Ruminate

Directed by Mina Panjković Second director: Özge Özsan

Synopsis:

Jagoda, young and curious, works hard to acquire the skills needed to turn her new rural home into a proper homestead. However, her husband already considers the project a failed endeavor and wishes to return to the city, especially since Jagoda has just become pregnant. After her cow suffers yet another miscarriage, Jagoda feels pressured to give up her dream. However, as she delves into what happened to her beloved cow, nature pulls her in, revealing knowledge and possibilities she had never before considered.

Director Statement:

The recent wave of abortion restrictions, like the near-total ban in Poland are a violation of women's bodily autonomy. In Poland, where abortion is only allowed in extreme circumstances, they fail the vast majority of women seeking safe medical care. Access to safe abortion and comprehensive reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right. Moved by this conflict I decided to create a film about Jagoda, a contemplative and curious woman with a deep connection to nature. In her journey, she experiences a powerful catharsis, confronting despair but ultimately discovering a path to reclaim her autonomy. Jagoda’s search for answers in nature reveals choices she had never before considered.