Elga, a lonely woman in her late forties, struggles to make ends meet, being an immigrant and working as a cleaning lady. Most of the money she makes goes towards paying for her sick father's, Mozus', nurse. Elga would rather work all day and give all her money away instead of facing her father and his illness.
One day, the nurse says she cannot look after Mozus anymore, and Elga has no option but to tend to him herself while she looks for another nurse. Elga is struck by harsh reality - her father is doing much worse than she believed. He cannot eat without help; he constantly pees and poops himself; he gets aggressive when asked to take his medications to the point he slaps and pushes Elga; he cannot remember who he is or who Elga is, for Muzus she is his mama now.
Elga, unable to take this either physically, emotionally, or financially, is desperate to find a nurse. Still, no one is willing to take the job. Elga has no other option but to send her father to a home.
One day, the nurse says she cannot look after Mozus anymore, and Elga has no option but to tend to him herself while she looks for another nurse. Elga is struck by harsh reality - her father is doing much worse than she believed. He cannot eat without help; he constantly pees and poops himself; he gets aggressive when asked to take his medications to the point he slaps and pushes Elga; he cannot remember who he is or who Elga is, for Muzus she is his mama now.
Elga, unable to take this either physically, emotionally, or financially, is desperate to find a nurse. Still, no one is willing to take the job. Elga has no other option but to send her father to a home.
Elga is in her late forties. She barely manages to make ends meet, being an immigrant working as a cleaning lady. Most of the money Elga makes goes towards caring for her elder father with Alzheimer's disease, whom she adores. Sometimes she hates his disease and whatever it has done to him. This then makes her feel guilty.
Elga is lonely; she has no one who would care for her. Even her parents cannot anymore; her mother is gone, and her father is the one who needs help and support. She is torn between her desire to make the rest of his life as comfortable and painless as possible and the need to take care of herself
Elga is lonely; she has no one who would care for her. Even her parents cannot anymore; her mother is gone, and her father is the one who needs help and support. She is torn between her desire to make the rest of his life as comfortable and painless as possible and the need to take care of herself
Elga
Mozus is in his seventies. He used to be a painter, but for the past two years, Mozus has been struggling with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The sickness has progressed so far that he no longer knows who he is.
Mozus is constantly combating his mind, making him irritable and aggressive. He feels useless, grieving his own self, who is almost gone. He wishes to be free of all this pain and suffering; he cannot take it anymore.
Mozus is constantly combating his mind, making him irritable and aggressive. He feels useless, grieving his own self, who is almost gone. He wishes to be free of all this pain and suffering; he cannot take it anymore.
Mozus
Our Team
Bella Rinsky
Director, writer, producer
My name is Bella Rinsky, and I am a filmmaker located in Cyprus. I have previously done two short films. Coming Together, a silent short about two sisters finding courage to leave their abusive father. It is set to premiere at Cyprus International Film Festival in November 2023.
It has won awards at Makizhmithran International Film Festival (Best International Short Film), Lulea International Film Festival (Best Super Short Film), and Robinson Film Awards (Best First-Time Filmmaker Short).
Coming Together was also a Finalist at Lytham International Film Festival and Heart International Italian Film Festival, an Honorable Mention at AIMAFF (Best Short Film), and a Nominee at Cannes World Film Festival, AltFF, and Couch Film Festival.
I have another short, Unlived Life, in post-production that we plan to finish within a few weeks. Before starting my indie film journey, I worked at a production company Monumental Vision as an Assistant Producer. I have a BS (Business major, Theater minor) from Skidmore College, and a Master's degree in Journalism from MSU.
Coming Together was also a Finalist at Lytham International Film Festival and Heart International Italian Film Festival, an Honorable Mention at AIMAFF (Best Short Film), and a Nominee at Cannes World Film Festival, AltFF, and Couch Film Festival.
I have another short, Unlived Life, in post-production that we plan to finish within a few weeks. Before starting my indie film journey, I worked at a production company Monumental Vision as an Assistant Producer. I have a BS (Business major, Theater minor) from Skidmore College, and a Master's degree in Journalism from MSU.
Olamide Shoyinka
Producer, DOP
Hello, my name is Olamide Shoyinka, and I am a cinematographer based in London. I work primarily in short-form narrative and commercial work. I have worked on some incredibly fulfilling projects such as "The Winner" (Anna Moloney) and "Schmetterling" (Valerie Musoleni).
I am drawn to real human stories, which is what drew me to be a part of "PAPA". While many people in life can resonate with our characters, I am intrigued at the prospect of helping shape a certain point of view within the context of this story. We plan on being purposeful and thoughtful with our cinematography as we want to make sure each frame has passion and care put into it.
I am drawn to real human stories, which is what drew me to be a part of "PAPA". While many people in life can resonate with our characters, I am intrigued at the prospect of helping shape a certain point of view within the context of this story. We plan on being purposeful and thoughtful with our cinematography as we want to make sure each frame has passion and care put into it.
Lucy Pardo
Producer
My name is Lucy Vikki Pardo, and I am a London-based Producer. I have worked in the industry for 10 years and have been in Production for 5. I have worked on a range of narratives in all forms, including features, shorts, and music videos.
I have a great passion and personal connection to every project I work on, and Papa is no different.
I have a great passion and personal connection to every project I work on, and Papa is no different.