KulturDocs

The series combines humor and insight, focusing on the unique talents, skills, and reflections of its protagonists. Each episode provides an opportunity to meet inspiring figures such as musician Mikołaj Trzaska, performer Betty Q, and young artists Marcella Szabłowska and Ezra Wojakowski, while delving into the complex Polish-Jewish relationships.

In addition to the series, the project includes audience engagements both online and in-person. These events will create a platform for exchanging ideas and views, extending the dialogue initiated in the series. KulturDocs aims to challenge entrenched opinions and stereotypes by showcasing the vibrant and thriving Jewish art scene in Poland.

Chapter 1: Mikołaj Trzaska

This film follows avant-garde Polish Jewish jazz legend Mikolaj Trzaska as he delves into his journey of discovering his Jewish heritage during the communist era—a journey that shaped his distinctive approach to life and music. Directed by Michael Rubenfeld, the film takes Trzaska to the town of Słupsk, where he marks the anniversary of the wartime deportation of the town’s Jewish community. Through an improvised concert at the historic site where they were detained before being sent to Auschwitz, Trzaska offers a unique perspective on history, identity, and creativity.

Chapter 2: Betty Q

Jews, art and bureslque!

This film follows Betty Q, a pioneering Polish Jewish burlesque artist, as she navigates the intersection of identity, art, and activism. It delves into her complex relationship with her Jewish heritage, shaped by her mother’s decision to distance herself from their shared roots.

Through striking performances and personal reflections, Betty reclaims and redefines Jewishness, weaving it into her work as an artist and activist. Recognized for bringing burlesque to Poland, she uses the medium to challenge stereotypes and celebrate resilience. The film captures her journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of art to honor tradition while forging a bold new path.

Chapter 3: Marcella Poroshanka & Ezra Wojakowski

This film follows two young Jewish queer artists, Marcella Poroshanka, a film and video artist, and Ezra Wojakowski, a visual artist, as they use their art to explore self-discovery and challenge traditional views of Jewish identity in Poland. Through their creative practices, they redefine what it means to be both Jewish and queer, offering a fresh perspective on identity in contemporary Polish society. Their work not only reflects their personal journeys but also provides a glimpse into the experiences of a new generation of Polish Jews who are shaping their own paths as queer, trans, and Jewish artists in a world that often marginalizes them.


Directed by: Michael Rubenfeld
Produced by: FestivALT

Executive Producer: Magda Rubenfeld Koralewska

Cinematography: Daniel Le Hai
Editor: Dorota Roś
Associate Producers: Anna Roszczyk, Magda Urbańska
Sound Recordist: Tomasz Soyer
Additional Sound: Alex Banaszkiewicz
Sound Postproduction: Szymon Orłowski
Research Assistant: Aleksandra Kumala
Dramaturgical Assistance: Paul Bargetto

Camera and Lighting Rental: Cinerental

Subtitles: Aleksandra Kumala, Bartłomiej Sternak

Special Thanks:
Joanna Róźniak, Jolanta Krawczykiewicz, Piotr Kuba Nowotny, Krystyna Danilecka-Wojewódzka, Krzysiek Bąk, Marcin Wierzchowski, Anneli Rådestad, Clayton Lee, Melissa Martin, Aleksandra Janus, Allan Novak, Cary Rubenfeld, Marek Brand, Rebecca Guber, Ezra May, Jakub Nowakowski, Eric Stein, Zbigniew Herbert High School No. 5 in Słupsk, Patrycja Dołowy and the JCC Warsaw Staff, Konstanty Gebert, Joanna Różniak, Magda Urbańska, Clayton Lee, Krzysiek Bąk, Rabbi Michael Schudrich, Sarah Garton Stanley .

Contact us if you want to watch movies in high definition.

info@festivalt.com

 

Financing

Funded by the state budget as part of the "Public Diplomacy 2024" competition by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.sa

Funding amount: 90 000 PLN

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