Short
|
15 min.
|
Clutch
Sajūgs
An indifferent father, realizing how quickly his daughter has grown up, tries to make up for lost time and rebuild their connection by teaching her how to drive.
German has spent his life chasing a dream - to compete in rally racing. But his obsession gradually drives a wedge between him and his only daughter, Helga. When he discovers an announcement for an amateur race, he throws himself into restoring his car, determined to make it to the starting line. Meanwhile, Helga longs for something far simpler: her father’s attention, and the chance to learn to drive by his side. At first, it seems their paths might finally align. What begins as shared time behind the wheel soon turns into conflict, and their fragile bond begins to fracture. Even in the workshop, surrounded by the world that consumes him, German's fails to truly see his daughter. Years pass before he understands the cost of his choices - he has lost his place in Helga’s life. Haunted by regret, he clings to one last plan: to finish the car, to try again, to teach her - and perhaps reclaim what was lost. But time has changed everything.
Director’s statement
The title of the film embodies the idea of two elements coming together to set a larger mechanism in motion. At its core, the story explores the relationship between a father and his daughter, drawing a parallel to the function of a clutch - both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Beneath the surface, the act of driving becomes a reflection of life’s continuity. The more time the characters invest in shared experiences, the stronger their connection grows. Through this, the film highlights a simple yet essential truth: relationships demand time, presence, and care - because once they are neglected or lost, they cannot truly be recovered.
Country of production
Latvia
Target audience
Adults
Animation technique
Stop motion
Production company
Studio LocomotiveStage of the project
in development
Looking for
Co-producer, sales agent / distributor, broadcaster, animation studio