Paternal Leave

Fifteen-year-old Leo has grown up in Germany without a father. When she discovers his identity, she immediately sets out to track him down. She finds Paolo in a boarded-up beach bar on the wintry coast of northern Italy. The reunion leaves Paolo overwhelmed and conflicted. After Leo’s sudden appearance in his life, he struggles to balance his relationship between her and the family he has now. At first, Leo just wants answers. But soon, she starts to long for a place in Paolo’s life. With no money nor plans, she stays on in the small town. As they spend more time together, Leo and Paolo tentatively begin to bond and discover they have much in common. But reality inevitably catches up with them. When Paolo prioritises his younger daughter over Leo again, the latter is left hurt and angry. A confrontation lays bare their pain, apparently shattering their fragile connection. But, amid the turmoil, father and daughter begin to acknowledge their respective truths and take a small but meaningful step towards acceptance.

Source: 75. Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Catalogue)