A journey back to life: Beta Film boards ‘Just Call Me Frida’ ahead of its world premiere
Munich/Giffoni, 17 July 2026. Beta Film has boarded the uplifting family feature Just Call Me Frida (90’), which will celebrate its world premiere in the Elements +10 competition at the renowned Giffoni Film Festival on July 19th. The film tells the story of eleven-year-old Samuel, whose carefully controlled life is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor.
As one of the world's leading film festivals dedicated to children and young audiences, Giffoni Film Festival provides the perfect stage for the film's international debut.
Although it touches on challenging themes, this children's film is ultimately a story about life, growth, and human connection. Just Call Me Frida follows Samuel, who is eleven and barely ever goes outside. Too risky! He prefers a life that’s small but safe and carefully controlled. After being seriously ill for a long time, he’s terrified of getting sick again. Then Frida crashes into his world. She’s loud, cheerful – and claims to be the “Little Grim Reaper” in training: “Just call me Frida!” Her mission? To figure out what life really means. And somehow, Samuel is a crucial part of the program. Worst. Case. Ever. Samuel wants nothing more than to send his unwanted scythe wielding shadow packing. But Frida refuses to leave his side. Which means one thing: Samuel has to go outside. Together, they stumble into one adventure after another – and little by little, Samuel rediscovers how it feels to be brave, curious, and fully alive in the moment.
The film is directed by Katja Benrath and written by Anne Gröger. Just Call Me Frida is produced by NEOS Film and TELLUX Film in co-production with Mideu Films, it Media, Tellux 1-13 Medienproduktion, Gretchenfilm, SWR, BR and MDR.
Beta Film’s boutique label KIDS & YA handles international sales.
As one of the world's leading film festivals dedicated to children and young audiences, Giffoni Film Festival provides the perfect stage for the film's international debut.
Although it touches on challenging themes, this children's film is ultimately a story about life, growth, and human connection. Just Call Me Frida follows Samuel, who is eleven and barely ever goes outside. Too risky! He prefers a life that’s small but safe and carefully controlled. After being seriously ill for a long time, he’s terrified of getting sick again. Then Frida crashes into his world. She’s loud, cheerful – and claims to be the “Little Grim Reaper” in training: “Just call me Frida!” Her mission? To figure out what life really means. And somehow, Samuel is a crucial part of the program. Worst. Case. Ever. Samuel wants nothing more than to send his unwanted scythe wielding shadow packing. But Frida refuses to leave his side. Which means one thing: Samuel has to go outside. Together, they stumble into one adventure after another – and little by little, Samuel rediscovers how it feels to be brave, curious, and fully alive in the moment.
The film is directed by Katja Benrath and written by Anne Gröger. Just Call Me Frida is produced by NEOS Film and TELLUX Film in co-production with Mideu Films, it Media, Tellux 1-13 Medienproduktion, Gretchenfilm, SWR, BR and MDR.
Beta Film’s boutique label KIDS & YA handles international sales.