Blue Heron

In the late 1990s, eight-year-old Sasha moves with her family from Hungary to Canada. Her childhood takes place under the clear skies of Vancouver Island and is filled with carefree days at the beach. She plays with her brothers, cautiously strikes up friendships, and discovers the freedom of her new home. But beneath the surface, an invisible threat is palpable. Her older brother Jeremy struggles with himself, and his increasingly difficult, unpredictable behavior puts pressure on the family. It casts a shadow over their new life. Sasha doesn't understand what is tormenting him, but nevertheless seeks his proximity. In a rare moment of connection, Jeremy gives her a small, stolen keychain with a blue heron. Through her own childhood, the Canadian-Hungarian filmmaker Sophy Romvari made a stunning debut film that breaks the conventions of the traditional coming-of-age story. With a creative, kaleidoscopic narrative structure, she creates an intimate exploration of memory, loss, and understanding of the past. The film had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival and was subsequently shown at quite a few film festivals, including Film Fest Gent, where the film won the Explore Award. A layered view full of tenderness on lost childhood and the caprices of memory. Press "A delicate masterpiece about the unbearable lightness of memories and groundbreaking sibling love." - Filmfest Gent "A film that puts all the senses on high alert." ★★★★★ - Trouw