Lady Bird

Christine is a headstrong young lady in her final year of high school. She loathes her hometown Sacramento, constantly argues with her mother, and insists on being addressed as “Lady Bird”. However, she is also a highly engaging personality, who hilariously dares to question both herself and the people and world around her, on her journey to adulthood. Specifically for Cinema ZED Leuven We, we are screening Lady Bird once more in the context of the 10-day event of mental health. The post-screening discussion is provided by Ankerpunt vzw*, an interdisciplinary center in Leuven that has been committed to the well-being and development of children, young people, (young) adults, and families since 2008. During the post-screening discussion, we will reflect on the theme of broken contact between parents and children. Commentaar Actrice Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha, for which she also wrote the screenplay) drew much inspiration from her own youth when writing and directing this irresistible indie gem. The bond between Christine/Lady Bird and her mother is of a painfully recognizable fragility, which will leave no one — not even the sons and fathers — untouched. The film is, however, so much more than an intimate family portrait. The young cast includes just about all the rising stars of the moment (with, alongside the stunning lead role of Saiorse Ronan, also Timothée Chalamet from Call me by your Name and Lucas Hedges van Manchester by the Sea) who offer firm resistance to the old guard. The ninety minutes fly by and beg for a second viewing. Just as funny as it is recognizable and spot-on in its observations regarding growing up, communication, and connection. An absolute must-see for young and old.