Newborn (2022)
A Polish short film confronting one of parenthood's most profound ethical dilemmas — the surgical assignment of sex for an intersex newborn.
Newborn - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dziecko
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Zuzanna Grajcewicz
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 20m
- Original Language: Polish
- Spoken Languages: Polish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 17, 2022 (Poland)
- Production Companies: Lodz Film School
Newborn - Plot
When Aśka's child is born, she does not expect that she will have to face difficult challenges. She has to decide whether to raise a son or a daughter. At the time of birth, the titular newborn has biological features of both sexes, and the parents are to determine which of them will be surgically eliminated.
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Newborn - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zuzanna Grajcewicz
Main Cast
- Justyna Wasilewska
- Julian Świeżewski
- Yeva Shchesniak
- Marta Nieradkiewicz
- Sebastian Pawlak
- Agnieszka Suchora
- Lech Mackiewicz
- Andrzej Walden
- Katarzyna Kucharska
Writers
- Zuzanna Grajcewicz
Newborn - FAQs
What is Newborn about?
Newborn follows Aśka, a new mother whose child is born with biological features of both sexes. She and her partner are faced with a deeply personal and ethically charged decision: choose whether to raise a son or a daughter, knowing that surgery will permanently eliminate one set of biological characteristics.
Who directed the short film Newborn?
Newborn was directed by Zuzanna Grajcewicz, who also wrote the screenplay. It was produced through the Lodz Film School in Poland and premiered in September 2022.
Who are the main actors in Newborn?
The cast is led by Justyna Wasilewska as Aśka, the mother at the heart of the story. She is joined by Julian Świeżewski, Yeva Shchesniak, Marta Nieradkiewicz, Sebastian Pawlak, Agnieszka Suchora, Lech Mackiewicz, Andrzej Walden, and Katarzyna Kucharska.
Is Newborn based on a true story?
Newborn is not based on a specific true story, but it draws on a very real and ongoing social issue. Intersex births and the medical practice of assigning a sex through surgery remain deeply controversial topics worldwide, lending the film a strong sense of authenticity and urgency.
How long is the film Newborn?
Newborn has a runtime of 20 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief length, it tackles a complex and emotionally resonant subject — the ethical dilemma surrounding intersex surgery — with considerable depth and sensitivity.
When was Newborn released?
Newborn had its release in Poland on September 17, 2022. The film was produced by the Lodz Film School and represents an early directorial work by Zuzanna Grajcewicz.
What language is Newborn in?
Newborn is a Polish-language film. It was produced in Poland through the Lodz Film School, and the entire dialogue is spoken in Polish.
What are movies similar to Newborn?
If Newborn resonated with you, you might also enjoy Like Father, Like Son (2013), Vivarium (2019), Sister (2019), The God Committee (2021), and Amelia's Children (2024). These films similarly explore parenthood, identity, and the weight of life-altering decisions.
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