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Bucheon Choice: Shorts 2

The Hand That Feeds

Helen HIDEKO

Austria202324min World Premiere

Synopsis

Irina, a single mother, is forced to live with her overly affectionate mother-in-law, Trudi. Despite feeling overwhelmed by Trudi"s overly generosity and greasy homemade meals, Irina masks her true emotions with gratitude. However, she is haunted by unsettling visions and a deepening sense of unease when she"s alone. As her frustration intensifies, Irina must confront her growing anger and determine how much longer she can endure the situation without succumbing to her inner rage.

Program Note

After getting divorced, Irina finds herself indebted to her mother-in-law, who has a dog with the same name as her deceased son, as she believes the dog is a reincarnation of him. This psychological thriller turns anxieties about the future and the despair of not being able to take care of oneself into a realistic nightmare, amplifying the tension. It warns that if you fail to truly confront yourself, you may eventually lose yourself. (Kristin JI)

Diretor

Helen HIDEKO

Born in Hawaii to first generation Japanese and Scottish parents. Before moving to Austria in 2010, she studied English literature in Canada, which invigorated her interest in modern retellings of myths and fairy tales. For the past 12 years, Helen has worked in various departments in film and television, and in 2020 she began pursuing a master's degree in directing at the Vienna Film Academy.