Solidarity
/ Polish premiere

David Bernet’s documentary explores solidarity – one of the most valuable and at the same time most complex human values. The film raises questions about what solidarity means in the modern world. Does it need to be redefined? How much good can it generate?

The film’s main protagonist is Marta Siciarek, an activist who has worked for many years to advance human rights, migrant integration, and anti-discrimination efforts. The director follows her and four other individuals engaged in solidarity-driven action in response to today’s crises. The film shows, among other things, the tragedy of migrants on the Belarusian–Polish border, Europe’s opening of its borders to refugees from Ukraine, and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. It also examines the challenges faced even by UN humanitarian missions.

A panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring director David Bernet, the film’s protagonist Marta Siciarek, and Diogo Salema da Costa Cabral from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The discussion will be moderated by Natalia Grzywacz-Leszkowska from the ECS Civic Projects Department.

The screening is part of the series – “All About Freedom Festival presents”.

Discussion Participants
David Bernet | Documentary filmmaker, author, and producer. He creates award-winning films, including “Democracy” and “Solidarity”, which explore power structures, challenges of solidarity, and the impact of crises on society. He studied literature and philosophy in Vienna and Berlin and previously worked as a researcher and author. His work combines analytical insight with sensitivity to social issues.

Diogo Salema da Costa Cabral | A senior livelihoods and economic inclusion specialist at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He supports communities and displaced people in Africa and Europe in building dignified and sustainable futures. Since 2022, he has been working in Poland, strengthening the social inclusion of refugees and documenting their economic and social contributions. His work is grounded in empathy, intercultural experience, and building connections between communities, policy, and the idea of solidarity.

Marta Siciarek | Expert in human rights, migration, and inclusion. For eighteen years she has been developing standards and strategies for migrant integration, co-creating the Gdańsk Model of Immigrant Integration and the metropolitan Minimum Integration Standard. She founded institutions supporting migrants, including the Immigrants’ Support Centre and the Human Rights Cities Institute. She develops the European platform Human Rights in Practice. A member of the UCLG committee working on the Charter of Human Rights in the City, she coordinates inclusion strategies in Polish cities. Awarded the ECS Medal of Solidarity and Human Rights. Protagonist of the film “Solidarity” (2025).

Moderator
Natalia Grzywacz-Leszkowska | Civic projects coordinator at ECS – she develops projects related to human rights and accessibility, builds cooperation networks, and promotes civic education. A graduate and co-coordinator of the Flying University of Human Rights, she combines practical activities with promoting the values of human rights.