49. Molodist Internationales Filmfestival Kyjiw

The first narrative film by Myriam Verreault, tells the story of Mikuan and Shaniss, two young Innu women in Uashat-Maliotenam, whose lifelong friendship is put to the test by several turns of fate. A story about friendship, courage, family background and carving your own path out of the solid rock that life can be. Set in a very specific community but with a universal appeal, this feature film sparks hope despite its dramatic events.

With a strong leading male, Bukovska tells us an Ukrainian story of the timeless and universal dilemma of men returning home from war and having to carry the burden of their traumatic experiences. She also shows us a way out of the darkness of post-traumatic stress syndrom: building a loving relationship with ‘man’s best friend’.

Director Melina Leon’s monochrome drama is set in Peru in the late 1980-ies at the height of the civil war. It is a true-life case of a young pregnant indigenous woman, who is preyed upon by baby traffickers setting up transient fake maternity clinics. Assisted by a journalist form Lima in the search for her baby and justice, the film illustrates by frequent close-ups on Georgina’s face and a lonesome guitar score the worldwide suffering and struggle of mothers in a hostile surrounding.

Elli, techno DJane and mother of an 11-year-old daughter, is fully immersed in the modern society’s dilemma to tackle professional ambition, passion (for music) and childcare. Elli and Toni struggle hard but their strong bond gives the spectator the trust that they will manage to overcome their difficulties together. A short film that gives food to the debate about women’s life choices.