It’s hard to believe, but the beginning of May 2025 marks exactly one year since we completed work on “There once was–There is no more–There is”, a film we had the great joy of co-directing and producing. Since then, it’s been quite a ride — full of travel (both literal and cinematic), meaningful encounters, and unforgettable festival moments.
Around the World in 30+ Festivals
Over the past year, the film has been shown at over 30 film festivals across three continents. From the Warsaw International Film Festival to the Miami Jewish Film Festival, from the Zlín Film Festival in Czechia to Animafest Zagreb, and Poland’s own ANIMATOR International Animated Film Festival — we’ve been incredibly humbled by the international interest and thoughtful reception the film has received.
A Special Connection with India
And while each screening has been special in its own right, one country stood out in particular: India. Our film was presented at 11 different festivals there, a response that moved us deeply and highlighted the universal relevance of its themes.
Celebrating the Wins
We were also honored with four awards along the way — including at CHINH Youth Film Festival (Delhi, India), Anatolian Film Awards (Istanbul, Turkey), Madras Independent Film Festival (Madras, India) and the International Public Health Film Competition (Oxford, UK). These recognitions are meaningful not just for us as filmmakers, but for the topic we chose to explore: children’s emotional resilience and mental health.
Why Mental Health Matters
“There once was–There is no more–There is” has been screened in a variety of festival contexts — animated film showcases, programs for young audiences, and mental health-themed festivals. This diversity reflects something we deeply believe: that mental health matters, at all ages. And that it’s never too early to start talking with children and teens about emotions, grief, and healing. The pressures of today’s world are real — and stories can be a powerful way of helping young people understand their inner worlds, and find their own voice amid difficult emotions.
A Story about Memory, Loss, and Hope
At its core, the film explores what it means to grieve, remember, and carry on. Through the eyes of 12-year-old Krysia, we travel through landscapes of memory — places and people that once were, and those we try not to forget. Based on a story by Katarzyna Jackowska-Enemuo, the film gently guides young viewers in confronting their own emotional “black holes,” offering comfort and a sense of connection. Though designed primarily for children aged 10–12, its depth resonates with older audiences as well — inviting them into a quiet inner journey, as well as into the layers of Jewish history in Poland.
Watch our film “There once was–There is no more–There is”
We’re proud of the path it’s taken — and curious where the journey will lead next.
In the photo – standing from left to right: Marta Eichelberger-Jankowska (Expert Consultant) and her son, Dorota Siarkowska (Expert Consultant, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews), Łukasz Kamil Kamiński (Co-Director), Gabriela Całun (Voice Cast). Seated from left to right: Jadwiga Wianecka (Voice Cast) and Hanna Kłoszewska (Production Coordinator, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews). The photo was taken during the 41st Warsaw Film Festival (Warsaw, Poland), where the animation was screened as part of the “Family Weekend – Short Films for Children” section.