Anna Borie’s debut short film 'To Rosa' captures the fragile transition of a teenage girl facing her father’s terminal illness against the rugged backdrop of an oyster farm. With a runtime of just 30 minutes, the film packs a powerful punch thanks to its intimate performances and behind-the-scenes dedication to authenticity.
Sometimes the most poignant stories are the shortest. To Rosa (À Rosa), now playing in Belgian cinemas, is a 30-minute gem that proves brevity can be a vessel for deep emotion. Directed by Anna Borie, the film follows 15-year-old Rosa (Héloïse Volle) as she navigates the impending loss of her gravely ill father while finding unexpected support in Adel (Joann Brezot), her childhood friend.
Set in the gritty, salt-sprayed world of an oyster-farming family, the film immerses us in a milieu rarely seen on screen. Did you know that director Anna Borie spent weeks living with oyster farmers in Brittany to capture the authentic rhythms of their daily life? This dedication shows in every frame—from the careful handling of oyster cages to the quiet resilience of the family home.
The cast, including Amélie Daure and Olivier Werner, brings a naturalistic intensity that makes the short runtime feel like a complete journey. Héloïse Volle, in her first leading role, delivers a performance that is both raw and restrained. Behind the scenes, the film was shot in just six days, with the crew often braving harsh coastal winds to get the perfect take.
At its core, To Rosa is a drama that explores the 'fragile in-between'—the space between childhood and adulthood, life and death, grief and new bonds. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves cinema that lingers long after the credits roll.
