A Place Far From Home

Nestled amidst the picturesque mountain and forest landscapes surrounding Lake Baikal, the seemingly idyllic environment of Olejka's rural Russian orphanage soon reveals its dark undertones as it tells the tale of an innocent young boy seeking a family. At just nine years old, Olejka is smaller than most of his tough-guy peers and subjected to both their mockery and his uneasy role as a favorite of the orphanage's matron. Dreaming of a home with loving parents, the only protection he finds comes from Clara, a disenchanted older girl also residing in the facility.As summer days pass by, the seemingly innocent setting gives way to a chilling exposure of abuse and desperation that envelopes Olejka at the heart of it all. This poignant coming-of-age story unveils the harsh realities of life for young orphans while also offering a glimpse into the resilience and hope that can blossom in the most unexpected places.