In 2024, the International Youth Film Competition makes stops in Germany, the Benelux countries, Lithuania, Argentina, Bolivia and the Himalayas – and shows young people attempting to realise their dreams, even under difficult circumstances. THE DOG THIEF introduces us to Martín, who ekes out a living as a shoeshine boy in Bolivia. TOXIC is set in a dreary town in Lithuania, where Marija and Kristina are prepared to sacrifice everything for a modelling career. Just like Lola from Argentina in ALEMANIA, who pursues her plan to go to school in Germany against all odds. By contrast, the teenagers in JULIE KEEPS QUIET, GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS and GOTTESKINDER are at risk of straying from their preordained paths: Julie from Belgium remains silent about abuse allegations against her ex-tennis coach, Mira’s performance at an elite Indian boarding school is shaken by her first love, and Hannah from Germany begins to question her role in an evangelical family. Finally, we are also showing YOUNG HEARTS, a romantic love story between two boys from Belgium and the Netherlands, out of competition.