The recent political history of Ukraine is reflected in four generations of women from director Svitlana’s family —all of whom have lived through vastly different political realities. Born in Mariupol during the Soviet era, Svitlana grew up with her individuality suppressed. Even years later, living in Kiev, she still couldn’t clearly define her own identity, which influenced her daughter, Alexandra, to grow up without a firm stance and to accept a pro-Russian orientation. Svitlana’s mother, Valentina, on the other hand, has a strong Ukrainian identity. Together, they reflect on who young Stephanie, Svitlana’s granddaughter, will become while the family gathers in Kiev to celebrate the girl’s birthday ten days before the full-scale invasion. The war destroys the family’s life, its past and its future.

Presented at the Berlin International Film Festival.