A world in which belonging is often defined by wealth and status. Twelve-year-old Anna lives with her deaf mother in a small apartment in Vienna. Starting secondary school exposes her to social differences she had never noticed, blending curiosity with the quiet pressure of fitting in.

„Wenn du Angst hast, nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst“ by Marie Luise Lehner captures these tensions with sensitivity. The film observes the intimate, sometimes tense moments of adolescence, showing how children assert themselves, seek connection, and find their voice.

The perspective is what makes the film compelling: we see the world through Anna’s eyes. Her small victories, frustrations, and discoveries shape our understanding of her life, her relationships, and the pressures she faces. Lehner allows viewers to immerse themselves in Anna’s perception, showing how a young person learns to find themselves and stand their ground, even amid the noise of others.

Based on real experiences, the film avoids external drama and the search for blame, focusing instead on the inner worlds of its characters. It becomes a quiet reflection on what truly matters and on the people who give meaning to growing up.