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Inanimate Objects

Synopsis
Inanimate Objects delves into the profound consequences of reproductive rights policies in China and Poland, where the one-child policy in one country and strict abortion regulations in the other shape human lives. The film transcends political activism to evoke a deeper, more artistic reflection on the intricacies of life under government regulations. Through intimate narrated letters, the film gives voice to those whose stories are usually not prominent in the mainstream.

Alicja, an icon of the pro-choice movement in Poland, sued the state when she was refused the right to abortion and suffered life-altering health consequences. Sylwia had to face adversities as a teenage mother in rural Poland. She reveals the challenges of accessing contraception and resorting to illegal methods of pregnancy termination.

Lulu’s story from China exposes the societal pressure forcing her into motherhood, reflecting the ongoing clash between state policies and women’s autonomy. On the other side of the spectrum, Mr. Xincheng reveals the repercussions the one-child policy had on him and his family, forcing them to relocate and navigate the challenges of patriarchal expectations. The fractured relationship with his sister and the weight of familial expectations underscores the deep-rooted consequences of rigid reproductive policies.

By focusing on the private rather than public sphere, the filmmakers make an attempt at showcasing the nuances of legislation at the state level and how it trickles down into most aspects of our lives in these seemingly distinct corners of the world. The film is a tribute to Alicja, who passed away in 2021, during the production of this film.

  • Aleksandra Markovic
    Director
  • Julia Konarska
    Director
  • Aleksandra Markovic
    Producer
  • Jula Konarska
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 11, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    China, Poland
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aleksandra Markovic, Julia Konarska

Aleksandra Markovic

Aleksandra Markovic, a seasoned producer-director, dedicated ten years to working with major Croatian broadcasters, focusing on non-scripted shows. In 2020, she achieved her Masters degree in Documentary from Queen Mary University of London. She currently teaches documentary filmmaking and post-production at the SAE Institute while pursuing her creative passions in producing and directing. She is dedicated to creating spaces where female characters thrive and women's voices resonate, shaping her journey as an artist and filmmaker.

Julia Konarska

Born in Cracow, Poland, Julia Konarska is a London-based Post Producer and documentary filmmaker dedicated to bringing marginalized stories to the forefront of mainstream narratives. An alumna of Humanity in Action and a graduate with a master's in Documentary Filmmaking from Queen Mary University of London, Julia firmly believes in the power of filmmaking as a tool for combating injustice. Her debut student film, "La Reina," was featured at the 2021 edition of HER Docs, while her short film "Be Trans, Do Crime" was showcased at the 2021 Fringe! Queer Film Festival in London.

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Director Statement

In Inanimate Objects, we explore the intimate and often invisible impacts of reproductive rights policies in China and Poland, two countries with different but equally intrusive approaches to controlling women's bodies. Our aim was not to create a straightforward documentary or a political diatribe, but rather to offer a deeper, more introspective reflection on how these policies carve into the lives of those who live under them. Through exploring the personal narratives of Alicja, Sylwia, Lulu, and Mr. Xincheng, the film reveals the profound emotional and psychological scars that can result from state-imposed control over reproductive rights.

What drew us to these stories was their quiet, yet powerful testimony to the human cost of policies that are often debated in abstract terms. By centering the film around narrated letters, we sought to give a voice to those who are usually left on the margins of mainstream discourse, and whose stories are seldom told in their full complexity.