38,5 (2010)
10min | Documentary, Short | 28 April 2010 (Germany)
Storyline:
Mariusz is a 15-year-old Polish boy who is training as a competitive boxer. The title refers to his weight (38,5 kilos), which must be increased by 4 kilos to move up a weight class. We see him in class, getting a detailed physical exam, training with other youth, at home and wandering alone. While this is listed as a brief documentary, the editorial comment of the cinematography and its editing present the picture of an adolescent boy who has a pretty miserable life. He is berated by his coach for “moving in slow motion”. His friends seem hardly to know he is there. His mother complains at every step and only wants him to have a girlfriend so that there is someone to do his homework. If there is to be a good ending to his constrained life, in isn’t visible in this 10-minute slice.
