Film Selection
When Lambs become Lions
In a Kenyan town bordering a wildlife conservation area, two men try to hold onto their increasingly fragile status quo. A small-time ivory dealer fights to stay on top while forces mobilise to destroy his trade. When he turns to his younger cousin, a conflicted wildlife ranger who hasn’t been paid in months, they both see a possible lifeline. The plummeting elephant population in Africa has captured the attention of the world. And as the government cracks down, the poachers face their own existential crisis. For them, conservationists are not only winning their campaign to value the life of an elephant over its ivory, but over the life of humans as well. Who are these hunters who will risk death, arrest and the moral outrage of the world to provide for their families?
The film is nominated for 'Rights Now!' Award
Born to an Australian mother and an Indian father, Jon Kasbe spent most of his childhood traveling extensively. Growing up in this environment instilled in him a deep curiosity and desire to explore the world. He soon found documentary filmmaking to be a way to immerse himself in his travels and share discoveries with others. At age 10, he bought his first camera in order to interview children in war-torn Serbia, where his parents were volunteering. Now at 27, his short films have been screened around the world, garnering an Emmy award, two Emmy nominations, and recognition from the Webbys, SXSW, Hot Docs, Vimeo Staff Picks, and the White House News Photographers Association. When Lambs Become Lions, which he filmed, directed and produced, is his feature-length film debut.
Girl Against Gravity
Erdenchimeg (11) has her mind set on becoming a famous contortionist – a speciality of Mongolian acrobats. Her team at the circus school is invited to become part of a prestigious show on the parliament square. But suddenly Erdenchimeg seems incapable of managing her exercise. The prospect of becoming the ‘odd one out’ on her team is all the more frightening because her dad is imprisoned, her mother is a former drunk, and Erdenchimeg was only admitted to the circus school as an act of good will. Not just her own dreams, but also the dignity of her family is at stake. But in the end she finds her inner strength and pulls through!
Recommended age 7+
Jens Pedersen studied at Roskilde University and San Francisco State University. Pedersen has directed a number of documentary films, including the series Faith Hope Afghanistan (2013) and Kids on the Silk Road (2017). An episode from Faith Hope Afghanistan won the Audience Award and the Award for Best Documentary at the BUSTER Film Festival in 2014, and both series have had several episodes selected for a number of festivals such as IDFA.
Show time & place
Sievierodonetsk,
31а, Energetikov st.
