In this enchanting journey into the inner world of children, Jasmina Wójcik (director of the splendid Symphony of the Ursus Factory, which took the Hot Docs Best Mid-Length Documentary Award in 2019) gives voice to her young daughters.
Zoja and Lea spend their days running wild in the forest, squabbling charmingly, making potions from wildflowers, and whispering spells into the wind. Published in 1922, the well-known Polish book King Matt the First—a story about a boy who takes over as king after the death of his parents and soon after goes to war—inspires the girls to wonder about current world affairs. With the war looming across the Polish-Ukrainian border, the story once again resonates today.
This visually marvellous film immerses us in the wonder of childhood and the sadness of leaving it behind. If you close your eyes (just briefly—don't miss the beautiful cinematography by Jakub Wróblewski), the entrancing sounds of nature and the feeling of uninhibited freedom are palpable.
"When I grow up, will I remember what it's like to be a child?" asks Zoja. In some ways, the world might be a better place if we all did just that. Kinga Binkowska.
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Festival Agent: Raina Films