Hassa Family Archive

collection Hassa Family Archive
authors Zbigniew Hassa
starring Irena Hassa; Joanna Hassa; Katarzyna Hassa; Józef Żelazko; Zenona Pruszkowska; Stanisław Hassa; Jadwiga Hassa; Tadeusz Hassa
length 04'41
country Poland
year 1987– 1988
format 8 mm
color black and white
signature PAFD 0000 006
description

The author of the film is Zbigniew Hassa. Since the age of 14, he had worked as an electrician in Warsaw Trams (then MZK). When his daughters, Joanna and Katarzyna, were born, he decided to start filming events from the life of the family. 

An account of the Hassa family’s stay on their plot in Kajetany. The film shows Irena Hassa and her daughters, Joanna and Katarzyna. Shots from the construction of the house. We can see Kasia walking. Joasia lies on a blanket. Irena stands nearby. Two men: Józef Żelazko, Zbigniew’s brother-in-law, and an acquaintance, Czesław, work on the construction site. On a tourist table, there is some food and a bottle of vodka. The men raise a toast to the camera. Irena and her both daughters also sit at the table. Kasia fools around with the camera. Open-air shots, autumn. Playground for children in Powsin. Irena with Joasia and Kasia rock on a swing. Close-ups of Joasia and Kasia on the swing. Irena walks with both daughters down an avenue. Kasia waves to the camera and shows her tongue. A shot from below of the girls standing at the railing. Probably 1988. Christmas Eve in the apartment of the Hassa family. The family sits at the table. We can see Irena, Joasia, Kasia and the other guests. On Kasia’s face, there are dark spots, traces of gentian used for chickenpox. Next to Joasia, there is Zenona Pruszkowska, Irena’s mother. On the table, there are platters and a bottle of alcohol. A decorated Christmas tree. A shot from the outside of the ajar entrance door to the apartment. We can see the inscription made in chalk “K + M + B”. Irena opens the door and invites the filmmaker inside. A shot of the guests. The man behind whose back we can see the TV on is Tadeusz, Zbigniew’s brother. Next to him, there is Stanisław and Jadwiga Hassa (Zbigniew’s parents) and Zenona (Irena’s mother). On the armchair, next to the decorated Christmas tree, there is Kasia with baby dolls on her lap. Sitting next to her, Joasia hugs two dolls. The girls sit on the carpet. A board game lies in front of them. Irena sits at the table. Jadwiga enters the room. Scenes from the party. A short shot. A bunk bed. On the upper bed, there is Irena and Kasia. On the lower bed, there is Zenona, covering her eyes from the light with his bedding. She smiles. 

(PB)

keywords Poland  Kajetany  Warsaw  plot  house construction  foundations  tourist table  food and drinks  antics  autumn  playground  swing  apartment  family meeting  party  food  alcohol  Christmas tree  entrance door  K+M+B  dolls  cigarettes  board game  bunk bed  family 
source of funding Ministry of Culture and National Heritage