Karolina Sendecka

Birds Don't Look Back

One day, the decision is made: Amel, a 12-year-old orphan, will leave. This is by no means a matter of choice: her country is at war. Unfortunately, nothing goes as planned. At the border, Amel loses the family who are accompanying her and finds herself alone. Along her way, she meets Bacem, an army deserter and oud (oriental lute) player. Together, the child and the former soldier navigate through the pain of exile and learn to rebuild themselves.

The Hunt

Picture a northeastern Polish town, surrounded by forests and lakes; with only a few houses, a highway, and a small baroque church. That’s where an 11-year-old boy spends his last month of summer. Fascinated by stories about the Wild West and haunted by the religious imagery in church, he craves adventure. As he explores the surroundings, equipped with a cassette recorder and a bow, his innocent adventure suddenly stops being child’s play.