Director Anna Artemyeva’s short documentary is a moving and touching tale on a long distance mother-daughter relationship.
The 52nd Visions du Réel (International Film Festival Nyon, Switzerland) is in full swing. Taking place in a hybrid format, from April 15th to 25th 2021, the Switzerland-based documentary festival is screening a large number of high-end films. As part of this year’s lineup, we wanted to flag a beautiful short film, playing in the Opening Scenes competition, called Don’t Hesitate To Come For A Visit, Mom (original title: Priezjai k nam v gosti, mama), directed by Anna Artemyeva.
In just 12 minutes, director Anna Artemyeva crafts a poignant film delving into themes of physical isolation, childhood, and motherhood. The story revolves around the heartbreaking separation of a mother and her 3-year-old daughter, who live in different countries due to visa issues. The main character, alone in the frame with no human presence around her, epitomizes the profound sense of isolation conveyed in the film. Her only connection to her mother is through video calls, a poignant portrayal of the modern-day struggle faced by families separated by distance and circumstance.
The film beautifully illustrates both the benefits and limitations of technology. In an era where many families experience separation due to government-imposed restrictions, the mother and daughter in the film are depicted as being physically close yet emotionally distant. Moments of connection are marred by technological glitches, highlighting the bittersweet reality of virtual communication.
Through poignant scenes of the girl eagerly awaiting her mother’s response to her calls and longing to touch her hand, the director skillfully captures the girl’s sense of yearning and longing for her mother’s presence. The film poignantly depicts the universal need for human contact, especially for a young child grappling with the absence of her mother.
The climax of the film is a deeply moving sequence where the girl, preparing to sleep, asks her mother to sing her a lullaby, expressing her desire to feel her touch. In a single, uninterrupted shot, the viewer witnesses the tender moment between mother and daughter, separated by distance yet connected through technology. As the girl drifts off to sleep, the viewer is drawn to the mother’s quiet contemplation, evoking a palpable sense of love tinged with sadness.
Overall, “Don’t Hesitate To Come For A Visit, Mom” offers a poignant exploration of an agonizing predicament. The film delicately portrays the complexities of family dynamics and the inadequacy of technology in providing genuine physical contact. Through its emotive storytelling and heartfelt performances, the film leaves a lasting impression on its audience, shedding light on the enduring bond between mother and child in the face of separation.
