The Club of Ugly Children

In a dystopian future, a dictator rounds up all the ‘ugly’ children to make the country a ‘better’ place. Using propaganda and alt-truth to convince the population that this is a good idea, children across the nation are sent to special schools, which turn out to be internment camps. Led by Paul, a boy with big ears, several of those identified as ugly fight back using social media and attempt to overthrow the corrupt regime. A stark warning against the rise of the far-right and the power of activism and social media.

‘With The Club of Ugly Children, we made a film about children who are excluded due to their appearance. Excluding minorities is a very sensitive issue. Apparently ugly children are too because there was an immediate response online: “IS THIS A SILLY JOKE?”, “WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?” and “THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS UGLY CHILDREN!” ‘I can refer everyone to my high school photos as proof that the latter is not true. And also the children who auditioned for the film knew very well what they didn’t like about themselves. Our goal was to make a film that will both immerse you in an exciting adventure, and make you think at the same time. Those responses online suggest that people are already giving it thought. I hope that they also go to the cinema and discover that The Club of Ugly Children is actually a badge of pride. An honorary title for a group of children who dare to stand up against the injustice of the dictatorial regime in which they live.’

Director, Jonathan Elbers