Background and themes The inspiration for the story was Makárová's mother, who was a Slovak artist and single parent living in Vienna. Her paintings were used in the film to represent Perla's work. Martin Kudláč writes in
Cineuropa that the film "explores personal and social dynamics against the backdrop of Cold War-era Europe, combining themes of migration, exile and reconciliation". Makárová herself said that the film was "a personal reflection on themes of identity and displacement, inspired by her own family history... [and] a tribute to the women in my family who defied expectations in their youth", and while "not strictly historical,...uses the political context to frame a universal story about human connections, guilt and forgiveness".
Filming and authenticity Filming took place in the
eastern Slovak city of
Košice, in a tiny mining village in Slovakia, and Vienna. Georg Weiss was responsible for
cinematography.
Other details Makárová dedicated the film to her grandmother, saying "Her passion for life and determination to choose her own path were unforgettable. This film is about the right to decide for oneself—even when that decision comes at a cost". The lead actress, Rebeka Poláková, had previously starred in
The Auschwitz Report. ==Release==