Engeli Broberg’s captivating coming-of-age documentary records the formative years of a child who does not comfortably identify as female or male. Gabi, Between Ages 8 and 13 offers an intimate portrait of the child’s attempt to just be herself through changing family circumstances and the challenges of everyday living.

– – There is an obvious echo of Richard Linklater’s Boyhood in Gabi, as we witness a child grow before our eyes over a five-year period. Gabi has the feel of both documentary and drama as we are drawn into the story of this individual and her family through intimate observation and a feel for the revolving seasons and annual celebrations.

– – Gabi, Between Ages 8 and 13 offers a personal insight into a range of issues around gender, identity and belonging. Under close scrutiny, Gabi emerges as a smart, sympathetic and wholly engaging presence facing a future in which you can only endorse her own wish to continuing being true to herself.

Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

The filmmaker lets the viewer grow up with Gabi and teaches us lessons about what it means to be human. – – It deals with sensitive subjects in the nonchalant way children do: they just acknowledge what is, maybe ponder on it for a minute, before getting on with being alive. The beauty of the cinematography, the intelligent editing and the sensitive soundtrack all pay tribute to Gabi’s persona, her strength, vulnerability and authenticity.

Nicole Santé, Business Doc Europe

The film is also available online throughout the festival!