This marks yet another international success for the film following its world premiere at the 65th Krakow Film Festival last year and its recent first international screening at the prestigious Hot Docs festival in Toronto. Its inclusion in the Giffoni Film Festival program confirms the growing interest in the film at international documentary festivals.
Organized since 1971, the Giffoni Film Festival has remained one of the most important events dedicated to cinema for children and young people for over half a century. The festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, producers, and distributors to meet with young audiences, fostering dialogue between the film industry and its viewers. Its goal is to promote artistically valuable films that support cultural education and foster critical thinking and sensitivity among young viewers. The event is organized by the Giffoni Experience association with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Campania regional government, and the municipality of Giffoni Valle Piana.
“On My Own Terms” is a story of Paul and Julka – half-siblings growing up in an orphanage. Their shared dream is to live life on their own terms. When Paul achieves his first successes in his boxing career and Julka inherits an apartment, the road to independence seems easy. However, life puts them to the test, and the siblings must face challenges they never expected. Their ideas about independent living confront reality.
The screening at the Gex Doc competition will be an opportunity to present the documentary to an international audience and to the jury of one of the most highly regarded film festivals dedicated to young audiences. It will be its Italian premiere.
The film’s producer is Marta Wierzbicka / Smart Films.