Called a 'sincere nostalgia trip' by Village Voice, 'Sonja' is the directorial debut from former actress Kirsi Marie Liimatainen, who was inspired by her own youth in Tampere, Finland to make the film. It won a Grand Jury Special Mention at the 2007 Miami International Film Festival. The storyline follows Sonja, a pretty, 16 year old blonde, as she experiences unfamiliar feelings for her gal pal Julia. Capturing those indelible moments in young adulthood when one realizes that "I love you" means different things to different people, the film lays bare all the uncertainty, fear, and beauty of coming of age. Sonja spends her summer in a boring, suburban town, avoiding her ex-boyfriend Anton who wants to get back together, and her mother, who pries into everything going on in her young life. Sonja's only joy comes from Julia, a radiant, brunette beauty who tools around town on a scooter and confides in Sonja about going to dances and having sex with boys. Julia feels like she and Sonja will be best friends forever. But looking into Julia's eyes, then caressing her back as they share a bed one night, Sonja begins to realize there's something more going on here.