About this Event
How to Live (Jak Żyć)
Saturday 24 October | 15:00
£6/£4.50* per person
Marcel Łoziński’s frequently hilarious documentary about a Polish Socialist Youth summer camp, where model communist citizens were crafted — some willingly, others less so. Selected by Kuba Ryniewicz as part of his Baltic Cinema season.
Marcel Łoziński Poland 1981 83’
'Filmed in home-movie style and set to irrepressibly happy songs, this documentary by Marcel Łoziński captures everyday life at a Polish Socialist Youth summer camp, where floundering party officials instill newlyweds with approved values.
Although not all the officials themselves are that well-grounded ideologically, they do their best to mould the students into good citizens of the communist utopia. They rehearse songs, march, paint slogans on banners and play role-playing games in which the participants learn how to behave with visitors. The climax of this summer residency is a contest to find the most exemplary couple.
How to Live is at times downright hilarious. It is almost impossible to believe that this film was shot only eight years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, which marked the end of the communist era. On the other hand, the tests the contestants have to do – including a party jargon quiz – bring to mind the citizenship courses that immigrants to Western European countries are required to take. Once we have pierced the ridiculous formality of Comrade Camp Leader and his helpers, what comes to the fore are the emotions of those who want to fit the ideological mould, and those who do not.’ —IDFA
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Doors open 14:30; Film starts 15:00. Drinks are available from Baltic Kitchen and may be taken into the auditorium.
Please note we cannot offer refunds on this event.
This film does not hold an official BBFC rating. Due to the content of this film we advise it is suitable for ages 15+.
*Concessions: under 18s, unwaged & 65+
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How to Live has been selected by exhibiting artist Kuba Ryniewicz, as part of a season of films. View full season here.
Baltic Cinema
A year-round cinema programme, lighting up Baltic’s Level 1 Cinema with the best new and archive films. Bringing otherwise rarely-screened work to the North East, Baltic Cinema also expands on our exhibitions, further exploring the themes they raise.
Baltic Cinema has five strands:
Currents presents new work from across the world
Sources expands on our exhibitions
Selected shows films selected by our artists and partners
Quayside Kino is a monthly screening for families and children
News From Home offers films on and from the North East, for the people who live here
Supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Accessibility
We want our events to be inclusive and accessible. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email [email protected]. Ahead of your visit, you can find out about Baltic's facilities and accessibility here.
Event venue & nearby stays
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead, United Kingdom
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