Childhood

Wistful and sad documentary about toddlers who spend their days or even weeks away from their mother and their home, whether in the day nursery or day-and-night nursery. The cinematographer observes the great sadness of little children and their subconscious attempt to adjust to the unusual situation. Director Leida Laius interviews the head of the nursery and the night-time educator who both believe that such day- and night-time nurseries won't replace mother for a child. The children themselves admit to the film director that their greatest dream is to go back home. The documentary was first banned since it gave a critical comment towards on the aspects of the Soviet system – breaking up the family.

Award, Estonian Documentary Film Festival (Rakvere Film Club, USSR), 1977, 1st Place