Traces of Water

"Traces of Water" is a 40-minute documentary filmed after the flood that devastated the Kłodzko Valley in September 2024. The film, steeped in the spirit of magical realism and inspired by the work of Krzysztof Ptak, draws from the aesthetic of creative cinematographic documentaries. The handheld camera guides us through the ravaged landscapes and water-logged remnants, conveying a sense of chaos and uncertainty. This raw, intimate approach brings the viewer closer to the disordered yet still vibrant world that has changed in the aftermath of the disaster.

Without voiceover or traditional narration, the film focuses entirely on images – abandoned homes, flooded fields, and damaged roads. The handheld camera follows the details of destruction, leading us through water-soaked villages and desolate spaces engulfed by the flood, capturing random scenes of everyday life after the catastrophe. The people trying to find their way in this new reality become a backdrop for a broader story about the power of nature and the fragility of human constructs. Through chaotic yet harmonious shots, the film conveys emotional intensity and builds a multilayered image where chaos intertwines with beauty, creating an ephemeral, almost magical landscape.

"Traces of Water" is a quiet yet powerful reflection on the aftermath of the disaster, showing how the world changes after such an event without offering clear answers. The handheld camera becomes almost a character, exploring the traces of the catastrophe, searching for answers to the question of what remains when the force of nature subsides.