WATCH DOCS and the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights invite you to special screenings of the documentary Being Mikołaj, directed by Aurelia Frydrych-Zdanowska.

One of the most moving Polish films about the search for love and a place in the world will have its gala premiere on 6 June at Kinoteka in Warsaw, followed by a nationwide tour. The film will be screened in Kraków, Wrocław, Katowice, Gdańsk, and Ciechanów, with each screening followed by a meeting with the film’s protagonist, Mikołaj, and the filmmakers.

June is traditionally Pride Month – a time when the global LGBTQ+ community, with the support of allies, celebrates living openly and authentically. The film’s distribution is part of the nationwide social campaign TIME FOR EQUALITY, supporting transgender people in Poland.

The screenings will be accessible with open captions and audiodescription via the Kino Dostępne app.

The film is presented under the patronage of the Polish Arthouse Cinema Association.

Partners of Being Mikołaj screenings and the TIME FOR EQUALITY campaign include Kultura Równości and the Kino Dostępne Foundation.

BEING MIKOŁAJ
57’ | 2024 | Poland

How do you learn to love when you don’t fully understand?
One of the most poignant Polish films about the search for love and a place in the world.

Mikołaj is on the cusp of adulthood. Before moving out of his childhood home, he wants to mend the strained relationship with his single father, who struggles to accept Mikołaj’s identity. The camera captures the intimacy of everyday conversations where intense emotions clash with silence, and the longing for closeness meets a lack of understanding.

As these moments unfold, it becomes clear that the road to reconciliation will not be easy. And another challenge looms ahead – Mikołaj must face an opaque, Kafkaesque court system. Will they find common ground in time to face this new reality together?

The film received two awards in the New Polish Films competition at the 24th WATCH DOCS International Film Festival in December last year.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.