The daily lives of six filmmakers, students at the Academy of Art in Szczecin, unfold in the context of growing unrest, social tensions, dramatic political crises, wars, the awareness of an irreversible climate catastrophe, and increasingly widespread mental health issues. Every day, incoming news – both from the country and the world – often has a direct impact on the lives of the young people. Yet, many of these topics fail to find a place in their daily conversations, remaining in the realm of personal thoughts, fears, and unspoken questions. 

The short film It Will Be a Very Difficult Conversation, divided into six chapters, was created by six authors, each telling their own story, touching on difficult, often uncomfortable, but deeply important issues. How do we cope with discord in our closest surroundings? How can I create critical art when its impact may threaten the peace of my loved ones? Should I decide to have the child I long for, knowing it will grow up in an environment hostile to its two mothers? How do I talk to my friends about my mental state? How do I go about my daily life when someone important to me is in mortal danger? What should I do when my closest family rejects me because they refuse to accept who I am? How do I deal with the fact that war is dividing the community I come from?

“This will be a very difficult conversation,” repeat the filmmakers as they try to express what words have failed to capture in daily discussions. Their film becomes a space where unspoken dilemmas and fears finally find their voice.

The authors are searching for hope, which they find in togetherness. The film’s chapters were created as individual works, developed through the collective reflection and the collaborative production efforts of the entire group.

• Programm Programme: Academy of Art in Szczecin: It Will Be a Very Difficult Conversation