The Film: The Foster Boy
As harrowing as it is beautiful, this poignant drama is Switzerland’s biggest domestic box office hit to date. Set in the 1950’s, it tells the story of an orphan boy named Max who is sent to a foster home when his mother dies, and soon after contracted out to work on a farm. But instead of finding affection and acceptance from the Bosiger family, they treat him as little more than an animal. For Max, playing the accordion is the one thing that is entirely his. It gives him the courage and self-esteem he needs to survive. He also values his friendship with Berteli, another orphan working on the farm. At school the two children learn about Argentina, a country of meat and accordions. It becomes their fantasy land of promise and hope.
Language: Swiss German with English Subtitles
Bavarian Film Awards 2013
Won: Bavarian Film Award Best Young Actress (Darstellernachwuchspreis) Lisa Brand
Swiss Film Prize 2012
Won: Swiss Film Prize Best Actor (Bester Darsteller) Max Hubacher
Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Bester Nebendarsteller/Beste Nebendarstellerin) Stefan Kurt
Nominated 2012
Swiss Film Prize Best Film (Bester Spielfilm) Markus Imboden
Best Actress (Beste Darstellerin) Lisa Brand
Best Screenplay (Bestes Drehbuch) Plinio Bachmann
Best Music (Beste Filmmusik) Benedikt Jeger
Markus Imboden’s “The Foster Boy” (Der Verdingbub) is the most successful Swiss film in the last five years.