IT
A deeply moving documentary, a portrait that captures the growth of a young boy and the blossoming of his passions.
In the Gex Doc section, Bugboy by Lucas Paleocrassas was screened. The documentary follows the life of a teenager whose childhood has been shaped by his parents’ divorce, an eye malformation, and difficulties relating to others within his social environment. Yorgos is a withdrawn and isolated boy who, despite everything, discovers extraordinary energy in a world that is incredibly small yet endlessly fascinating: the world of insects. His gateway into this microcosm is a cricket, with which he forms an unexpected bond.
From that discovery onward, Yorgos begins to rebuild his relationship with his father, rediscovers the value of life, and gradually opens small windows onto the outside world. He also finds the courage to undergo a delicate eye operation to correct his condition. Yet the support of his father and the courageous choices he makes ultimately confront him with another important decision: should he leave behind his passion for insects, or find a way to let it coexist with his new life, one enriched by stronger social connections and genuine relationships?
The film offers a variety of perspectives. The audience in the Galileo Hall welcomed it enthusiastically, and the discussion with director Lucas Paleocrassas that followed was lively, prompting a great number of questions from those in attendance.
Reflecting on the film after the screening, the director commented: “It is certainly an unusual portrayal of fatherhood, and it was a very pleasant surprise for me as well. From the very beginning, I noticed this unconditional love, while the mother is slightly more absent. The relationship with the father is the driving force that made this film come to life.”
The first question came from Fabio: “How did you discover this story? And what inspired you to make it?”
Paleocrassas replied:“I first read about Yorgos in the newspapers. I became fascinated by his story, and eventually documented his life from the ages of fifteen to eighteen.”
Rita offered one of the most heartfelt reflections: “To me, this is truly a film, a poem. It tells the story of a young man’s metamorphosis, as he reaches a deeper awareness of himself. I loved that aspect. It leaves so many questions open, especially about communication between parent and child. I would love to know whether he has found new ways of connecting with other people.”
The director responded:“Thank you very much for that question. He has now entered adolescence, and of course life is not a fairy tale for him, he still faces many challenges. But everything he has experienced has made him much more confident in himself. Sharing his story with the world has been essential in conveying the message that being different, or being seen as unusual, is something truly beautiful.”
A powerful testament to rebirth, Bugboy celebrates the ability to transform one’s so-called “strange habits” into a signature trait, a defining characteristic that no one can truly diminish.