To begin, could you introduce yourselves and tell us a few words about your film?

Marcin Melcarek: My name is Marcin Melcarek, and I am the director of the film. I’m also a sculptor and filmmaker. This project began as part of a screenplay competition at the Łódź Film School. The task was to create a ten-minute silent film without dialogue — an exercise in telling a story purely through images. Our script was selected, and the prize was the opportunity to bring it to life.

Błażej Perka: I’m Błażej Perka, the director of photography. I’ve worked mainly in documentary cinema for nearly twenty years, but making a feature film had always been a dream of mine. This project became that opportunity.

The film touches on war and its consequences. Why did you choose this subject?

Marcin: We wanted to address something deeply relevant to our times. For artists today, war is impossible to ignore. While the inspiration came partly from the tragedy in Ukraine, it was important for us to make the story universal. It is not about one country only — it could happen anywhere.

Did the screenplay change much during production?
 Marcin: Yes, naturally. We were fortunate to work with experienced professors and filmmakers who guided us. One important discussion was about the ending. We wanted it to remain open, allowing every viewer to complete the story in their own mind.

Błażej, what inspired your visual approach?

Błażej: My background in documentary cinema influenced it strongly. We wanted some scenes to feel immediate and real, almost observational. Cinematography for me is always about expressing emotion through light, framing, and movement.

What was the most challenging part of production?

Marcin: Everything. We had children, animals, war elements, and only four shooting days. It was intense from beginning to end. But we had an extraordinary team, and everyone gave their full commitment.

Błażej: Around fifty people were involved. For such a short film, it was a large and dedicated crew.

What do you hope audiences will take from the film?

We hope viewers will think of war not as a story of heroes or adventure, but as a world of victims. Everyone suffers — people, memories, even childhood itself.

And what future do you hope for the film?

Błażej: Of course, festivals are important. But more than that, we hope the film touches people and stays with them.

Marcin: It is only a short film, a small drop in the ocean. But even a small drop can carry meaning.

Thank you both for your time.

Marcin & Błażej: Thank you.”