IT
There are summers that change the way you see yourself forever. That is exactly what happens to Lea, the fifteen-year-old protagonist of “Weightless”, the latest feature by Danish director Emilie Thalund, competing at the #GiffoniFilmFestival in the Generator +18 section. Delicate yet deeply unsettling, the film offers an honest exploration of body image, the longing to be loved, and the universal need to feel accepted.
Set at a summer camp nestled between the sea and the forest, “Weightless” follows Lea as she becomes fascinated by her new roommate Sasha, who embodies everything she wishes she could be: confident, charismatic, and effortlessly free. While Sasha attracts the attention of the local boys, Lea finds herself drawn to Rune, the camp’s charming instructor. When he returns her interest, she is overwhelmed by new, intense, and unsettling emotions that force her to confront her own insecurities and a perception of her body that has long been shaped by the judgments of others.
Following the screening, lead actress Marie Helweg Augustsen met the #jurors in Sala Blu for a heartfelt discussion about the film’s themes. Francesca pointed out how the story addresses important issues, asking whether its emotional core lay in Lea’s search for acceptance from both adults and society. Augustsen explained that the project stemmed from a deeply personal experience: “It’s a divisive film, even for me. Living in a non-normative body, I deliberately poured many of my own feelings into Lea. Playing her gave me the opportunity to show myself the kindness I struggled to give myself for so long”.
Her testimony made Lea’s emotional journey even more authentic and resonated strongly with the audience. Responding to Giulia’s question about the preparation required for such an emotionally demanding role, Augustsen revealed that she joined the cast a year and a half before filming began and highlighted the importance of the production’s Intimacy Coordinator, a professional increasingly present in contemporary cinema.
“They also have psychological expertise and play a fundamental role during intimate scenes. They are there before, during, and after filming to ensure everyone feels comfortable, while respecting the actors’ boundaries and well-being”.
Ana then reflected on the way the film portrays the sexualization of a teenage girl, asking the actress how she approached that aspect of the role. “It was challenging because, at fifteen, you still know very little about sexuality. But it’s important to tell these stories because they are part of growing up, and pretending they don’t exist would be wrong”.
One of the most moving moments of the conversation came when Serena addressed the actress with a simple yet heartfelt message: “As an oversize girl, I finally felt represented”. Her words were met with visible emotion, confirming once again how cinema can become a space for recognition, empathy, and shared experiences.
Yana also described “Weightless” as “a difficult and uncomfortable film”, calling Lea “a character starving for love”. Augustsen agreed that this very discomfort was essential: “It was important to portray this reality. It’s a true story, and while I understand why some viewers may feel uncomfortable, it deserved to be told truthfully”.
With “Weightless”, #Giffoni56 offers Generator +18 jurors a film that avoids easy answers and comforting conclusions. Instead, it encourages audiences to face the vulnerabilities of adolescence without filters, exploring the burden of judgment, the desire to be seen and loved, and the lightness suggested by the title. A lightness that can only be found when we finally learn to accept ourselves.