Tendrils
Intimate documentary portrait of Karo, a non-binary Gen Z artist living in Warsaw, navigating issues relevant for her generation - mental health and belonging in a country that openly questions their right to live on their own terms. Deeply influenced by the idea of mycelium as a living network of support, Karo’s art becomes a tool for survival rather than metaphorical escape.
At the center of the film lies the long shadow of Karo’s relationship with their controlling father. His emotionally abusive presence and constant surveillance shaped Karo’s sense of fear and shame. These memories trigger anxiety, panic, and depressive episodes that Karo continues to battle in adulthood.
Living in Poland intensifies this struggle. Everyday situations - working or being in the public space - become tests of resilience in a society increasingly hostile toward queer community. Karo’s mental health deteriorates under the pressure, leading to periods of dissociation, addiction, and the urgent need for psychiatric help.
Karo needs to decide if they want to stay in Poland. What does it mean to heal in the place that caused the wound? The film combines observational documentary coming-of-age story with creative scenes, which show people being united just like fungi in mycelium. Maybe only a revolution like this could bring peace and reconciliation to a polarized world?
At the center of the film lies the long shadow of Karo’s relationship with their controlling father. His emotionally abusive presence and constant surveillance shaped Karo’s sense of fear and shame. These memories trigger anxiety, panic, and depressive episodes that Karo continues to battle in adulthood.
Living in Poland intensifies this struggle. Everyday situations - working or being in the public space - become tests of resilience in a society increasingly hostile toward queer community. Karo’s mental health deteriorates under the pressure, leading to periods of dissociation, addiction, and the urgent need for psychiatric help.
Karo needs to decide if they want to stay in Poland. What does it mean to heal in the place that caused the wound? The film combines observational documentary coming-of-age story with creative scenes, which show people being united just like fungi in mycelium. Maybe only a revolution like this could bring peace and reconciliation to a polarized world?