Twelve-year-old Anna switches to a new school and her new classmates all come from families with a completely different socioeconomic status. Anna feels ashamed of her background and her deaf mother. During the ski week, Anna has to pretend to be sick. Her mother needs the money to buy a sofa bed that is supposed to provide the two of them a bit more privacy in their cramped flat. Mara, a friend in class, becomes an ally when it turns out that she also is hiding a secret. "If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart Into Your Mouth And Smile" tells of a journey from shame to pride and examines what it's like to learn to stand up for yourself. A narrative of hope, affection, mutual care, and solidarity.

• Marie Luise Lehner
• Austria 2025

• 87' D/d/e

• Drama, Coming-of-Age, Q&A after Screening