MAGIC OF PODLASIE - WHISPERS, 70min., Poland
Directed by Malgorzata Szyszka
Why, in today's civilized world, do we still use the methods and means of healing bodies and souls used by our grandparents? Who really are Whishperes? How does modern psychology look at rituals and whisherers? The tradition of whispering/praying in the Ortodox Church language is passed down from generation to generation. The film asks many questions and seeks answers from experts in various fields: therapists/psychologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, but also residents of Podlasie.

http://www.szyszka.art.pl/
https://www.facebook.com/malgorzata.szyszka

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

For over 20 years I have been making documentaries about shamanism in Mexico, Ukraine and India. The topic of Whisperers, women and man treating patients using folk medicine methods who operate in Poland, seemed natural to me and a consequence of my film expeditions so far. I wanted to check to what extent the whispering route is still alive, to what extent it fits into other healing phenomena in the world.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you

to make this film?

2 years. It wasn't easy. Most of the time we were looking for people who would like to take part in our productions. Whispering is a very personal experience and very often no one wants to talk about it. It's something we want to keep secret from others. Such an internal dialogue between us and God, the Absolute, Energy, Angels, in which the Whisperers try to mediate, intercede for us, make requests, e.g. for health, success and love.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Whisper love

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle was reaching the customers who do not agree to have their image immortalized in a photo or film. They believe that what they do is a service to another person, they do not receive any rewards, it is a secret

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

When translating the film into English, we wondered how to describe the phenomenon of whispering, i.e. treatment with folk methods, in another language. How to show the Polish specificity of such activity. I don't think this is an easy film for the viewer. The statements contained in the film show what is universal and important for each of us, regardless of where you live, but also show the local reality of the culture and heritage of Podlasie.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

As a student, I worked as a journalist and made reports, interviewed artists, and actors, who worked on the sets of television theaters. I was fascinated by this artistic machine, which is very precise, demanding and at the same time getting out of control. The film is the work of many creators with very strong personalty. The director has to conected diferent options, ideas,wants and build very clear and interesting story.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

„Blow-up" directed by Michelangelo Antonioniego

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I have no idea. What comes to mind is the organization of festivals and meetings during which artists will have a chance to meet and exchange opinions.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

There are many festivals on the platform. It is difficult to find and distinguish good festivals that support the artist's position on the international market from weaker ones

10. What is your favorite meal?

I like very diverse cuisine, local specialties, then I feel that I am getting to know the culture of Italy, Portugal, China or India, etc.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

"Man from the Wilderness, Tales of Dziad Borowy" - is a story about a modern man brought up in wild nature, who tries to maintain this unique bond while using the goods of civilization and the latest technologies. A story about defending the heritage of old forests, the prosperity of herbal meadows, animals and people, a story about actions that take place on the Polish-Belarusian border. What is humanity? What is most important in our lives? To what extent does our environment determine who we are?