Documentary short film | 21’ | United Kingdom | 2024
ENGLISH WITH SUB. ESP
DIRECTORS: Aleksandra Markovic, Julia Konarska
PRODUCTORS: Aleksandra Markovic, Julia Konarska
SYNOPSIS
Inanimate Objects explores the consequences of reproductive rights policies in China and Poland, where government control over the female body profoundly affects human lives. The film examines how China’s one-child policy and Poland’s abortion restrictions limit personal autonomy. Through narrated letters, it brings to light stories rarely heard, such as that of Alicja, who sued the Polish state after being denied an abortion and suffering irreversible consequences, and Sylwia, who faced difficulties accessing contraception in rural Poland. From China, Lulu exposes the societal pressures around motherhood, while Mr. Xincheng shares how the one-child policy fractured his family. The film reveals how state legislation infiltrates the private sphere, devastating lives, and pays tribute to Alicja, who passed away in 2021 during its production.
FESTIVALS:
- HER Docs Festival Warsaw – 2024
BIO DIRECTORS
Aleksandra Markovic: A seasoned producer-director with a decade of experience working with leading Croatian broadcasters on unscripted shows. In 2020, she earned her Master’s in Documentary at Queen Mary University of London. She currently teaches documentary filmmaking and post-production at SAE Institute while continuing her creative journey in producing and directing. Her work focuses on creating spaces for women’s voices and stories to thrive.
Julia Konarska: Born in Cracow, Poland, Julia is a London-based documentary filmmaker and post-producer dedicated to highlighting marginalized narratives. An alumna of Humanity in Action and a master’s graduate in Documentary Filmmaking from Queen Mary University of London, her debut student film La Reina was showcased at HER Docs 2021, and her short film Be Trans, Do Crime was featured at the 2021 Fringe! Queer Film Festival in London.