Ben X
Directed by Nic Balthazar
“Balthazar has…created a tale of mythic proportions, elevating his character to hero status.” – Film Focus
Belgium / 2007 / Drama / In Flemish with English subtitles / 93 min.
Ben is different and his life is a universe all unto itself. He has Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism that prevents normal communication, and while he is a courageous hero—Ben X—in the fantasy on-line gaming world that consumes him, in his daily life Ben is tormented by bullies and ignored by apathetic teachers. As the bullies’ relentless attacks push him over the edge and out of control, his on-line dream girl, Scarlite, appears to him and helps him devise a perfect plan to confront the bullies and make them pay for their torment. Director Nic Balthazar’s dazzling debut blends fantasy and harsh social realism. Based on a true story, Balthazar brings us an utterly original and important film.
Ben X will have its national theatrical release in New York on Friday, October 24th, exclusively at Cinema Village www.cinemavillage.com.