Christy (2025)

After a fight, teenager Christy is kicked out of his youth home. Before finding a new place, she takes refuge with her brother, his girlfriend, and their small child in a rough part of Cork, Ireland. In his feature debut, which had its world premiere at the Berlinale, director Brendan Canty shows that even in the shadows of the city and the human soul, flashes of light can be found. Christy is a sincere, visually striking drama about fragile bonds, sibling loyalty, and the ability to find home even where we least expect it. An unobtrusively powerful film with characters who make the most of what little they have.

The screening is part of the LUX Awards screenings under the auspices of the Days of European Film festival and is competing for the LUX Audience Award. You can vote for it until April 12 on the website https://luxaward-rating.europarl.europa.eu/cs/.

Following the screening of the film *Christy*, there will be a discussion with representatives from the Patron program. Together, we will explore the topic of growing up after leaving a children’s home, the need for a safe environment, and the significant role that a single reliable person can play. The discussion will draw on real-life experiences and demonstrate that help doesn’t have to be grand to be essential. Admission to the film and discussion is free.

The Patron program helps young people from children’s homes integrate into society and prepare for independent living. After leaving a children’s home, teenage boys and girls are on their own for most things, so it is important for them to know that they have someone they can trust and turn to. Patron also offers them a rare one-on-one relationship.

A Patron serves as a stable anchor that young adults can rely on after leaving the children’s home. Their role is not to act as a sponsor or parent, but to offer their time and life experience. They also serve as a positive role model, a guide through daily activities, and help with the successful transition to independence—finding housing, a job, and building relationships. A mentor is a volunteer (age 30+) with no criminal record, who functions well in society and has successfully transitioned to independent living themselves. The project will be presented by program director Lukáš Talpa, and the event will be moderated by Sabina Vesecká.