Overview

• The film, based on Aharon Appelfeld’s autobiographical novel, depicts a Jewish boy hidden by a Ukrainian prostitute during WWII.
• It employs a three-space narrative structure to reflect the protagonist’s limited perception and the trauma of survival.
• Shot in Hungary due to the war in Ukraine, the production features a predominantly Ukrainian cast, with Mélanie Thierry learning Ukrainian for her role.
• Critics have praised Thierry’s nuanced portrayal of Mariana, capturing both resilience and vulnerability, alongside Artem Kyryk’s understated performance as Hugo.
• Set for theatrical release on April 23, 2025, the film has been lauded for its sensory-driven cinematography and evocative exploration of memory.