Featuring as part of the ‘From the Heart of Europe: Austria on Screen’ programme at the Glasgow Film Festival this year is family-drama Gina, directed by Ulrike Kofler.

Set in contemporary Austria, the film follows nine-year-old Gina (Emma Lotta Sommer), a girl yearning for a stable family life of her own. She is inevitably left to take care of her two siblings, Leon (Lion Tazber) and Nico (Nino Elijah Josef Tatzber), in the wake of her pregnant, single mother, Gitte (Marie-Luise Stockinger) struggling with addiction and her mental health. 

Through Gina’s eyes, we experience the pain of a child who is affected by generational poverty and addiction, and how prevalent this issue is in today’s society. As Gina fights to escape the cycles that trapped her mother and grandmother, the film delivers a raw, emotional portrayal of socio-economic struggles in Austria. 

By using a show-not-tell methodology, Kofler manages to capture both the obvious and underlying emotions, disputes and struggles of the family in just 100 minutes. The down-to-earth filming style – almost as if someone had filmed it through their home video camera – makes the experience even more authentic and emotional. The audience are invited into the story.

Gina is highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic portrayal of resilience, family struggles, and socio-economic hardship, as well as an emotionally powerful cinematic experience. With its raw storytelling and intimate cinematography, it is a must-watch for those who appreciate socially relevant films that leave a lasting impact.