The Mandala

Poland2023fiction25'Konkurs polski (2024)

In Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, a mandala is a mystical symbol of the universe. A wheel joins harmoniously with a square. In the same way, the present and the past, reality and a dream, are enlaced in the world of Łucja, a single mother. Harmony is becoming replaced by everyday mundane rehabilitation and a nightmare as if from another dimension. The film combines many genres: a drama with a thriller and horror, a story about a trauma and bereavement as well as guilt and forgiving with a story about fulfilling your dreams and seeking a better future against all odds. Set in a harsh, winter landscape, in a hut in the middle of nowhere, it has an even greater impact on the viewer’s senses. The chilly wind can be felt on your own skin.

directed by
Mikołaj Janik, portret reżysera
Mikołaj Janik

Born in 1993 in Wadowice. Graduated in documentary filmmaking from the University of Warsaw and in directing from the Gdynia Film School. He makes documentaries and is beginning his adventure with feature films. He writes scripts, songs and fairy tales for children. When he has time - he escapes to the mountains. He is currently making documentaries "Panorama Tatr", "Mama wraca", "Ewolucja światła według Janusza Chmielniaka". "Mandala" (2023) is his feature film debut, made at the Gdynia Film School.

cinematography
Norbert Wojtysiak
script
Mikołaj Janik
cast
Magdalena Czerwińska, Aleks Kurdzielewicz, Piotr Polak
music
Michał Drabczyk
sound
Piotr Pastuszak
editing
Monika Stachowicz
production
Leszek Kopeć, Jerzy Rados (Gdyńska Szkoła Filmowa)
Photo
Kadr z filmu The Mandala
Trailer