Life can seem pretty overwhelming at times, particularly when you're growing up. And it’s not always easy to talk to your parents or friends about your problems. Fortunately, the Kindertelefoon (Child Helpline) in the Netherlands provides a listening ear. Listen presents a cross-section of conversations between children and the Kindertelefoon. One girl talks about being home alone virtually all week; another's sad because her parents are getting divorced. A boy in an asylum seekers' center is worried about the future, while another boy doesn’t want to be gay and hopes these feelings will pass. Every day, the Kindertelefoon takes calls like these from children who want someone to talk to. But children also call to talk about their pets, to practice their audition for The Voice Kids or to make pranks…
Recommended age 7+
Astrid Bussink was born in 1975. She studied at AKI ArtEZ Art and Design in Enschede and Edinburgh College in Scotland. During her studies she made the worldwide award-winning documentary The Angelmakers (2006). After The Lost Colony and My Enschede, she directed several children’s documentaries: Wool Fever, The Hideout (Golden Calf 2013) and Giovanni and the Water Ballet. The latter won many prizes internationally, including at the IDFA, Berlinale and Full Frame.
The Angelmakers (2006), The Lost Colony (2008), My Enschede (2010), Poem of Death (2012), Giovanni and the Water Ballet (2014), Listen (2017)
