When Wojciech Smarzowski's “House of Evil” was released 15 years ago, it was widely believed that calling this film “shocking” was far from enough. If “Dom Dobry” is being produced now, it's better not to assume that it will be sunny this time. Because the story told by the Polish director's new film is just as dark.
If you are experiencing emotional problems and would like advice or support, here you will find a list of organizations offering professional help. In a situation of immediate threat to life, call 997 or 112.
Beating, humiliation, harassment and psychological abuse – at least 200 people in Poland experience such behavior from their loved ones every day. These are only cases recorded by the police. In reality, there are many more victims of domestic violence.
– Non-governmental organizations say that this scale is more than ten times higher – informs Dr. Hanna Machińska from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the “Time for Women” Foundation. The phenomenon of domestic violence has intensified during the pandemic. That's when Wojciech Smarzowski noticed them. The director emphasizes that the aggressors often go unpunished and the system is powerless. The police, justice system and health care are failing.
– I talked to a lady who was beaten so seriously four times, and only once did the doctor report the beating. Because she was very pregnant. The other three times no, says Wojciech Smarzowski, director and screenwriter.
The European Parliament has adopted revolutionary legislation
The main roles in “Good House” are played by Tomasz Schuchardt and Agata Turkot. In preparation for the film, the actress participated in support groups and met with women harassed by their partners. – I already saw there that it was a big deal for them that someone talked about them, that they were noticed and listened to, and that their story was not denied – says Agata Turkot, actress.
Recently, the European Parliament adopted its own regulations on combating domestic violence, the first in EU history. They are revolutionary because they also cover internet crimes.
– We will be able to fight various forms of sexual cyberviolence, including sending unwanted photos or recordings of various sexual or erotic materials, and creating deepfakes – says Joanna Gzyra-Iskandar from the “Feminonoteka” Foundation.
Schuchardt: I think this word “violence” is a bit blurry
In the film, Smarzowski will show various faces of violence. Not only in the family, but also at work. The point is not to remain silent when someone around you is being hurt. – I come from a small town and it seems to me that the word “violence” is somewhat blurred. People don't know how to react when they see something like this, or how to defend themselves if they are in a violent situation, points out actor Tomasz Schuchardt.
Anyone who needs support can call the emergency number or contact organizations helping victims of violence. It is also worth being sensitive to the gesture of making a fist – sent discreetly when there is no opportunity to call for help. This is the international “Help Me” sign.
A gesture of making a fist
– We still know nothing about many things that happen behind the doors of so-called normal homes – says Andrzej Konopka, actor.
The director of “Under the Mighty Angel”, “Wołyń” and “Kleru” shot his latest film in cooperation with the Warner Bros. group. Discovery, of which TVN is a part. The premiere of “Good House” is scheduled for next year.
Main photo source: TVN24