Estonian-Ukrainian series ‘My Dear Mother’ focuses on love, crime

Berlinal Series Market Selects Pick “My Dear Mother” can start with a brutal murder, but it’s not really about crime, “it’s a unique love story,” says writer Raoul Suvi.

“Perhaps not easily understandable, but it is based on a fight against injustice that nobody sees or cares, and on the sense that the protagonist deserves love and a much better life.”

In the Estonia-Ukrainian show of six episodes, produced by ZOLBA Productions in collaboration with the film of Ukraine.ua Group, the audience is trying to understand what happened in the life of a judge and a journalist put in the life of the life of An accused girl of killing her own mother.

“As the story develops, they realize that the institutions, including her own family, have not achieved their most important principles and goals,” unveils SUVI.

‘[I wanted] To create a story that does not document whatsoever, but creates a nuanced picture of the kind of reality that exists next to us, and most of us do not agree. Fortunately we had good consultants: Külli-Riin Tigasson, a journalist who wrote a story that caused our own research, and Andres Anvelt, who had a long career in law enforcement. ”

Director Doris Tääker, however, thought it was necessary to show violence on the screen to understand the situation of a young woman who becomes a fentanyl addict and a prostitute.

“Showing brutal violence raises questions: what is its purpose? Will the public keep looking? We have chosen to deal with a very realistic style and to show violent scenes from the perspective of the main character, who is the victim. The scenes not only show the violent action itself, but also the aftermath, because I feel that the traumatic experience of the victim happened long after the incident. “

Unable to work together with an intimacy coordinator, Tääker bundled the forces with her stunt coordinator to create a safe environment for the actors.

“He suggested using the ‘Irréversible’ tunnels scene as a reference. The key is not the violent rape, but the fact that the victim cannot escape. The slower the action and movements, the terrible it feels. ‘

Doris Tislar plays as Alina. To end the financial problems of her family and help her mother, Renata (Elina Reinold), she starts selling her body. But police officer Mart Arman (Indrek Ojari) hopes to keep her off the streets and drugs. Instead, it leaves him fired.

The distorted mother-daughter relationship is the heart of the story, Tääker admits.

“To understand Alina’s mother, it is useful to know the history of Estse. It is regained its independence in 1991, a year after Alina was born. Renata did well during the Soviet era as a restaurant manager. Then she is left with a daughter she didn’t want and an unhappy marriage. She desperately tries to regain her strength – her daughter becomes her tool. ‘

While Alina is arrested, the young journalist Pile (Saara Pius) starts writing about the case and going on a dark journey herself.

“Lighter genres and stories are absolutely an easier selling in times like this. Nevertheless, this is not an excuse to bypass topics with such an impact and importance, “notes producer Toomas ILI.

“There is always a need for stories about crime. But for the same exact reason, that slate is also quite full and is becoming increasingly difficult to find something excellent. ‘My dear mother’ goes much deeper. It will take you out of breath at the end. “

Jevgeni Supin from Zolba Productions mentions the collaboration with Film.ua Group A “truly crucial” aspect of the project, for which the most important actors also digitally desecrate.

“It is a complex and technically demanding task. We turn to our long -standing friends and partners on Film.ua, who also could handle distribution. Their team is exceptionally professional and has an advanced production division that specializes in innovative AI technologies. “

“My dear mother” is proof of the power of international cooperation and technological innovation, “adds CEO Victoria Yarmoshchuk.

“By bringing our expertise in high-end post production and AI-driven visual effects, we helped to shape a series that not only fascinated with its stories but also new standards in audiovisual excellence. The selection for Berlinal Series Market selects our conviction that daring creative visions and cross -border partnerships can lead to truly impactful content. “