Umka

Set against a stark Arctic backdrop of snow, ice floes, and the edge of the sea. A polar bear mother and her cub Umka navigate a world where humans appear as reindeer herders and two-legged bears. The icy landscape shapes every choice, from hunting for fish to crossing frozen plains.

🤝 Friendship

An unlikely friendship forms between Umka and a young Chukchi boy, bridging species and cultures. Their exchanges reveal curiosity, kindness, and the ability to learn across differences. This bond offers a lens on trust, adaptation, and the wonder of discovery in a harsh Arctic world.

🧭 Journey

Their journeys across ice and sea become a metaphor for growing up and seeking belonging. The looming separation and the pull of home test their resilience. The narrative uses exploration to question what 'family' and 'home' really mean.

💔 Loss

Relocation and disappearance create a sense of loss that threads through the story as friends separate and change surroundings. Umka's mother keeps him safe while the boy's departure leaves a memory that haunts the snow. The ending, seen in the stars and constellations, offers a way to remember and honor those who are gone.