"A gut-punch of a film that is not so much a portrait of schoolyard bullying as it is a sensory immersion straight into the heart of children abusing other children physically and emotionally, PLAYGROUND is a sit-up-and-take-notice blend of outstandingly natural performances enhanced by spot-on cinematic choices.”- Lisa Nesselson, Screen Daily
“A brilliant debut feature. PLAYGROUND’s brilliance is in its simplicity and intimacy…one of the best films about early childhood I’ve seen.” - Danielle Measor, WeTalkFilm
The everyday reality of grade school is seen as an obstacle course of degradation and abuse, as 7-year-old Nora and her big brother Abel struggle to fit in and find their place on the schoolyard. Transposing the gritty realism of such filmmakers as Jacques Audiard and the Dardennes Brothers to the inner world of kids, PLAYGROUND is a visceral portrait of the cruelty of children, and the failure of adults to protect them. Chicago premiere.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - FIPRESCI Prize, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Film, International Feature Competition, Guanajuato International Film Festival
Winner - Golden Anchor Award, Best Debut Film, Haifa International Film Festival
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