Hassa Family Archive

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. 

The film was made during a camp trip to Babice. Joasia and Kasia were participants of the camp, while their mother, Irena Hassa, was one of the educators. A group of camp children sits on a wall. We can see Irena taking out her wallet from her purse to give money to one of the pupils. Next to Irena, we can see a dog named Funia. A dark shot of a group of girls walking towards the camera. A resort with camping houses. Different shots of the participants of the camp. Joasia with a friend. Kasia in a pink T-shirt and with her hair combed into two ponytails. Funia jumps next to her. Irena with a group of girls. Kasia with younger children. Girls sitting near a house. This is the last day of the camp. We can see the packed luggage. In front of one of the houses, there is a group of women in white aprons. In the foreground, there is a woman who drags Irena in front of the camera. A man (Mr. Kazimierz, a supplier), sitting at the feet of the women, picks up a large pot and shows it to the camera. Staff of the resort stand in front of a parked coach. Kazimierz kisses Irena’s hand and tries to kiss her cheek. She dodges. Then the man hugs and kisses one of the women. Through the window of the coach, we can see the passengers sitting inside. Shots from the departing coach. In the foreground, there are sunglasses attached to the windshield next to the steering wheel. A shot from the bus. We can see the holiday resort, the road with the name Babice crossed out and a bus riding in front of the couch. All Saints’ Day. At the Bródno Cemetery, Irena with her daughter (Joasia) and her mother (Zenona Pruszkowska) stand near a family grave. Kasia sits on a bench. On the tombstone, there are fresh flowers in a stone pot, a wreath and burning candles. Easter. Open-air shots. Joasia, Kasia and Irena stand among a group of people in front of the church of St. Anne in Wilanów. A young priest says a prayer. We can see a table set with Easter baskets. Kasia walks, carrying an Easter basket. Irena walks, accompanied by a friend, who also carries an Easter basket in her hand. In front of the church, there is a group of people. Irena and her daughters pass by. A short shot: the mom with her daughters in the street. Joasia carries an Easter basket. 

(PB)