Private Project

Behind The Eyes

In a world that is constantly changing, Patryk, a 24-year-old blind pianist, philologist, and philosopher, has always had a burning desire to explore beyond his small town of Legnica. Despite the challenges he faced when he moved to the bustling city of Warsaw for his studies, Patryk never lost sight of his dreams. He yearned for more, and his insatiable thirst for knowledge and adventure led him to apply for a student exchange program in Italy.

However, fate had other plans. Just as Patryk was preparing to move to Italy, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought with it uncertainty and fear. His parents, understandably concerned for his safety, urged him to stay home, dashing his hopes of exploring the world and fulfilling his ambitions.

As Patryk grapples with the challenges of adapting to new surroundings, finding his place in society, and navigating family conflicts during a global crisis, this documentary paints a vivid portrait of a young man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and experience. Through his unique perspective as a blind individual, Patryk sheds light on the obstacles that young people face in pursuing their dreams and passions, especially during times of unprecedented change and uncertainty.

This documentary explores the intersection of personal ambition and global challenges. It is a stirring testament to the power of human resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and an inspiring reminder that even in the most difficult times, the human spirit can soar.

  • Mina Panjkovic
    Director
  • Mina Panjkovic
    Writer
  • Mina Panjkovic
    Producer
  • Patrycjusz Kisła
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 8, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    500 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Poland
  • Country of Filming:
    Poland
  • Language:
    Polish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Warsaw Film School
Director Biography - Mina Panjkovic

Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, I developed an early interest in experimenting with painting and analog photography. This passion for visual art led me on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration, which ultimately culminated in my pursuit of a career in film-making.

Through my experience with painting, I learned the importance of freedom in creation and the power of artistic expression. Similarly, analog photography introduced me to the magic of light. It taught me the value of patience, and the impact of movement and sound on visual storytelling.

As I honed my skills in visual storytelling, I became captivated by the medium of film, with its ability to bring together all of these elements in a cohesive and powerful way. I pursued a degree in cinematography and post-production at the esteemed Warsaw Film School, where I developed a particular passion for documentary filmmaking.

Through extensive research and exploration, I crafted my first short documentary, "Behind the Eyes," which explored the world of the blind. This experience sparked a newfound interest in narrative forms and scriptwriting, leading to the creation of my thesis film, "Ruminate," which tells the story of a woman reclaiming her body autonomy through nature.

As a filmmaker, I am driven by the power of storytelling to spark meaningful change and connect with audiences on a deeper level. I am excited to continue exploring new avenues for artistic expression and to bring my unique perspective to the world of cinema.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a filmmaker, I often found myself working within a visually-driven medium. But through my encounters with individuals who are blind, I came to appreciate the vast chasm that exists between the sighted and visually impaired communities. It's difficult for our paths to cross, let alone have a deep understanding of the world from different perspectives. This realization sparked a curiosity within me and I spent a year talking to various people with visual impairments. I was moved and amazed by the unique ways in which they perceive the world.

The human brain is equipped with five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. While most of us rely heavily on vision to make sense of the world around us, individuals who are blind have learned to depend on other senses to compensate for the lack of visual input. This rewiring of the brain's neural pathways is known as neuroplasticity, and it's a remarkable phenomenon that allows humans to adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances.

Studies have shown that individuals with visual impairments have heightened abilities in their remaining senses. For example, research has found that blind individuals have superior auditory processing skills, and are better able to localize sound sources and discriminate between different tones and frequencies. Additionally, tactile perception, or the ability to sense texture and shape through touch, is often enhanced in individuals who are blind.

Furthermore, because individuals who are blind rely so heavily on their other senses, they tend to pay more attention to details in their surroundings. They must approach objects, smell them, taste them, and touch them in order to gain a full understanding of what they are. This heightened awareness of the environment results in an interconnectedness with their surroundings that is fascinating to observe.

In contrast, sighted individuals are often bombarded by visual stimuli, leading to sensory overload and a lack of attention to detail. We tend to assume we know things just by looking at them, and this can distance us from the world around us.

Through my experiences working with individuals who are blind, I have come to appreciate the richness and complexity of the human experience beyond just the visual. It's a reminder that there is much to be learned from those who perceive the world differently than we do.