WHEN THE TREES FALL

• Sonya Halaimova – Anastasiia Pustovit – Maksym Samchik – Mariia Svizhynska

Marysia Nikitiuk, an Ukrainian filmmaker of 30 years old and born in Russia, has drawn comparisons to Carlos Reygadas and Andrei Zvyagintsev with her debut feature. Showcased in the Panorama section of Berlinale 2018, her film narrates the story of a five-year-old girl living with her cousin and the cousin’s boyfriend, a captivating delinquent. The film, rich in sex and violence, culminates in an ending that is bound to be controversial.

In a godforsaken post-Soviet village, Larysa has fallen in love with Scar, an attractive young criminal. After he heads to the city, she will be forced to follow the traditional life she has always refused. However, Vitka, her 5-year-old rebellious cousin, holds a secret that can change everyone’s destiny.