Lars is LOL – A Film About Friendship and Courage

As part of the 2026 Children's Rights Film Days, the Norwegian feature film "Lars is LOL" will be presented. The story follows Amanda, who, after the summer holidays, is tasked with supporting the new classmate Lars, who has Down syndrome, as his "special buddy." Initially, she feels her social standing is threatened, especially in front of her crush Adam. However, an unexpected friendship develops between the two, in which Amanda feels free and uninhibited. To be accepted at school, she keeps this relationship a secret and finds herself trapped in a stressful double life.

Directed by Eirik Sæter Stordahl, the 89-minute film is based on the book by Iben Akerlie and was produced in Norway in 2024. As a youth drama, it explores themes of friendship, inclusion, and the conflict between self-discovery and the desire for belonging. Particularly for a young audience aged 10 and up, the film vividly illustrates how societal pressure shapes the protagonist's actions.