Rinoceronte

Most of the time, eleven-year-old Damián takes care of himself. His family is negligent and occasionally violent, and as a result he stays out of their way as much as he can. After one incident, he is picked up by the police and placed in the care of social worker Leandro, who takes him to a local children’s home. Despite the best intentions of Leandro and the care home’s committed staff, Damián desperately wants to go back home. It’s up to Leandro – who we learn has a very similar past – to show Damián that his previous life is now behind him, and that even with the rage he feels, it is possible for him to build himself a new future.

"...presents an important reminder that not all young people’s lives are the same."

The film presents the worldview of someone whose voice is not often heard and asks us to watch and listen carefully. The central character of Damián speaks so rarely and with so few words but is so expressive in his body language and reaction that he speaks volumes about the difficulties (and occasional joys) of his situation. It may ask a lot of its audience but this is a powerful film which takes us onto the streets of urban Argentina and presents an important reminder that not all young people’s lives are the same.