The Freshman

Dir. Michał Edelman i Tomasz Pawlik | Poland 2024 | 26 min | 14+ 

KINOTEKA, ROOM 5 | 21.03 | 14:30-17:15

Fifteen-year-old Jędrek is sent to a juvenile detention center and must quickly learn to navigate a harsh new reality. For two years, the camera closely follows his loneliness, fears, and gradual coming of age in a world governed by unwritten rules. Peer relationships play a key role in his adaptation, particularly his friendship with Wojtek. “Freshman” is an intimate documentary about growing up, responsibility, and the need for closeness within the rehabilitation system.

Post-screening discussion

Themes explored in the film: adolescence, rehabilitation, peer relationships, social exclusion, responsibility.

The film is shown in a Young Docs 14+ competition set with: