My Duduś

Tom Krawczyk, Nick J. Santore, Colin Santangelo

My Duduś follows a Polish mother with empty nest syndrome as she raises a baby squirrel.

Why we chose this film.

This film beautifully captures the power of human-animal bonds to deepen people's sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. We hope it inspires conversations about caregiving in all its forms as a tool for navigating loneliness.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

“My Duduś” isn’t just a film about a squirrel; it’s a heartfelt exploration of the deep connections between humans and animals, tackling loneliness and meaningful bonds. Hesitant initially, I picked up the camera when I witnessed the transformative power of engaging with the natural world through Duduś.

Filming Duduś and my mother’s evolving bond presented challenges, but it became a dynamic reflection of their relationship. The film seamlessly intertwined with my exploration of my mother’s life and themes of loneliness and sacrifice.

“My Duduś” highlights the therapeutic impact animals can have, fostering connections and alleviating loneliness. Duduś, more than a wild animal, brought joy and purpose to my family.

For aspiring filmmakers, my advice is simple: just shoot. Stories unfold unexpectedly, and even if the narrative isn’t immediately clear, footage can be crafted into a compelling piece.

Duduś bid farewell last summer, expressing gratitude for the love and care. Now roaming the wild, Duduś symbolizes the film’s message – the beauty of letting go and allowing creatures to find their place in the world. “My Duduś” is more than a documentary; it’s a celebration of profound connections enriching both human and animal lives.

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