Martyna Dyląg

A visual Portrait of one’s internal speech, flowing like a river of thoughts, with the intention of seeking truth. The alphabet of feelings, associations, fears, memories overwhelming our mind, impossible to escape from. It is up to us to give them direction.

MATKA / POLKA [MOTHER / POLE] is a meditation on what it means to be a woman in today’s Polish society. As a collection of stories – all verbatim – from waiting rooms, gynaecology chairs, abortion clinics, and bedrooms, the documentary bears witness to everyday acts of patriarchy and systemic violence. Adopting a poetic visual language, MATKA / POLKA breaks the taboo around the experiences, emotions and identity of Polish women who have faced the country's strict reproductive policy and social prejudices to make decisions about their own life and body.