Berlinale 2025: 'If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth & Smile'

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and yell. Blow off some steam, let that anger out into the air, rather than hold it in forever. One of the better indie gems hidden in the mostly lackluster 2025 Berlin Film Festival selection is this Austrian film that's the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Marie Luise Lehner. The clever full title of the film in German is Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst, which translates to If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile in English. This title comes from something that the film's mother says to her daughter in the second half, talking about how you have to overcome your fears and go out into the world and live no matter what. It's inspiring moment, and a deeply felt one, too. This film really is something special. A stunning example of small-scale filmmaking that is meaningful and impactful. It will warm your heart and remind you it ain't easy living these days, but it is always worth it to keep on moving every single day no matter what happens. Written and directed by Marie Luise Lehner […]

Feb 21, 2025 - 15:14

Berlinale 2025: 'If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth & Smile'

If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile Review

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath and yell. Blow off some steam, let that anger out into the air, rather than hold it in forever. One of the better indie gems hidden in the mostly lackluster 2025 Berlin Film Festival selection is this Austrian film that's the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Marie Luise Lehner. The clever full title of the film in German is Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst, which translates to If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile in English. This title comes from something that the film's mother says to her daughter in the second half, talking about how you have to overcome your fears and go out into the world and live no matter what. It's inspiring moment, and a deeply felt one, too. This film really is something special. A stunning example of small-scale filmmaking that is meaningful and impactful. It will warm your heart and remind you it ain't easy living these days, but it is always worth it to keep on moving every single day no matter what happens. // Continue Reading ›