Helena 25/65
Director’s Bio
Born in Poland, Joanna studied at the University of Edinburgh before joining the Directing program at the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice. Her documentary film Material (2019) was shown at the Polish Film Festival in America.
Joanna Różniak
Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School
Poland, 2020
photo credit: Karolina Monwid-Olechnowicz
Synopsis
This is film explores loneliness in later life. Helen battles with isolation and loss as she watches people around her who seem to be happy with their partners. Flashbacks to a younger version of herself give us a taste of her earlier life, when, at the age of 25 she had a partner and was happy. The blend of Super-8 and digital footage give the film a sense of nostalgia and visually differentiate between Helen at 25 and at 65.
Credits
Director: Joanna Różniak
Producer: Krystyna Doktorowicz
Writer: Joanna Różniak
DoP: Karolina Biedrowska, Bogusz Jan Szulc
Editor: Aleksandra Kasprowicz
Sound Design: Jaroslaw Downar
Cast: Katarzyna Bargielowska
We hope you enjoyed the film. Please leave a message below to share your thoughts.
LJMU MA Short Film Festival 
Evocative of feelings of nostalgia and dwelling on memories in later life. The super 8 footage really gives something to the overall atmosphere of the film, paired with the more muted, dull ‘present day’ – collaboratively these factors communicate to the audience who Helena is as a character and her mindset in a setting of loneliness. Poignant ending with a flicker of hope.
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