When Father Was Away on Business

In the wake of the Tito/Kremlin split in the early '50s, little Malik's dad is despatched 'on business' to a labour camp for his Stalinist leanings (and philandering habits). His son stolidly observes the hardship this brings upon the family, takes to sleepwalking, and experiences first love. A few smiles, a few tears, all most unexceptionable: the very stuff, in short, of a festival laureate. Meticulously crafted and full of delightful touches, but there is little to lift this Cannes prize-winner above the ordinary.