As Bałtyk premieres soon in Poland (22.08), we give you five reasons why you should go and watch this exceptional documentary.

I. It tells a story of a truly inspiring human being. For the last forty years, Mieczysława Wróblewska, known as Miecia, has been working in her own fish smokehouse in Łeba. Her nickname is now “The Queen of Łeba,” and she is a renowned figure down there. Lis shows us a moment of true vulnerability: when Miecia hears from the doctor, she has to slow down, it scares her. For the last four decades, work has defined her and been her passion. So, will she be able to do that?

II. As a documentary debutant, Iga Lis has superb observational skills, allowing her to focus on details and truly comprehend what drives Miecia. Every sequence brings something new, either a nuance about her or the family that is, indeed, the most important element in her life (aside from work). This makes watching Bałtyk like reading a short reportage in which each sentence contributes to the story.

III. Without giving too many spoilers, it is worth noting how Bałtyk tackles various Polish taboos: from alcoholism to the lack of work-life balance in our country. 

IV. To some extent, it reminds us how important documentary is as a genre and in what ways it can discuss substantial topics and focus on a pure truth instead of fiction. The Polish school of documentary might not be as popular as it used to be, even 20 years ago, but this film proves that documentary filmmakers still haven’t said their last words. Maybe the premiere of Lis’ debut will encourage more directors to pursue their ideas and seek beauty in the most unexpected places of them all.

V. Ultimately, Bałtyk promotes Polish seaside traditions (here, in Łeba), arguing that passion and experience will never be replaced by anything. Miecia’s restaurant might be old-fashioned, but the everyday queues are a testament to the fact that people not only desire food of the highest quality, but they also want to be seen and listened to by Miecia while also feeling the warmth of her heart. In times when populism and political divisions tear us apart, places like this bring hope back, as they reconnect us.

Photo: So Films

4/5 stars

Author: Jan Tracz