Kwiatkowska’s camera sketches a portrait of an energetic retired teacher, Waleria Mirecka from Racławice who has devoted almost all of her time to serving the people in her village. A mixture of interviews in front of the camera and observational shots displaying the woman’s daily activities becomes an onscreen celebration of her kind and selfless spirit. At the same time, the film presents an inspirational story not just for senior women, but also for people who work for their local communities.
Waleria’s life in the rural village doesn’t seem to have that much to offer. But as we observe her cycling through the streets and fields, singing in a choir and undertaking tasks as the leader of the local women’s club, she bursts with positivity: ‘People trust me… I feel like the mother of them all … I don’t feel my age’.
An icon of an active lifestyle and an incarnation of the ideal Polish woman who caters for those in need, Waleria takes pride in being an enthusiastic role model for others.
Later, dynamic shots of her dancing at a local festival—where the band dedicates a song to her—intercut with snippets from her conversation with the film director.
Waleria is pleased to report that there have been a few press articles about her. Then we see the director in the frame to learn that the documentary crew’s interest crowns Waleria’s satisfaction with her local achievements.
In this documentary, Kwiatkowska’s affirmative camera frames Waleria as an everyday heroine, one that is outspoken enough to drive the film’s story forward.
The director’s attempt to record the successes of the ordinary-extraordinary woman becomes an ultimate tribute to Waleria’s commitment to her community, as well as testimony to her contentment with her traditional female role as a social servant.
RETURN TO Maria Kwiatkowska Do You Know Waleria M.?
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