WAVES

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Ania is an aspiring hairdresser, struggling to keep up with her cosmetology training. While her friend Kasia has mastered all the techniques with ease, Ania still can’t seem to grasp some basic concepts—a fact that has drawn ire from her unenthused teacher. To say it’s killed Ania’s self-esteem would be a major understatement. Her situation at home isn’t exactly helping her confidence issues either. Living with her formerly abusive father because her mom split, she’s torn trying to reconcile his past behavior with his awkward attempts to prove he’s changed. When the anxiety and distractions of her life aren’t causing chaos, Ania’s talent for doing hair is undoubtedly clear. She’s creative and quirky, with a sense of style that’s ever-evolving. But until she learns to love herself and let go of her anger, she will continue to be her own worst enemy. The battle for self-worth and the transition to adulthood is at the center of Grzegorz Zariczny’s WAVES, a truly relatable film that also touches on the desperate human need to feel comfortable in your own skin. (In Polish with subtitles) —E.F.