If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile (German: Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst) is a 2025 Austrian coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Marie Luise Lehner in her directorial debut. It stars Siena Popović and Mariya Menner.
The film had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 19 February 2025. It was honored with the Jury Award and CICAE Art Cinema Award in the Forum section.
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Synopsis
Anna is a 12-year-old girl who has a very good relationship with her deaf mother despite their financial difficulties. However, the new high school environment, where the students are from an upper-class background, overwhelms Anna, who becomes ashamed of her origins and her mother. However, she finds an ally in her friend Mara, who also hides a secret.
Cast
Siena Popović as Anna
Mariya Menner as Isolde
Jessica Paar as Mara
Alessandro Scheibner as Paul
Alperen Köse as Biker
Kathrin Resetarits as Teacher Iris Lust
Daniel Sea as Mara's father
Production
Principal photography began on March 12, 2024, and wrapped on April 26, 2024, in Vienna, Austria.
Release
The film had its world premiere on February 19, 2025, in the Forum section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, then screened on March 29, 2025, at the 28th Diagonale, and on April 29, 2025, at the 22nd Crossing Europe Film Festival.
It was commercially released on September 26, 2025 in Austrian theaters.