Nine thirteen-year-olds, five continents, zero adults talking over them—this is Gen Z's manifesto.
A nuanced portrait of a new generation, Dear Thirteen is a cinematic time capsule of coming of age in today’s world. Through the eyes of nine thirteen-year-olds, we see how pressing social, geographical and political challenges are shaping, and being shaped by, young people: rising anti-Semitism in Europe, guns in America, gender identity and racial divisions across Australia and Asia. With no adult commentary outside the filmmaker, Dear Thirteen offers an intimate view into the universal uncertainty inherent in growing up.
Direction
Neophytides trusts kids to be eloquent—no narration needed.
Editing
Seamless cross-cutting builds unexpected parallels across continents.
Director
Alexis Neophytides
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released as Gen Z entered workforce/political visibility; serves as preemptive rebuttal to 'kids these days' discourse.
Director Alexis Neophytides spent three years building trust—no subjects dropped out despite filming through early pandemic.
US
