Movie of the Day: No Dogs Allowed (2024) by Steve Bache

Link to watch: https://www.zdf.de/filme/no-dogs-allowed-movie-100?at_medium=StreamingGuide&at_campaign=justwatch (Germany)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29288270/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/470311/

About movie: https://www.zdf.de/filme/no-dogs-allowed-movie-100

Movie (Detailed Summary)

"No Dogs Allowed" tells the story of 15-year-old Gabo, a teenager who appears like any other, attending school and playing video games with his friends. However, Gabo harbors a secret: he struggles with pedophilic urges that he cannot control and hides from his family and friends. He finds solace and connection in online forums where he meets Dave, an older man who manipulates Gabo's insecurities and draws him into a toxic power dynamic, blurring the lines between friendship and grooming. When Dave is arrested on suspicion of statutory rape, Gabo faces a difficult dilemma: should he testify against his mentor, risking the exposure of his own secret? The film explores this sensitive and taboo subject through Gabo's perspective, consciously questioning societal prejudices about this inclination. It aims to provide insight into how such tendencies can develop and emphasizes the importance of not becoming an abuser.

Plot Summary

A 15-year-old boy with pedophilic urges becomes entangled with an older man online. When the man is arrested, the boy must decide whether to testify and reveal his secret.

Director's Vision

Steve Bache, in his debut feature, aimed to confront the taboo subject of pedosexuality through the unique perspective of a teenager struggling with these urges. His vision was to consciously question societal prejudices with sensitivity and vulnerability, avoiding clichés and creating a film that urges parents to consider the online lives of their children. Bache wanted the audience to understand how such inclinations can be present without leading to abuse and emphasized the film's message is about how not to become an abuser.

Themes

• Pedosexuality: The film directly tackles the taboo subject of pedophilic urges from the perspective of a teenager.

• Online Grooming: The relationship between Gabo and Dave explores the dynamics and manipulation involved in online grooming.

• Coming-of-Age: Gabo's journey is portrayed as a difficult and unconventional coming-of-age story.

• Sexual Identity and Secret Shame: Gabo struggles to understand and hide his urges, leading to feelings of shame and isolation.

• Manipulation and Power Dynamics: The relationship between Gabo and Dave highlights the exploitation of vulnerability.

Key Success Factors

"No Dogs Allowed" won the Best First Feature Film Award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024, indicating strong storytelling and directorial execution in tackling a challenging subject. The jury praised the film's sensitivity, vulnerability, and the performances of the lead actors.

Summary Short

A 15-year-old boy grappling with pedophilic urges finds himself in a dilemma when the older man he connected with online is arrested for abuse.

Awards and Nominations

"No Dogs Allowed" won the Best First Feature Film Award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024. Steve Bache's short film "Fatjona," which preceded this feature, was nominated for a BAFTA Student Award in 2022.

Critics Reception

There is limited information regarding widespread critical reception in English. However, the jury statement from the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival praised the film's sensitivity and depth.

Reviews

One user review on IMDb described the film as a great movie and great cinema, highlighting its sensitive portrayal of the emotional side of a taboo subject in an almost documentary way.

Box Office

Box office information for "No Dogs Allowed (2024)" is not readily available. As an independent film focusing on a sensitive topic, its theatrical release might be limited.

Production

"No Dogs Allowed" is a German film directed by Steve Bache, with a screenplay by Stephan Kämpf, starring Carlo Krammling and Robin Sondermann, produced by Schiwago Film GmbH in co-production with ZDF – Das kleine Fernsehspiel. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Production Companies

• Schiwago Film GmbH (Germany)

• Das kleine Fernsehspiel (ZDF) (Germany)

Sales Companies

World sales are being handled by Schiwago Film GmbH.

Distribution Companies

Information about distribution companies beyond festival screenings and a TV release in Germany is not readily available. The film premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and was scheduled for a TV release in Germany in November 2024.

Release Date on Streaming

Information about the streaming release date for "No Dogs Allowed (2024)" is not widely available at this time.

Theatrical Release

"No Dogs Allowed" premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Brave and Sensitive Exploration of a Taboo Subject: The film tackles a difficult topic with careful consideration.

• Award-Winning Debut Feature: The film received recognition at a prestigious film festival.

• Unique Perspective: The story is told from the perspective of a teenager grappling with his urges.

Why to Watch Movie

• To Gain Insight into a Challenging and Often Misunderstood Issue: The film aims to question societal prejudices.

• To Experience a Bold Debut Feature: Steve Bache is highlighted as a promising new director.

• For a Film That Will Leave No One Indifferent: The subject matter is provocative and will likely spark thought and discussion.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

• Films Tackling Taboo Subjects: There is a trend in independent cinema to explore difficult and often unspoken topics.

• Coming-of-Age Dramas with a Dark Edge: The film presents a non-traditional and challenging perspective on adolescence.

What Big Social Trend is Following

• Increased Awareness of Online Grooming and Child Safety: The film touches upon the dangers of online interactions and the vulnerability of young people.

• Open Dialogue About Sexuality and Identity: The film attempts to open a conversation about a complex and often stigmatized aspect of human sexuality.

Final Verdict

"No Dogs Allowed" is a brave and sensitive debut feature that confronts a deeply taboo subject from an unconventional perspective. With its award-winning storytelling and focus on the inner struggles of its protagonist, the film promises to be a thought-provoking and potentially unsettling viewing experience.

Recommendations for Film Makers

• Approach Sensitive Subjects with Care and Nuance: The film's sensitive handling of a difficult topic is commendable.

• Consider Unique Perspectives for Difficult Stories: Telling the story from the teenager's viewpoint offers a different angle on the issue.

• Don't Shy Away from Provocative and Taboo Themes: Independent cinema can be a space for exploring challenging subjects.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Emerging Filmmakers Who Tackle Difficult Topics: Steve Bache's award recognition highlights the importance of supporting new voices.

• Provide Platforms for Films That Encourage Dialogue and Reflection: "No Dogs Allowed" has the potential to spark important conversations.

• Recognize the Value of Films That Challenge Societal Prejudices: The film aims to make audiences question their assumptions about a sensitive subject.