It’s one thing to feel like a fish out of water but it’s another thing to exist with the daily pressure of draconian state laws that don’t allow you to be yourself. This is the heart of Elene Naveriani’s Wet Sand.

Terse and slow, with characters that stubbornly refuse to ingratiate, this is nonetheless a powerful tale of small-mindedness ultimately transcended.

This beautifully shot and quietly contemplative study shines a light on the issue of LGBQT+ rights in her native Eastern European country, with characters and a screenplay that strike a chord.

The situation is no doubt painful and oppressive. Wet Sand, as far as it goes, most likely paints an accurate picture.