In September 2023, the short film ‘Geltu!’ (Barking) was shot in Iceland as part of the European project Before They Hate (B4H8). Coordinated by the Icelandic organisation Ofsi and supported by Connect International (Belgium), St Paul’s Youth Forum (Scotland), Center for Digital Pedagogic (Denmark), and Backslash (Spain), this project is dedicated to tackling hate speech in our everyday lives—both online and offline.

To this end, we’ve been carrying out different initiatives  to raise awareness about hate speech and give youth professionals tools to address it. Alongside Geltu! we’ve launched an interactive online platform and a photo campaign, each designed to support youth in recognising and standing up to hate speech.

About Geltu!

Filmed in Reykjavík with a talented professional crew and young participants from across Europe, Geltu! tells the story of Blær, a teenager facing bullying after coming out as transgender. The title, Barking, references a specific form of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying that has sadly surfaced in Iceland, where aggressors “bark” aggressively to intimidate their targets. The film tackles this tough reality in an impactful way, exploring various forms of discrimination while underscoring the importance of tolerance and respect.

The making of Geltu! was a unique experience for everyone involved. Young participants had the chance not only to perform on screen but also to contribute behind the scenes, gaining hands-on experience in film production. They also joined a workshop on hate speech and strategies for combating it, creating an inspiring learning experience for everyone involved.

Geltu! On Tour and Beyond

Geltu! is currently being screened at different film festivals, including the Toronto LGTBQ+ film festival, where the clip has been recognised as the winner in the category of best short film. In addition to festivals, we’re also using the film in different workshops as an awareness-raising tool with young people. 

You can check out the trailer here. And for all the latest news about Before They Hate, keep an eye on our website and our Instagram.

Before They Hate is a project co-funded by the European Union.