With my debut film Behind the Glass, I wanted to tell a touching mother-daughter story – a dynamic that, in my opinion, is still too rarely at the center of filmmaking. As the daughter of a single mother, I understand many of the challenges that arise for both mother and child. My own life served as an inspiration: emigrating twice, starting over in unfamiliar countries, and witnessing my mother’s constant balancing act between caring for her child and pursuing her own needs and dreams.

The film is not autobiographical, but it contains many elements that feel familiar to me. At its heart, it is a story about trust and communication – about the ability to talk to one another and truly listen. I was particularly interested in exploring how the relationship between a mother and daughter can evolve over time: from one shaped by dependence and hierarchy to one based on mutual respect and understanding. It is a process in which both women gradually learn to see each other as equals.

One of the greatest lessons I learned while making this film was patience – a quality that is essential in filmmaking. The writing process, in particular, was demanding. Writing often means rewriting: creating new versions, discussing ideas, questioning decisions, discarding entire scenes, and starting again. It is a slow and often solitary process that requires perseverance and trust in the journey.

What was most important to me throughout the making of this film was authenticity. I wanted the characters to feel believable and human – complex people who are neither entirely good nor entirely bad, but full of contradictions, like all of us. This search for truthfulness began with the writing and continued through casting and directing, where I worked closely with the actors to create honest, nuanced performances. The pursuit of authenticity guided every stage of the filmmaking process.

My ultimate goal is to move the audience. I hope viewers can immerse themselves in the story, connect with the characters, and allow themselves to be touched by their experiences. If the film encourages people to reflect on their own relationships and communicate with greater empathy and understanding, then I feel I have achieved what I set out to do.