Documentary, 55 min, directed by Jeroen van Velzen.
Editor: Daan Wijdeveld NCE
Read the Golden Calf jury report
‘This seemingly simple story of a school election contains all the elements of the harsh reality beyond the school walls. Three candidates, a girl and two boys, compete for the ‘presidency’. It is a clear, almost cheerful film, but also a beautifully constructed drama with losers and a winner. Within this limited arena and in a short time, the makers bring three very different characters to life. In small scenes observed by a stylishly natural camera, inequality unfolds: without money and connections it is hard to win the hearts of your voters. In this bittersweet lesson in democracy, you keep hoping until the very end that the outcome might be different.’
Majaoni Secondary School in Kenya is electing a new president. There are three candidates: the intelligent Magdalene, underdog Harry and ‘born winner’ Saïd.
Awards & festivals
- Nominated for the Golden Calf for Best Short Documentary, Netherlands Film Festival 2014
- Nominated for the ‘Leipzig Ring’ – award of the Stiftung Friedliche Revolution for the best documentary about democracy
- Special mention at Docudays: “A brilliant metaphor of the political scene – which is very local in character – has a universal appeal and a simplicity of message – which proves that sometimes even focusing on what’s close by and seemingly insignificant can portray mechanisms that drive politics and societies.”
- Opening film at Más Film Festival, Nicaragua
- Winner of the ‘Vision Jeune’ award at Millenium Festival, Brussels, Belgium