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Almost a Woman

16 year old Sofia has recently been moved from foster care to a juvenile detention center in denmark. Her mother is a drunk, and her father doesn’t really care about her. At the center she gets bullied for being an outsider, but after hearing that it’s Sofia’s birthday, her roommate Ida convinces her to sneak out to meet some guys. At a gasstation near by Sofia meets Victor. The bullies attack Sofia and a fight breaks out. Amidst the chaos Sofia finally stands up for herself against the bullies and with the courage she gains, and the support from her new friend, she finally calls her dad to break contact with him.

  • Lotta Becker
    Director
  • Niklas Gyberg Ivarsson
    Writer
  • Emelie Alsaker Synnes
    Producer
  • Costanza Maria Brera
    Key Cast
    "Sofia"
  • Laura Øyen Akerø
    Key Cast
    "Ida"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    330 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Denmark
  • Country of Filming:
    Denmark
  • Language:
    Danish, English, Italian, Norwegian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - European Film College
Director Biography - Lotta Becker

Born in Germany. Lotta first picked up an analogue camera to document her friends and her own aesthetics of the world around her. She developed scripts and acted at the Lübecker Stadttheater with a group of young people, where she for the first time took part in a short movie and discovered her interest for moving images. After leaving school she moved to Stockholm to work as a directors assistant for Andreas Öhman before studying architecture at the University of Arts in Berlin. Going back and forth between architecture and film she worked as a production assistant at Goodhouse Films Berlin and studied film at the European Film College in Denmark.

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Director Statement

"Almost a Woman" is a compelling coming-of-age narrative based on a true story, following a young italian girl named Sofia as she repeatedly faces disappointment from the male figures in her life. Through her journey, Sofia lets go of her build up wall of protection and discovers her inner strength and voice. Enabling her to let go of the frustrating and sorrowful attachment to her father. As she navigates the complex teenage world, Sofia's story highlights the raw emotions and impulsive decisions that come with youth, where sensibility and roughness often coexist.

The film delves into the challenging experience of growing up without the proper support and comfort from family. It explores the struggle of breaking free and gaining control, while still seeking validation and acceptance as a teenager. Sofia's story sheds light on the dynamics of groups, friendships, and the harsh realities of teenage life, where one can encounter both kindness and cruelty in equal measure.

Ultimately, the film invites viewers to witness Sofia's personal journey of self-discovery, as she learns to assert her power and find her true identity. "Almost a Woman" is an important and poignant story that captures the essence of what it means to grow up and overcome the challenges that come with it.