IT
A journey driven by curiosity, a taste for mischief, and an adventurous spirit: “Curly Burly”, the animated feature competing in the Elements +6 section at #Giffoni56 and directed by Jan Rahbek, is an engaging adventure filled with jokes, laughter, and plenty of suspenseful moments that kept the #Giffoners on the edge of their seats. But beyond the fun, it also delivers an important message: staying true to yourself without compromising who you are.
The story follows Curly Burly, a young troll destined to become the future Troll Master. He lives with his family and the entire troll community on the beautiful island of Bornholm. Hidden beneath the ground and unknown to humankind, the trolls spend their days laughing, playing, and enjoying life together. Yet their world is governed by strict rules, and one stands above all the others: never go up to the surface. Curly Burly, however, is far from obedient. One day, accompanied by his sister, he ventures into the human world, setting off on an unforgettable adventure.
The film captivated the entire audience of #Giffoners +6 while delivering a meaningful lesson: being yourself is the first step toward happiness.
Following the screening, director Jan Rahbek answered questions from the young jurors during a lively and heartfelt debate. The discussion opened with Chiara, who asked: “Why did you decide to make a film about trolls?”.
The director explained: “I based the trolls on a very famous character in Denmark, while also drawing inspiration from Danish folklore and legends”.
Young Sofia shared her thoughts on the film: “I really liked it, especially because of how brave the trolls were. The only part I didn’t like was when the humans wanted to blow up the cave”.
Marco then asked how long it had taken to make the film. Rahbek replied: “The entire production took about a year, while the shooting lasted five weeks”.
Finally, Matteo wanted to know which character was the director’s favourite. Rahbek answered without hesitation: “Curly Burly, of course. I see a lot of myself in him and in some of the way he behaves”.
The film was warmly received by the #Giffoners, who were enchanted by its story, humour, and sense of adventure, confirming Curly Burly as an entertaining tale that combines fantasy, laughter, and a heartfelt celebration of courage and authenticity.