Simon Lereng Wilmont
Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Ukraine | 2022 | 76 min
Swiss Premiere
Languages : Ukrainian, Russian
Subtitles : English, French

War is raging in Eastern Ukraine and the children’s home in Lyssychansk receives a steady stream of new residents. Over the course of a few months, the centre’s workers, armed with endless dedication, try to heal the hearts of these children whose families have been shattered by the conflict, and offer them some glimmers of hope.

A children’s home in Lysychansk, a former industrial city in Eastern Ukraine ravaged by the conflict with Russia, receives a steady stream of new residents. This emergency accommodation is intended to provide a temporary respite for children awaiting a long-term fostering solution. The conflict has broken up families that were already destabilised by high unemployment rates and whose parents could no longer fulfil their role. Over the course of a few months, the social workers in this home attempt to heal the wounds of these abandoned children, who through no fault of their own are faced with the concerns and choices of adults. Simon Lereng Wilmont followed their work, grounded in remarkable dedication and tenderness, as well as the fates of Eva, Sasha and Kolia, neglected by parents suffering from alcoholism, and for whom opportunity is a long time coming. He thus offers us a striking look at the conflict’s consequences for the most vulnerable, and at the fragments of hope that can emerge in this place of care, sharing and trust.
Aurélien Marsais
2022, A House Made of Splinters
2017, The Distant Barking of Dogs
2016, Graine de Champion
2012, Traveling with Mr. T.
Photography
Simon Wilmont
Sound
Heikki KossiPietu KorhorhonenPeter AlbrectsenSune Kaarsberg
Editing
Michael Aaglund
Production
Monica HellströmFinal Cut For Real
Sales contact
Olivier TounaudCinephilolivier@cinephil.com+97235664129