THE MATURITY TEST - "COMMUNION" BY ANNA ZAMECKA
In her latest documentary film, "Communion," Anna Zamecka looks closely at serious problems and tragedies which affect children, focuses on difficult issues and shows them from a perspective other than that of an adult.
The film's protagonist is Ola, a 14-year-old girl, who has to grow up quickly. Ola assumes the role of the head of the family, the girl cares about the ailing father, autistic brother Nikodem and the mother who lives away from home. She is a young heroine, who not only tries to bring the family back together again, but also fights for her dignity at all costs. And it is this solitary and heroic struggle of Ola that is the pivot of the documentary film's plot.
Zamecka managed to sketch a poignant image of the child who has to grow up too quickly and take on the role of her parents. Ola has the characteristics of a leader, she is courageous and unyielding, and in addition, she is also caring and attentive. Her features are highlighted in her relationship with her younger, mentally handicapped brother, whom she prepares for his first Holy Communion, as well as in her relationship with her father. Everyone at home respects the rules established by Ola, which does not mean, however, that there are no emotional and colourful squabbles. In this context, the road of the preparations for communion, which Ola undergoes together with her brother, is very interesting. The sacrament of reconciliation takes on additional meanings, brings hope for the only one family meeting and the attempt to convince the mother to come back home. This is why Ola does her best and takes full responsibility upon herself.
In the film by Zamecka, we can clearly feel how the problems of the parents, social problems, affect the family. These dilemmas do not influence only those who created them, but also their close ones and not only in the material, but also in the psychological and emotional sense. In such a situation, accelerated maturity test is the only salvation for the defenceless child.
Daniel Stopa