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.

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