Łukasz Ronduda's latest cinematic endeavor, 'Tell Me What You Feel,' premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2026, offering a profound exploration of contemporary romance, evolving notions of masculinity, and the societal pressures shaped by economic structures and psychological trends. Drawing inspiration from real Polish artists and socio-economic dynamics, the film intricately weaves a narrative that challenges perceptions and invites introspection into the emotional landscape of a generation.
Insightful Depiction of Love and Society at IFFR 2026
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam, director Łukasz Ronduda unveiled his newest feature, 'Tell Me What You Feel,' co-written with Agata K. Koschmieder. This thought-provoking film, featured in the Big Screen Competition, intricately examines the trials and aspirations of young lovers in contemporary Poland. Through the compelling performances of Izabella Dudziak as Maria and Jan Sałasiński as Patryk, the narrative explores the challenges faced by artists, particularly Patryk, who struggles to sell his art, and Maria, the creator of 'Tear Dealer,' an art project where economically disadvantaged individuals sell their tears. This unique concept serves as a powerful metaphor for Poland's post-1989 societal transformation from communism to capitalism, highlighting the stark economic inequalities that have emerged over more than three decades. Ronduda, who also curates at the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, is known for his focus on artists in his previous works like 'Heart of Love' and 'All Our Fears.' The film delves into the modern phenomenon of 'over-therapeutization,' where an intense focus on emotional well-being and shared traumas influences the formation of relationships, potentially creating an 'illusion' of transcending social and economic barriers. Ronduda emphasizes the film's 'Freudian and Marxist' undertones, showcasing a new, vulnerable masculinity in Patryk that contrasts sharply with traditional, often toxic, forms. The film's documentary-like aesthetic, achieved partly by casting debut actors in lead roles, adds a layer of raw authenticity. Produced by Natalia Grzegorzek at Koskino, in collaboration with Documentary and Feature Film Studios (WFDiF), Silesia Film, EC1-Łódź, and Fixafilm, and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute, 'Tell Me What You Feel' is a bold artistic statement. Ronduda's upcoming projects include a film about a rebellious teenage girl confronting illness and mortality through performance art, and another historical narrative about Polish soldiers in the 19th century who sided with Haitian revolutionaries, exploring themes of utopia and mixed cultures.
This cinematic work compels us to reflect on the intricate ways societal structures, economic realities, and therapeutic trends shape our most intimate connections. It prompts a re-evaluation of traditional gender roles and the courage required to embrace vulnerability in a world often demanding stoicism. The film's exploration of art as both a mirror and a catalyst for social commentary offers a poignant reminder of the power of creative expression to shed light on uncomfortable truths and inspire dialogue about empathy, inequality, and the evolving nature of human connection.