Docu Press Corner: The Story of a Boy Who Found Comfort in the World of Insects

At today’s Docu Press Corner the guest was Greek director Lucas Paleocrassas. He presented his film BUGBOY in conversation with Rada Šešić, selector of the Competition Programme – Documentary Film.

The film follows Jorgos, a marginalized boy who, after his parents’ traumatic divorce, struggles to make friends and finds comfort in the world of insects. Paleocrassas first heard about Jorgos while reading an article about him and his cricket, Isabella. “I found out that Isabella had died, but that he had kept her babies so he could raise them himself. That’s when I realized that a new cycle was beginning and that I would like to film it,” the director said.

The film reveals a fascinating teenager whose knowledge of nature goes far beyond a hobby. “He is simply in love with nature. Besides insects, he also has various birds and fish, and although it may be somewhat difficult to see in the film, Jorgos is now much better at balancing real-life friends and insect friends,” Paleocrassas said.

For this reason, the director believes it is particularly important for Jorgos’s peers to see the film. “In Greece, we have a platform that shows films like this to young people. I’m very grateful for that. I think this film can be very inspiring,” he said.

BUGBOY also deals with the sensitive subject of divorce, at times entering the intimate space of the family. Paleocrassas emphasized that the trust he built with the family during filming was crucial to this approach. “I spent a lot of time with them, and although it may be sensitive to put this on screen, in the end they were really happy and proud of both Jorgos and the film.”

The film was made over three years, with the director shooting a large amount of material before finding producers. “What I love about documentaries is that you don’t have to wait for money to start making them. I shot a lot before finding any producers, which served as a great pitch,” he said. French and Danish producers later joined the project and significantly contributed to its development. “Denmark, for example, provided us with an incredible editor.”

BUGBOY had its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, in the International Competition, while its regional premiere took place last night, August 20, at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, in the Competition Programme – Documentary Film.