How Dare You?

It’s crush at first sight when 10-year-old bug-obsessed Yuishi notices his classmate, the eco-avenging Kokoa. As Yuishi researches methane emissions to impress Kokoa, charismatic classmate Haruto convinces them to take action. With a hop, skip, and a beat (and handmade “Don’t Use Cars” posters), these three try to change the minds of adults to take better care of the environment for the sake of their future. Except soon their gleeful mischief sparks copycat rivals and unexpected trouble. And amidst all the commotion, Yuishi’s love for Kokoa bubbles up gently, in spite of her and Haruto’s growing bond.

With a remarkable cast of child actors, HOW DARE YOU? is an anti-grown up, visual burst of primary colors and sunshine, an ode to childhood ideals of how the world should work, and wanting to make it a better place despite having limited resources to do so. Director Mipo O (Living in Two Worlds, SDAFF ‘24) captures this coming-of-age pocket of time of becoming the person you want to be–to fail, try again, cause disruptions, run around, get a few cuts and bruises, fall in love, start a revolution, and feel unstoppable.

– Kyraalessandra Reyes