New Section + 13

In 2023 PLAY Festival celebrates its 10th edition. Our audience is growing more and more and PLAY intends to keep up with the intensity of adolescence bringing films that follow this inner revolution, so we open a new section : + 13 where we highlight the film Shabu Shooting the breeze.

Shabu (14) hangs around the Peperklip, a striking residential complex in Rotterdam’s Feijenoord neighbourhood. This Rotterdammer with Surinamese roots knows everyone here, and thinks he’s already a star. Later, Shabu is convinced, he’ll become rich and famous. But not just yet, because this summer he’s in the doghouse: he ‘borrowed’ his grandma’s car and crashed it, and now he has to pay for the damage. When selling ices and stacking shelves doesn’t bring in enough, Shabu decides to draw on his musicality, charm, and network. A fun and moving film about a boy who seems bigger than he really is, who has to take responsibility for his actions.

“Shabu” by Shamira Raphaëla, production Tangerine Tree, 2021, Netherlands.