Loveling

In Petrópolis, just outside Rio de Janeiro, Irene lives with her husband Klaus and their four sons. The door jams, the tap leaks, but there’s no lack of love in this slightly chaotic household. The eldest son, Fernando, is a talented handball player and is scouted by a German prof club. He’s leaving in just twenty days!

Mother Irene knew that one day he would set off into the world, but this farewell comes sooner than expected. In the meantime, there’s a lot of bureaucracy to be sorted, not to mention the marital ups and downs of her sister Sonia and three other busy children. Despite all the distractions, Irene is consumed by sorrow while simultaneously glowing with pride.

Director Gustavo Pizzi and protagonist Karine Teles were inspired by the birth of their twins to make this story about loving a child and letting go. This captivating second feature is both very personal and universally familiar to all parents.