Vera

Elegant, short film introduces the lonely, contact-craving museum attendant Vera. One cold winter night, after another day of silently watching visitors in the museum, she finds a sleeping drifter in her doorway. She decides to take pity on him. First, she gives him a blanket and a thermos of tea; not much later the key to her house. Using chocolate as her main means of communication, she unchains an extraordinary dialogue.

Directed by Thomas Korthals Altes, Vera leans on a strong ensemble — Bien de Moor, Raymond Thiry — 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 2008.