In this poetic, deeply moving portrait of a Slovenian-Australian family in mourning, 10-year-old Moja takes it upon herself to gather the pieces of her broken family after the sudden loss of their mother. Her willful older sister Vesna is pregnant, and their father barely speaks English. Moja takes on the role of stabilizing presence and cultural mediator in preparation for the new baby on the way.
Small gestures are significant through the eyes of this resourceful girl who finds comfort in taking care of those around her. The film’s thoughtful use of interior spaces, set design, and camerawork show how cinema can capture stories of some of life’s most difficult experiences in poignant, powerful, and poetic ways. Anchored in the deeply moving performance by Loti Kovačič as Moja, the film gently peels off layers of trauma embedded in the fractured family routine, while expertly harnessing the sense of cultural dichotomy in its portrayal of shifting family dynamics. Through this difficult experience of loss, the sun and hope can return.
Presented by
Loti Kovačič, Mackenzie Mazur, Gregor Baković, Claudia Karvan
Australia/Slovenia
2022
In English and Slovene with English subtitles
Coarse language
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Director
Sara Kern
Sara Kern is a Slovenian-Australian writer and director. She graduated in film directing from the University of Ljubljana’s Academy of Theatre, Film, Radio, and Television in 2013. Kern worked as a screenwriter for the Slovenian National Television’s Children and Youth Program for several years before moving to Australia. Her 2016 short Good Luck Orlo premiered at the 73rd Venice Film Festival and went on to screen at the Toronto, Chicago, and Seattle International Film Festivals.
Credits
Producer
Gal Greenspan, Rok Bicek, Sharlene George
Screenwriter
Sara Kern
Cinematography
Lev Predan Kowarski
Editor
Haim Tabakman, Hayley Miro Browne
Production Design
Maddison Haywood