Motherland

A fantasy about a daughter’s yearning for her mother’s warmth and comfort, which turns into a nightmare about harsh reality of a group of homeless quarry workers. Masha arrives at the quarry with a heavy heart, burdened by a secret she hasn’t told anyone about. She wants to speak with her mother, Vera, but she has struggles of her own. A young woman finds herself in a deafening masculine environment where no one's listening. A journey to save herself quickly blurs into a venture to save her own mother. Ants crawling on the walls of the house, childhood photos and Russian food, are the harsh reality of one woman, and a comforting memory for the other.

Directed by Hila Royzenman, Motherland leans on a strong ensemble — Lena Fraifeld, Svetlana Demidov, Andrei Kashker — 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 0.