International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

Synopsis

While Debbie's classmates go off on vacation, she stays at home with her younger sister Tamara. Tamara has ADHD and ODD; she is both hyperactive, overtired and quick to anger. We follow the sisters one summer day. A day when Tamara kicks in the door, throws shoes, curses crazily and gets furious with the cameraman: "Don't film me when I'm angry!" But Tamara can also be calm, Debbie explains: "Tamara loves animals. She's always very sweet to them. Until she gets angry." Debbie feels responsible for her sister and is utterly devoted to her. She even suspects that Tamara is ashamed of her own behavior. Debbie isn't, though. But she has to be careful, because "When we go outside, I'm always afraid that she will explode suddenly." We hear Debbie explaining in clear terms what's wrong with Tamara and what it's like to grow up with her. We watch as the girls play around the house and Debbie patiently sits out Tamara's tantrums. Debbie's composure seems to calm Tamara. "I know that deep inside, she's the best sister in the whole world."