Sestrenka

Schwesterchen
Directed by
2019

 


[video:https://youtu.be/P0-mS3vD27Q]


Jamil lives with his mother and grandmother in a small Bashkir village. At just six years of age, he confidently and independently lends his family a helping hand. He is hoping and longingly waiting for his father to return from the war. Jamil would also love to be a hero who fights against the Nazis. Together with his best friend Marat, he makes plans for them to go to the front together to help their fathers. But until then, Jamil has to be content with the letters the postwoman occasionally brings them. One day Jamil’s mother unexpectedly travels to the far away city and brings a strange girl home. Reserved and jumpy little Oksana does not speak a word and prefers to spend her time in the safe house. With a lot of patience and empathy Jamil tries to teach Oksana his language and encourages his “little sister” to play. As time passes, the shy girl opens up. The war is over at last, but Jamil’s father simply does not return. Finally the boy finds out the bitter truth about Oksana’s origins ... (Festival information, SCHLINGEL 2020)

The classically narrated, touching children's film leads into a remote Bashkir village at the end of the Second World War. The pranks of the 6-year-old Jamil reflect this time and the longing for the return of his father from the Front. The loving reception of the frightened orphan girl Oksana in the family becomes a powerful image of friendship, trust, responsibility and confidence. Outstanding: the performances of the two young protagonists. 

Festivals

The Ecumenical Jury in Chemnitz 2020 awarded its Prize to "The Journey of the Prince" by Jean-François Laguinie and Xavier Picard from France, and a Commendation to "Little Sister" by Alexander Galibin from Russia.

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