Italy

• L'ultima neve di primavera
• Letzte Schnee des Fr?hlings

Don't be ashamed to cry
The saddest story ever told. A motherless boy aches for his father too busy to share his love. Except with a woman inbetween. Filled with excitement and glorious expectations, nine-year old Luca leaves boarding school to spend Easter with his father. On the way, he lovingly buys his father a present. But Luca's expectations and trust are soon shattered. his father is away until the following day. Choking with the bitterness of rejection and loneliness Luca resolves not to give the present to his father. through the tear-stained eyes of the child this is the only way Luca can make-up for his disappointment. In spite of the sad beginning the holiday improves, and Luca persuades Roberto, his father, to take him to the mountains to enjoy the last snows of Spring. but while ski-ing, Luca collapses. The pinewoods become waving shadows and snow whirls round him. Luca wakes up in his hotel bed surrounded by his father and a doctor. the doctor's diagnosis, Leukemia. Faced with his heart-breaking tragedy Roberto suddenly realises how important his son is to him. spurred by guilt Roberto desperately tries to rebuild his son's trust and affection. Weeks of misunderstandings and frustrations suddenly, in a few moments, develop into a strong and affectionate friendship. But is it too late?