Part of SFFILM Festival
The Little Comrade
Description
In 1950 Estonia, the Soviets are working to suppress a fledgling resistance movement that has arisen in the countryside. Six-year-old Leelo can’t quite understand exactly why her mom has been arrested or why her father is disappointed to hear her championing the “young pioneers” she sees marching at school. With a deft balance of humor, tension, and empathy, Siimets’s debut shows how the evils of authoritarianism can come cloaked in appealing guise for those too young or gullible to know better.
“The Little Comrade offers a world of contrasts with the bucolic beauty of the natural world and sun-dappled forests in stark opposition to the oppressive regime that prevails. Citizens disappear, opposition is silenced, and resistance seems futile, but within the family there is also warmth, music, and the desire to make the most of every day. Attractively photographed by Rein Kotov, The Little Comrade favors sunlight over darkness, hope over despair. It is a simple, affecting story that remains constant to a child’s naive point of view and its emotional tug is sincere and heartfelt.” – Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
Co-Presented by
Sketchfest
Moonika Siimets makes her feature directing debut with The Little Comrade. Among her short films are Deus Ex Machina (2005), The Last Romeo (2013), and Pink Cardigan (2016).
Trailer
Film Details
Year 2018
Language Estonian, Russian
Runtime 96
Country Estonia
Director Moonika Siimets
Producer Riina Sildos
Writer Moonika Siimets
Editor Tambet Tasuja
Cinematographer Rein Kotov
Music Tõnu Kõrvits
Cast Helena-Maria Reisner, Tambet Tuisk, Eva Koldits
Print Source Amrioninfo@amrion.eewww.amrion.ee
Original Language Title Seltsimees laps
