In “Tomboy” (2011) by filmmaker Céline Sciamma, 10-year-old Laure is a girl who introduces herself to the kids in her new neighborhood as “Mikael”, a boy. “Tomboy” plays at the Bear Tooth in Anchorage on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 5:30 PM.

In Tomboy (2011), filmmaker Céline Sciamma’s second feature, a family with two daughters, 10-year-old Laure (Zoé Héran) and 6-year-old Jeanne (Malonn Lévana), moves to a new suburban neighborhood during the summer holidays. With her Jean Seberg haircut and tomboy ways, Laure is immediately mistaken for a boy by the local kids, and decides to pass herself off as “Mikael,” a boy different enough to catch the attention of leader-of-the-pack Lisa (Jeanne Disson), who becomes smitten.

At home with her parents and girlie younger sister, Laure is Laure. Hanging out with her new pals and girlfriend, she is Mikael. Finding resourceful ways to hide her true self, Laure takes advantage of her new identity, as if the end of the summer would never reveal her unsettling secret. Céline Sciamma brings a light and charming touch to this contemporary coming-of-age story, which is also about relationships among children, between children and parents, and the even more complicated one between one’s heart and body.

“…a beautiful, matter-of-fact French drama about a young girl who wants to be a boy — and for one singular summer around her 10th birthday passes as one…” — Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Press notes for the film describe the filmmaker’s intent:

“I built the film around a very strong and simple argument,” explains Sciamma, “the story of a lie, an undercover character, so that it would produce a powerful story with suspense and empathy. It allowed me to take the time to relate a vivid chronicle about childhood, with documentary aspects, and unpredictable accidents.” Sciamma also asserts that the child’s age should not be an issue when asking deep and mature questions about the nature of gender and identity. “Childhood is often referred to as the age of innocence,” she says. “But I think it’s a time of life full of sensuality and ambiguous emotions. I wanted to portray that.”

Filmmaker Céline Sciamma was born in 1978 and grew up in the Paris suburbs. After a master’s degree in French literature, she followed screenwriting courses at the French film school La Femis. She shares her work between collaborations with directors and writing feature and television projects. Céline’s first feature film, Water Lilies, has been selected in Cannes/Un certain Regard (2007) and in more than 30 festivals worldwide (Toronto, London, New York, Tokyo, Rotterdam…). Acclaimed by the film critics, the film won the prestigious French Louis-Delluc award. Tomboy is her second feature film.

Among Tomboy‘s awards and honors:

• Winner, Teddy Jury Award at Berlin International Film Festival, an international film award for films with LGBT topics
• Winner, Golden Duke at the Odessa International Film Festival, the festival’s main prize
• Winner, Audience Award for Best Feature at Frameline Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, San Francisco
• Winner, Best Performance (Zoé Héran) at Newfest, New York
• Winner, Best Feature at QFest Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Philadelphia
• Winner, Best Feature Film at Torino Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Italy
• Official Selection, Los Angeles Film Festival
• Official Selection, Chicago International Film Festival

Tomboy is a nominee in the category “Outstanding Film – Limited Release” in the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

• Date/time: Monday, January 30, 5:30 PM
• Location:Bear Tooth Theatre Pub, 1230 West 27th Avenue, Anchorage (see map)
• Cost of admission: $3.50
• Further info: See the Bear Tooth Theatre Pub website

Watch the trailer: