Before the death of her sister, retired teacher Lia promised to find her niece Tekla, who had been rejected by her family because of her trans identity. Along with her young neighbor Achi, she travels to Istanbul, where Tekla is thought to have gone. The city plays a central role in the story, and its winding streets, close-knit neighborhoods, and distinctive residents become a symbol of hope: not only for finding Tekla but also for discovering new friends and exploring new horizons. Crossing opened the Panorama section at this year’s Berlinale and rightfully became one of the festival’s most popular films. Swedish director Levan Akin approaches this difficult subject in a very human way, using humor and empathy to explore a story that touches us all. (Source: KVIFF)