When 11 year-old Linh’s mother suddenly has to leave for Vietnam, no one must know that she and her younger sister Tien are living alone and running a restaurant--especially not the police and social services who could shut their mother’s business down, separate or deport their family (or all of the above). Growing up with great responsibility, Linh almost pulls it off when Pauline, a spunky red-head living in the same apartment complex, spies them through a telescope. Thrilled by the notion of ‘life without parents’, Pauline entertains Pippi Longstocking-inspired fantasies and gets Linh and Tien to form a gang with her. Pauline’s free spirit brings real risks to Linh and Tien’s lives, but as their friendships develop the girls embrace the possibility of living with less fear. A powerful coming of age story, Fortune Favors the Brave packs loads of youthful adventure into a story of cross-cultural friendships.
Recommended for age 9+
Director’s Biography
Norbert Lechner: Born in Munich in 1961, Norbert Lechner has worked as author/director since 1985. His award-winning children’s filmography includes The Boy Who Looks For Gold, Tom Sawyer and His Friends, and Fortune Favors the Brave, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival 2016.
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