Leaf

A graduation film that has been a big hit with film festivals, Leaf is a tender story that deals with being apart from loved ones. “I wanted this film to hug you” said director Aliona Baranova, who made the film in response to her separation from her parents. “Maybe I did something wrong. I probably did do something wrong” says the street sleeper in this harrowing animated documentary. “Just yesterday I was 20… I started limping, I was no use to anybody”. Varya Yakovleva’s ground level composition suggests an ambivalence to homelessness that many will recognise.