Hidden Away

A escondidas

A chance encounter between a Moroccan boy and a Spanish teen alters the course of their lives.

Director Mikel Rueda
Producers Eduardo Barinaga, Karmelo Vivanco, Fernando Díez
Screenwriter Mikel Rueda
With Germán Alcarazu, Adil Koukouh, Alex Angulo
Spain 2014
88 mins
UK distribution Matchbox Films

In the bathroom of a crowded nightclub, Ibrahim, a 14-year old Moroccan boy, crosses paths with Spanish teen Rafa. Although they exchange only a fleeting glance, the encounter has a profound effect on the pair. As his friends try and set him up with a local girl, Rafa’s thoughts remain with Ibrahim. Meanwhile, Ibrahim finds himself isolated in the big city, treated like an outsider, with the threat of deportation hanging over his head. When the two boys meet again, they form a close bond and decide to work together to find a way for Ibrahim to escape his fate and live the life he wants. Against a backdrop of societal pressures and racial tensions, Mikel Rueda’s arresting debut boasts two charming performances from its young male leads, expertly capturing the fears and excitement of first love.

Michael Blyth