The Cello

1992. A group of multicultural refugees sit squeezed together in the back of a minibus. Plagued by cold, exhaustion and thoughts of a life left behind, a large cello case becomes the centre of what at first seems like a banal conflict.

Directed by Robert Deçani, The Cello leans on a strong ensemble — Vic Bagratuni, Nik Prekazi, Burak Akyol — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.