Johannes's free-spirited mother (Nika Savolainen) is drawn to Western ideals, while his grandmother (Ülle Kaljuste) hopes to raise him as a loyal Soviet citizen.

Amid the backdrop of Estonia's push for independence, Johannes navigates family tensions, his mother's emigration to Finland, and his first love with a Chechen girl named Vera (Elene Baratašvili).

[2] Notably, it became the largest single investment by Estonian Film Institute.

Pre-screenings in June were met with high demand, selling out in parts of the Helsinki metropolitan area.

[3] The film received generally positive reviews, with praise for its humor and unique perspective on Soviet life.