Growing up as a bi-racial child in Eastern Europe, where 99.9% of the population is white, is a daunting experience. The children, raised by Olga Nenya, face constant racism and must defend themselves against hostile neighbors and skinheads. Despite the challenges, the family is connected by their shared skin color and their mother's unwavering dedication. While Ukrainians offer little support, Westerners step in, providing a house and summer host families in Europe. When a European couple offers to adopt one of the children, Olga declines, aware of the difficulties awaiting a black Ukrainian outside her protective family. This film is a complex portrayal of one family, their country, and the world around them.
Family Portrait in Black and White
In a town where blue-eyed blondes are the norm, a Ukrainian woman named Olga Nenya takes on the responsibility of caring for 16 biracial orphans, highlighting the unique struggles faced by mixed-heritage children in Eastern Europe through their personal stories.
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