Bodies (of War): A Documentary Journey Through Conflict and Resilience
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert have completed production on a new documentary film titled "Bodies (of War)," which explores the impact of the Ukraine conflict on the lives of individuals. The film follows a diverse group of characters, including veterans in Lviv, a transgender refugee in Warsaw, and members of the Open Group art collective, as they navigate the aftermath of the war. Through their stories, the film reflects on the lasting effects of the conflict and the resilience of those affected.
Filming for "Bodies (of War)" began in Lviv, Ukraine, where the filmmakers documented the struggles of wounded soldiers as they sought to rebuild their lives. However, as the conflict escalated, the filmmakers shifted their focus to Warsaw, where they discovered new perspectives and narratives to incorporate into the film. The addition of characters like Dana Vitkovska, a transgender artist, and the members of the Open Group art collective added depth and complexity to the storytelling.
Despite initial challenges in weaving together the various narratives, Szumowska and Englert found that the film ultimately came together in a powerful and cohesive way. The film's exploration of the physical and emotional toll of war resonates with their previous work and offers a unique perspective on the human experience in the face of conflict. The filmmakers are excited to premiere "Bodies (of War)" at the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival in Warsaw, where they hope the film will resonate with audiences and mark the beginning of a new chapter in their filmmaking journey.