Fortuna, (Kidist Siyum Beza) a beautiful 14-year old Ethiopian, is welcomed together with other refugees into a Catholic monastery high in the Swiss Alps. She falls deeply in love with Kabir, a 26-year old African. The snowbound monastery soon becomes not only a refuge but also a sort-of theatrical setting for troubling events such as Fortuna’s unplanned pregnancy. Will the monks regret their hospitality? Will they prepare Fortuna for her new life in a very different culture and climate from her native Ethiopia?

Award-winning Swiss director, screenwriter and photographer Germinal Roaux shoots only in black and white, a most artistic way of bringing alive the snow-scape surroundings. Acclaimed actor Bruno Ganz plays a key role as Brother Jean.