bella

Mathilde Norholt
Denmark, 2025, 11 min.

In Danish with English subtitles.
Includes adult language.

On the morning of her 15th birthday, Bella tries to hide the evidence of her nightly adventures and new found womanhood for her protective father.

Director's Statement

Growing up I remember having a "bad conscience" about getting older and detaching from my parents. Because what would become of them? The older I got the older they would get -and in that sense getting closer to death. In "Ciao Bella" Bella is left with the same divided feelings: Wanting to live her own youthful life, but also feeling conflicted about hurting her father in her quest for independence. Quite common and universal teenage feelings. And if the adults have not completely erased their own adolescence hard drive, they can perfectly remember it too.

Category: Short, Drama.
Themes: Sexuality, Family, Relationships, Youth.

More in Short

  • Way Back Home

    Way Back Home

    Jun hyung Cho
    South Korea, 2025, 18 min.

    Awakening in an unfamiliar space, Suna meets and converses with a man about the place they
    are in, her desire to go home and the world at large... more ›

  • Gardening

    Gardening

    Sarah Beeby
    United Kingdom, 2024, 14 min.

    In the aftermath of sexual assault, a woman retreats into the garden of her mind. Searching for answers and struggling to do 'the right thing', she realises... more ›

  • Holy Curse

    Holy Curse

    Snigdha Kapoor
    India, 2024, 16 min.

    During a visit to India, 11-year-old Radha grapples with their gender identity as their family subjects them to manipulative orthodox rituals, believing these... more ›