Till It Hurts

Colour, DIGIBETA
Poland, 2008, 25 min
Section: Documentary Films in Competition

Synopsis

A 53-year-old psychiatrist still lives at home with his mom. After a long period of emotional abstinence, he meets Ewa and his enthusiasm over his new love evokes a hysterical reaction from his imperious mother: "Have you lost your mind? You’re over 50!” she shouts at him. The son responds by quoting St. Paul: "Children, obey your parents. Parents, do not humiliate your children so that they will not despair.” Although largely based on emotional blackmail and paranoia, there are even moments of tenderness in their complicated relationship. This intimately-drawn tragicomedy is part of a documentary series that follows up on Kieślowski’s Decalogue.

About the director

Marcin Koszałka (b. 1970, Cracow) studied sociology before graduating in camera and production from Silesian University. His work as a director of photography includes several features, including Scratch (Rysa), presented this year in the East of the West section. Filmography as a director: Such a Beautiful Son I Delivered (Takiego pięknego syna urodzilam, 1999), All Day Together (Cały dzień razem, 2006, awarded at the Jihlava IFDF), Death with a Human Face (Śmierć z ludską twarzą, 2007), and Existence (Istnienie, 2007).