KOBIETA Z...
Poland, Sweden
Synopsis
Director's Statement
Aniela - who for almost a half of her life lived as a man in a provincial town, making her laborious journey to freedom - seemed symbolic to us, becoming a metaphor for the transition of Poland, reflecting a society that had once before come together in solidarity to bring down the communist regime. That society now stands for a polarisation of attitudes, unwilling to accept beliefs which have long become a social norm in other parts of the world.
The title of our film is a deliberate reference to our Master - Andrzej Wajda (Man of Iron, Man of Marble). At this time when cinema is being replaced by content, we felt the strong need to tell Aniela's unique story, asking questions and referencing classic traits of the genre in its form.
WOMAN OF... stars many people who are transgender, who play the roles of both trans and cis characters. The production team was comprised of many people from the LGBTQ+ community. We hope that our film will help people understand what it means to be trans and increase support for amendments in the law which will guarantee a life without threat.
Our film does not judge any of the attitudes presented. The most significant element is the humanistic tone within the poignant story of our main characters, respectfully followed by our camera.
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert
Written by: Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert
Main Producer: Michael Englert
Produced by: Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska, Bogna Szewczyk-Skupien, Katarzyna Jordan-Kulczyk, Gregory Jankilevitsch, Malgorzala Szumowska, Kristina Börjeson, Jonas Kellagher
Cinematography: Michal Englert
Editing: Jaroslaw Kaminski
Production Design: Marek Zawierucha
Costume Design: Anna Englert
Make-Up & Hair: Waldemar Pokromski, Monika Kaleta
Original Score: Jimek
Sound: Marcin Jachyra, Kacper Habisiak, Marcin Kasinski
Casting: Magdalena Szwarcbart
Cast: Malgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik (Aniela Wesoły), Joanna Kulig (Iza), Mateusz Wieclawek (young Aniela Wesoły), Bogumila Bajor (Young Iza)
Nominations and Awards
- Feature Film Selection 2023