The Polish Dream / De Poolse Droom

This documentary is a portrait of three highly educated Polish women who came to the Netherlands, with the idea to shape their ambitions. Due to the circumstances in their families and countries Justyna, Paulina and Ilona want to start over in the Netherlands. Once here they end up doing monotonous jobs like many Polish immigrants. They are far from home, end up in invisible work and don’t know the language. They feel displaced. The three women from Poland have one purpose: to be seen for who they are and not just for their hands. How do they express their aspirations? How do they find guidance in life? And what do they leave behind in Poland? A story about ambition, strength and willpower.
“With this documentary I want to get close to the women. I want to show the viewer the real lives of these women. I want to show the problems they encountered, but especially the choices they made and the way they hope to change their lives. Will they be seen as Justyna, Ilona and Paulina and not just as a Polish worker?”  – Karin Kooijman

This film will be shown as part of the short film program “I work, therefore I exist”, on Saturday, March 7th at Hallesches Haus at 5pm.