EUFF 2022: A Butterfly’s Heart

Lithuania | Inesa Kurklietyte | 2021 | 108 min

This is the delightful story of ten-year-old Juozapas, a boy who survived a difficult birth with the rare but real condition of his heart living outside of his chest. Throughout his young life, Juozapas has tried to avoid too much interaction with other children, just to play it safe. Indeed, the centre of his world is a magnificent deserted house nearby. His closest friends are the many insects who occupy a terrarium, lovingly crafted by Juozapas in the form of a hotel. When a young girl named Rugilė arrives in town, Juozapas begins to discover new ways of seeing life and himself. Sensitive and charming, A Butterfly’s Heart is a beautiful story of one boy’s quest to find acceptance in an often unforgiving world.

“This dreamy film deals with themes such as raising children, self worth, and bullying … [It] is full of wonderful shots of nature and the insects lovingly cared for by the boy.” Cinekid Festival (Netherlands)