The blue above and the gold within
11 september 2025
h. 14:30
Italian Contest – Feature Film
Brief Synopsis:
Valeria arrives in Italy as a refugee with her mother and little brother, welcomed by a grandmother who has lived there for years. She starts school in Milan and quickly makes friends. Only her father is missing, a butcher and former hockey player who stayed in Ukraine, choosing not to fight. Valeria admires him deeply and, perhaps to follow in his path, discovers a passion for rhythmic gymnastics. She joins the class of Anca Goia, a former Romanian Olympic champion. A strong bond forms, and Valeria begins winning medals, dreaming of a future in sport.
Director’s Notes:
Blue and gold are the colors of the Ukrainian flag, but they also represent the desires and expectations of Valeria Gavrylyuk. We follow her thoughts through her O.S. voice as she tells us about her family, school, and her deep passion for rhythmic gymnastics. We discover her exceptional determination, but also that she is a loving child who enjoys skipping rope and chatting with friends. To me, Valeria is an extraordinary example of how a child can face a life-shattering change like war.