EFM 2024: "Venezuela: Country Of Lost Children" heads Java Films lineup

A year on from screening "Venezuela: Country of Lost Children" at the rough cut stage at EFM 2023, Java Films are returning to EFM with the film headlining their latest lineup. "Venezuela: Country Of Lost Children", produced by Berlin-based production house Dreamer Joint Venture, will have a theatrical release in Germany later this year. It has been selected for three major festivals across Europe, including two screenings at FIPADOC (Biarritz) in January and selections at two upcoming festivals taking place in March. SBS Australia and TG4 Ireland have also acquired the documentary, with more sales in discussion.

The ARTE commissioned documentary tells the story of how corruption and mismanagement has turned Venezuela into a failed state. Over six million people have fled the country in recent years, with around one million children left behind by their parents. This remarkable film follows two single mothers and their children over several months as they do what it takes to survive.

Producer Oliver Stoltz says, “We are excited to release our documentary 'Venezuela: Country Of Lost Children', a film that reveals the plight of the children abandoned by the Venezuelan exodus. This film was made possible by the bravery of our team and our protagonists, who risked their lives to tell their stories. We hope this film will raise awareness and action for this unseen and untold humanitarian crisis.”

Kathryn Bonnici, Head of Acquisitions and Development at Java Films, says, "From the moment I started watching 'Venezuela: The Country of Lost Children' I was drawn in by the personal stories. It’s an incredibly powerful film about a country that doesn’t get the attention it deserves and we are proud to be representing it”.

Other films in Java Films EFM line-up include "Lie to Me" by Hacienda looking at the psychology of why people fall for scams and the docseries "Prisoner X" by Medalia Productions about a mysterious prisoner, whose identity and the nature of his crime was treated as a state secret, found dead in an Israeli prison.