Cat in the Wall

Irina lives with her young son and her brother in a former housing estate in Peckham, London. So far she has not been able to pursue her profession as an architect in her adopted country, instead she works in a bar. Her brother, a historian, looks after the child and installs satellite TV systems. A compulsory renovation threatens to prove costly for the residents of the block, with the relationship between residents anyway tense: xenophobic slogans and class prejudice shape everyday life, the feared gentrification stirs up further fears. The cat that recently walked into their lives represents a welcome distraction to Irina's family. That is until the supposedly rightful owners knock on the door.

CAT IN THE WALL initially comes across as a true British social drama. Yet directors Mina Mileva and Vesela Kazakova are able to find humour in even the most documentary-like of moments. Which isn't to belittle the anger and frustration of all those who feel left behind in England today. The result is a thoughtful, often absurdly comical film, which at times speaks uncomfortable truths. KS