The Rival

We see this image right at the beginning of the film, and without doubt, the world of 9-year-old Roman is a dangerous and endangered one. He follows his Ukrainian mother to Germany, where she starts working illegally for 62-year-old Gert with whom she becomes romantically involved. Gert tries to befriend the boy, but Roman keeps his distance. When his mother falls ill, Roman stays alone with his Rival. A short period of coming closer follows, then Roman remains alone. (Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival)