BOYFRIEND
Leesa Ulanova-Wilson & Braden Wilson
Estonia
It sucks to meet your boyfriend’s parents! Especially when you don’t belong. Katya starts dissecting her relationship in the lead up to the day in question.
SYNOPSIS
Oh, what it is to be young and in love! Katya, a Russian-speaking Estonian, takes us through the trials and tribulations of dating her Estonian boyfriend Andres. Distant — but not so distant — war and ethnic tension loom over Katya’s mind as she navigates her own identity. Projecting all her fears and apprehension onto Andres as he enters her world and is introduced to her family. But what about meeting Andres’ parents? What will they think? Who are they? Has Katya even picked up on what is concerning him?
INTENTION
What started out as a light comedy, shifted with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Originally developed to address local Russian/Estonian stereotypes, the subject has of course now acquired more gravitas. We want to bring light to the mindset of so many young Baltic Russians. Share their social anxieties. The film sheds light on the existing ethnic divisions whilst highlighting the humanity, the light and the humour in everyday life. Leesa was born and raised in a Russian-speaking family from Estonia. She is Katya as Katya is her. Andres, a proud Estonian, is a catalyst for Katya’s fears. His clear ethnic and cultural identity is something Katya doesn’t have. She feels out of place with Estonian traditions whilst also sharing no affiliation with Russia. At home, she’s challenged by the propaganda her relatives consume. Katya will break the fourth wall. Transporting us through thoughts, memories and the erratic mind of a young girl in love. Our style is playful and bizarre, drawing strong inspiration from the characterisation and aesthetics of Ulrich Seidl. We will sprinkle in fine observational human notes in order to draw on the humour and life that exists in “the mundane” of every day.
DIRECTOR
Leesa Ulanova-Wilson
Leesa Ulanova-Wilson studied Animation at the University of the Arts, London. After that, she founded the company Bagel&Lurch alongside her husband and directing partner Braden. Leesa does graphic design and dabbles in painting.
DIRECTOR
Braden Wilson
Braden Wilson, originally from Canada, studied film at the University of the Arts in London. He has directed shorts and music videos. Currently, Braden works with international production companies as a ghostwriter.
PRODUCER
Marianne Ostrat
Marianne Ostrat is an Estonian film producer working both with shorts and features. Her third feature-length film, the documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.
Genre
Drama
Length
15 min
Language
Russian, Estonian, English
Shooting location
Talinn, Estonia
Production company
Alexandra Film (Estonia)
Estimated budget
€100.000
Secured funding
Own investment - €5.000
Looking for
Coproducers, Sales, Distribution