Tadeusz Lysiak’s 30 minute short film The Dress (Sukienka) explores the story of a disabled woman who longs for companionship. The Dress follows Julia on a typical lonely day at work and unexpectedly, she meets a young man who gives her a sense of hope. This film explores the theme of loneliness and wanting to fit in. The Dress follows Julia on a typical lonely day at work, however something changes. She meets a young man who gives her a sense of hope. Tadeusz Lysiak explores Julia’s character successfully and addresses the crucial topics of disability and intimacy. One great thing about this short film is that not only does it address disability and intimacy, it also addresses insecurities that we women face, the theme of belonging, fitting in, and the fact that whether you are a man or woman, we all have that desire to be with someone. The cinematography is beautifully provided by Konrad Bloch and Anna Dzieduszycka perfectly embodies her role, bringing those powerful and varied emotions on screen.

The Dress won the 2021 Best Narrative Short Award at Atlanta Film Festival (The Dress is eligible to be considered for a 2022 Academy Award), the Best Student Fiction Film in 2021 at The Palace International Short Film Festival, the 2021 Best Narrative Short Award at The Pigeon International Film Festival and the 2021 Silver Dinosaur Award at the Etiuda & Anime International Film Festival as well as screening at over 25 film festivals including the Oscar qualifying Odense International Film Festival and Krakow Film Festival. 

This is a very significant short film that I know for a fact the voters will be voting for, with the 2022 Oscar shortlist being announced on December 21st.