Photo: Radek Lavička / Ji.hlava IDFF
Words We Never Say, a project by Polish director Agnieszka Zwiefka, has won the RAFF Residency Award at the Ji.hlava New Visions Forum 2026. The award marks the start of a new partnership between RAFF Residency and the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, alongside the programme’s ongoing collaboration with ZagrebDox.
Ji.hlava New Visions Forum connects filmmakers and producers with international industry professionals, opening space for project development, co-productions and new collaborations. Its focus is on creative documentary, new formats and innovative approaches to filmmaking.
Words We Never Say follows the director’s attempt to rebuild her relationship with her mother, from whom she grew apart over her mother’s far-right views. As her mother gradually loses her sight, the two set out on a journey together across Europe and the United States. Combining documentary encounters with staged scenes, this hybrid documentary explores political and personal divides, family intimacy and the possibility of mutual understanding.
The film is a Polish-German-Bulgarian-Spanish co-production, produced by Agnieszka Zwiefka and Iza Igel. It is currently in production, with a premiere expected in October 2027. The award includes participation in the five-day RAFF Residency programme on the island of Rab in [month] 2027. It also includes one-on-one mentoring for the film’s creative and production work, with participation, accommodation, and meals fully covered.
We look forward to welcoming Agnieszka and Iza to Rab and to working together on the film at RAFF Residency 2027.
