Shalewa tells the story of a reclusive autistic teenager who finds comfort in her drawings and a personal collection of discarded items. The film explores her quiet world and the resourcefulness she develops in the face of daily challenges.

Set against a backdrop of a village experiencing a shortage of fish in its river, the narrative also follows Shalewa’s mother, Eleja, as she struggles to settle a pressing debt. The story intertwines themes of family responsibility and ingenuity.

Shalewa constructs a makeshift engine for a canoe using scraps from her collection, showcasing her inventive skills. Together, she and her mother set out to fish, relying on her improvised creation.

Their journey culminates in a successful catch, highlighting themes of perseverance, creativity, and the bond between mother and daughter.

The film offers a contemplative look at resilience and problem-solving in a rural setting, emphasizing the quiet strength found in resourcefulness and familial ties.