Harsh circumstances force a resourceful and determined Latvian lass to mature beyond her years in this compelling, bittersweet coming-of-age story. The evocatively shot, realist tale benefits from a spare yet credible script and a knockout performance from Elina Vaska, who conveys feelings of anger, abandonment, responsibility and first love with conviction and authenticity.

Following the death of their father, 17-year-old Raya and her younger brother Robis are forced to share a small country cottage with their paternal grandmother, whom they despise. Given that their mother abandoned the family some years earlier to work in London, the local social worker tells them that it is either grandma or an orphanage. Raya, who has been caring for their apple trees, particularly resents her granny's plan to sell off their land. Eventually, circumstances force Raya to take responsibility for running the household. With money extremely tight, she makes ends meet as best she can, and not always in legal ways.

"Intimate and lyrical... a delicate drama about an often anguished time of life, all handled with sensitivity." Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter

Winner: Crystal Bear (Youth Film Jury), Berlin 

Renārs Vimba – Director (January 7 & 9 only)