Porcelain

On a remote German island, the inhabitants of a village gather to smash crockery as part of a traditional eve-of-wedding celebration. Ten-year-old Fina has been looking forward to this event for weeks, but the day takes an unexpected turn. While the guests immerse themselves in the excitement of the party, Fina struggles with traditional female roles and her longing for a female person of reference. Fina and her caring older sister only gradually realise how much their mother’s absence is affecting both their lives. They will need to support each other if they hope to make it through the difficult transition into adulthood. Porzellan is a tender, timeless reflection on the coming-of-age of girls in a patriarchal society. Through Fina’s eyes, the film looks at female role models and the experiences and emotions which shape growing up across generations. (Berlinale)