Milk

The worn out and bitter literature teacher instructs within the school of an impoverished town called Szirák. The children are distracted during the first class as they crave their morning glass of milk. Our main character is the 9 year old Rebeka, who is known for her constant tardiness, her neglect towards her academics and excessive smoking habits. One day, during the morning break the teacher notices the way Rebeka scrupulously leaves the dining room, with the precious glass of milk and heads towards the backyard. The teacher is in the strong belief, knowing Rebeka’s qualities, that she secretly dislikes milk and tries to subtly get rid of it. With the teacher’s firm judgements and presumptions about Rebeka, he decides it is time to catch her in the act, and determines to attentively go after her. Eventually, the teacher becomes a witness to Rebeka, against all her hunger, selflessly giving the glass of milk to her little brother (who follows her sister to school each day in hopes for the milk). This realisation ultimately leaves the teacher astounded.

Directed by Ádám Ferenczi (Hungary)