elementary schools: grades IV–VIII

Free as a Bird
dir. Annalies Kruk | the Netherlands 2021 | 16 min. | film with Polish voice-over

Ariana is a twelve-year-old girl whose great passion is dance. It may seem that this lively and energetic girl on the dance floor faces no challenges. However, she suffers from a kidney disease, which no one in her surroundings knows about except for her family and close friends. This film tells the story of extraordinary strength of spirit in the face of adversity and shows how friendship and passions can help anyone in their fight to overcome them.

Topics covered in the film: illness, friendship, passion, willpower, courage

Bertha and The Wolfram
dir. Miriam Küller | Belgium 2023 | 16 min. | film with Polish voice-over

Bertha is a 13-year-old girl who must fight daily against her enemy, Wolfram. Wolfram Syndrome is a very rare disease that affects the nervous system. Despite this, Bertha does not give up and faces the disease in her own unique way. “Bertha and Wolfram” not only portrays the battle with illness but also highlights the power of the human spirit and creativity in the face of adversity. It is a story that inspires thought and motivates action.

Topics covered in the film: acceptance, courage, illness, willpower, creativity

Varicella
dir. Victor Kossakovsky | Norway 2015 | 28 min. | film with Polish voice-over

Two talented sisters, 13-year-old Nastia and 7-year-old Polina, study at the most prestigious Russian Ballet Academy, where they were selected from 5,500 children. Renowned director Victor Kossakovsky captures the tender and trusting relationship between the sisters, who share one big dream: to become ballet soloists. The girls are fully devoted to their six-hour daily training at the Academy.

Topics covered in the film: passion, talent, perseverance, goal-setting, challenges, training, sister bond