Northern Skirts

Synopsis

The northern skirts of Vienna, 1995: Former childhood schoolmates Tamara and Jasmin cross paths in an abortion clinic, unaware that their very different 20-something lives have enough in common to intertwine.
Tamara, of Serbian origin, is making a graceful transition to adulthood. But missing her family in Sarajevo makes living on her own all the more lonely. Her boyfriend, Roman, is away most of the time because of military service. A bitchy supervisor makes Tamara wonder why she ever wanted to become a nurse.

Jasmin works as a waitress in a pastry cafe. The fun-loving blond enjoys pastries and men. The combination of the two seems to soothe the hardships of life at home with her parents and younger sisters and brother. But sweets and good times can't cover up the Bark memories of Jasmin's childhood.

One day, Jasmin leaves home for good after a violent showdown with her father. She is lost, without any real friends to turn to. She ends up getting drunk with a couple of guys who abandon her near the icy banks of the Danube. The next morning, Senad, a recently arrived Bosnian refugee, finds the unconscious Jasmin. After lifting her wallet, he carries her to the same hospital where Tamara works.

Jasmin is determined to not move back home. Although they hardly know one another, Tamara allows Jasmin to move in. However awkward at first, the two women long to give each other emotional support and encouragement.

A guilty conscience sends Senad to Jasmin's café to return her wallet (money included). A mutual attraction leads them to Senad's bed in a crowded refugee dormitory. As the snowfalls become more frequent, Jasmin grows fonder of Senad.

Meanwhile, Tamara's relationship with Roman seems headed for disaster. Tamara's confusion is exaggerated by lingering Feelings for an old boyfriend and the flirtatious smile of Valentin, an optimistic young Romanian loner in search of the American Dream. The winter turns out bittersweet, complicated by heartbreak and those endless questions about the future.

Biography

Austrian filmmaker Barbara Albert makes her feature film debut with NORDRAND alter a series of acclaimed shorts. Born in Vienna, the 28-year-old Albert studied theatre science, journalism and German. She went an to study directing and scriptwriting at the Vienna Film Academy. In addition to her own filmmaking. Albert has worked as an assistant director, script/continuity person, assistant editor and actress.

Filmography:
1999 NORDRAND
1998 TAGADA, 31-min opening episode of SLIDIN' - BRIGHT AND SHINY WORLD
1998 SUNSPOTS, short
1997 SOMWHERE ELSE, short
1996 THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB, short
1993 SWALLOWS OF THE NIGHT