Over a decade ago, Production Designer Jurga Gerdvilaitė shared a story with me that deeply resonated and has stayed with me ever since. As my three daughters transitioned from childhood to adolescence, I felt compelled to capture this delicate moment on film, aiming to create a piece that speaks to young audiences during a pivotal time in their lives. Choosing to create a dialogue-free film allowed us to focus on visual storytelling, a decision supported by Jurga’s remarkable talent as a visual artist. The casting of Jonė as Julė and Upė as Aida was the result of a meticulous selection process, and I revealed the plot to them gradually to evoke authentic reactions. Eglė Mikulionytė, who plays the grandmother, formed an immediate and essential bond with Jonė, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. Working with cinematographer Feliksas Abrukauskas, whose ability to create stunning visuals under challenging conditions was invaluable, and collaborating with debut composer Enrikas Slavinskas, who crafted a harmonious blend of music and natural sounds, we aimed to create a film that is simple, bright, and warm. My hope is that it inspires good deeds, faith, and courage — becoming a cherished tradition after Christmas Eve dinner.