In a bid to challenge deeply ingrained prejudices in conservative Poland, the creators of “Woman Of,” a film depicting the journey of a man transitioning to a woman, are optimistic about its potential impact. Co-directed by Malgorzata Szumowska and Michal Englert, the film made its world debut at the Venice Film Festival. This premiere comes just ahead of crucial parliamentary elections that may extend Poland’s ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party’s tenure for an unprecedented third term. Critics have accused the PiS of exacerbating anti-LGBTQ sentiments, but Szumowska sees “Woman Of” as a catalyst for reshaping the transgender discourse.
Delicate Tone, Strong Message – “Woman Of” doesn’t take a militant stance but instead carries a delicate tone. According to Szumowska, the aim is to foster unity and construct a bridge for understanding. The film chronicles pivotal moments in the protagonist’s life, from childhood to marriage, parenthood, and the eventual transition, using Poland’s post-communist transformation as both a backdrop and metaphor. Despite Poland’s tumultuous evolution over the past three decades, LGBT rights remain a contentious issue, exploited by PiS to garner support.
Political Ridicule and Prejudice – Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of PiS, has openly ridiculed transgender individuals during campaign rallies, making derogatory remarks that have garnered laughter from crowds. “Politicians speak out like it’s an evil, they use it as a threat,” Szumowska laments. Poland currently bans same-sex civil unions, and individuals seeking to change their officially recognized gender must often litigate against their own parents, allowing for legal barriers to their transition.
Breaking Stereotypes with Casting – Notably, transitioning has been relatively rare in Poland until recent years. Consequently, the film’s directors couldn’t find a transgender actor to portray the older Aniela as she navigates bureaucracy and bias in her provincial hometown. In an unconventional move, they cast Malgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik, a seasoned actress. “Woman Of” is one of 23 films competing for Venice’s Golden Lion award, set to be announced on Saturday, and it holds the potential to challenge ingrained biases and pave the way for a more inclusive Poland.
This film represents a vital step towards fostering understanding and dismantling stereotypes in Poland, a nation grappling with deep-seated conservatism and division over LGBT rights. In a delicate yet impactful manner, “Woman Of” endeavors to build bridges and challenge prejudices, potentially paving the way for greater acceptance and equality.
