Finnish Competition
SHADOWS AND LIGHT
Melisa, a 17-year-old Romani girl, is being bullied. She feels like an outsider and frustrated at school, but her mother Carme supports her by sharing her family history and old letters. The letters and old photographs reveal to Melisa the story and expectations of her family: how to be proud of her Romani culture and at the same time succeed in the Finnish education system.
The story combines everyday moments, memories, and symbolic scenes, such as family celebrations, bullying situations, and conversations that shed light on Melisa's growth. Eventually, Melisa understands her roots, her family history, and her own value, and finds her place in the world as both a proud Romani and a proud Finn.
