Tonia Mishiali's second feature explores the bond between a Senegalese immigrant and a Cypriot woman at an immigration center. The film is screening in the Crystal Globe competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
The story follows Mariama, played by Sokhna Diallo, and Stella, portrayed by Elena Kallinikou. Mishiali draws from her own childhood experience as a refugee after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus to highlight themes of resilience and motherhood.
Mishiali said she wanted to create parallel story lines that build organically as the characters meet. She noted the positive outlook of African asylum seekers she met in Cyprus despite their struggles.
The director also addresses patriarchy in Cypriot society and centers her work on social justice and women's issues. Production credits include Bark Like a Cat Films from Cyprus along with co-producers from Luxembourg and Greece.
