Fægtemesteren

Young Ruben is a hugely talented fencer. He’s at the top of his game in his homeland Denmark, so now it’s time to compete on the international level. The camera follows this playful lad on several of these trips. Ruben obviously has plenty of talent, but he’s also got a major failing: whenever he loses, he gets so upset that it's almost impossible for him to perform well afterwards. His huge temper is brought mercilessly to the screen. With his trainer at his side, he’s fighting not only to win, but also to learn how to control this temper in order to become an international fencing champion. In addition to practices and competitions, we also see Ruben at home, often filmed in close-up with great thoughtfulness and an eye for detail and body language. And everywhere he goes, his best friend Marie is always nearby. The camera observes the shy interaction between the two tweens when playing games side by side in the car, and when they’re at the computer, eating popcorn and fencing. Their fumbling communication forms part of the hormonal and emotional development facing the prepubescent Ruben – both in love and in his favorite sport. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)