A thought-provoking story of becoming a man, where the scars of the recent Second World War are felt at every step.

The summer of 1947. Although it is already the second year of peace following the devastating Second World War, its deep wounds are still everywhere. Thirteen-year-old Ewout, is also recovering from the conflict. He is just a boy, but he wants to be a man of distinction. He joins the scouts to prove himself. Unfortunately, things do not go to plan, and the others turn against him.

“The Assignment” is a film about the desire to belong despite being different. Ewout conceals the eye he lost during the war with an uncanny prosthetic, which causes him endless trouble. The boy is ostracised by both the girls and fellow scouts, who refuse to accept anyone different from themselves. Does Ewout’s imperfection have a place in a society that values only a healthy body and mind?

This is the 7th feature film by Patrice Toye (“Rosie”, “Nowhere Man”), who began making films in the 1990s. Although “The Assignment” depicts events from 80 years ago, it is perhaps more relevant than ever. According to the director, this story needed to be told urgently, because we seem to have forgotten one of humanity’s fundamental truths: despite our differences, everyone deserves trust and love.

Helmut Jänes