Humbleness is a beautiful virtue of life – A meeting with Maja Ostaszewska
I have been included in a group of people whom I immensely admire, said Maja Ostaszewska expressing her great satisfaction and well-deserved pride, when accepting the Golden Angel for Artistic Insolence during the Opening Ceremony of the 17th edition of the Tofifest International Film Festival. It was not the first time the actress was awarded for her dedication and commitment to social issues. For being rebellious means being uncontrollable, having the courage to look for more and ask uncomfortable questions.
The meeting with the actress was dominated by two extremely important topics: the modern understanding of the role of an artist, and the struggle for the ecological and civic awareness. At one point, I understood that being a popular and recognisable person offers a unique gift, which is making others interested in what we have to say. And there are still too few artists actually taking advantage of this gift, said the artist, adding that she too once felt embarrassed to talk about important issues, as she believed it was the job of professors. In this context, it is all the more positive to see that the growing number of people from the world of cinema, and from many other genres of culture for that matter, have a voice, which is so much needed in the world of today.
One of the people present in the room during the meeting asked a probing question about the limitations imposed on artists – the limitations everybody is talking so much about today, and which rupture the cultural life. Maja Ostaszewska mentioned manipulated statements, artists losing their positions, and denying the freedom of speech. I truly live among a group of free people, regardless of all the hate around. But there are people, who do not enjoy such freedom. And it is not just about me, because I believe this awareness has, in a way, brought me this award, she explained, making a reference to statements she was reproached for ceaselessly, accusations that she said something she never did or words that were misinterpreted, which were usually said to criticise authorities, or comments on fighting for the rights of women or animals. One could easily see that the audience was quite moved by the words of the artist. After all, having a voice of your own and being a social activist are hardly things we should feel sorry for.
When asked about her involvement in pro-ecological activities, Maja Ostaszewska listed a number of things all of us could do in their own lives to make the world a better place. For example, we can expand our knowledge, go shopping with our own bag, and bring our own coffee cup in it. What’s important, the actress said that she herself grew up believing that coal was an indispensable thing, and she was totally unaware of the hazards resulting from the excessive use of plastic materials. It occurred to her that any habit can be changed, once we realise the gravity of the climate change and the suffering of animals. It takes time for such awareness to grow, and we are not infallible. But wearing a nicely looking collar is not worth such suffering. I have never eaten meat in my whole life, given birth to two children, and I feel great. I am really grateful to my parents for the ethical decisions they made, she emphasised. It was easily noticeable that she cares much for children, and the actress noticed the youngest member of the audience, on several occasions. Being a mum is the thing I identify with the most, in my life, she confessed with a smile and confidence. She took pride in mentioning that her children had already become ecologically aware. And also sexually aware, for that matter, although adequately for their age, naturally. You cannot put a ban on sexual education, as it becomes a natural barrier to violence. I do try to be a mother participating in the lives of my children, but we must bear in mind that not all parents talk to their children, appealed the artist.
It goes without saying that the meeting was also about her films, as well as nostalgic references to Przystań / Shelter, The Schindler's List, or inspirations originating from Cracow: I was very lucky and had a foundation for my dreams, she recalled smiling. She expressed great admiration for the authors of Ja teraz kłamię / I am Lying Now, the film featured in the festival’s programme: Paweł Borowski is a wizard of words. All of us felt that the project could make a difference, both for us and the viewers. It was great fun playing with the form. Maja Ostaszewska is not blind to the problems of independent cinema and financing of film projects, emphasising the involvement of filmmakers in making such projects happen, be it renowned director or young actors and production designers taking their first steps in the business (the role of Yvonne in the film is played by Paulina Walendziak, who participated in The Birth of a Star cycle co-produced with the Vogue website).
She also said that she likes to surprise herself and never copy roles she played before. When asked about her approach to selecting roles, she quoted the opportunity to meet different people and diversity as the decisive factors. She also said that dramas are obviously important, but comedies are not inferior to them: By laughing, we let all our sorrows out. We all need to take a little break, after all.
No wonder that her words were applauded by the audience and a lot of people said how grateful they were for the opportunity to meet with her. We take this opportunity to join Maja Ostaszewska in encouraging you to see the film (Nie)znajomi, which is currently distributed in cinemas, and also other artistic project the actress awarded for her rebellious spirit is going to be part of.
Anna Tomaszewska
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