Synopsis
Szczepan is a skilled miner, just like his father and grandfather were. He lives in a small Polish town built entirely on and around the mining industry. In such towns, miners have always been respected and honoured.
Now Europe is closing its coal mines, and in Poland fifty have already been closed. The town of Szczepan is also decaying and becoming quieter, and the miners are no longer celebrated. Szczepan is retiring at the age of 45. He takes part in a state transition programme by solving the problems caused by closed mines.
Meanwhile, his only child, Dorota, is off to university in a big city to study journalism. Her confrontation with modern Europe shakes up her identity as the child of a mining family and an advocate for her community.
Both father and daughter are searching for their place in a changing world.
Szczepan and Dorota are filmed in Polish Silesia between 2021 and 2025.
Now Europe is closing its coal mines, and in Poland fifty have already been closed. The town of Szczepan is also decaying and becoming quieter, and the miners are no longer celebrated. Szczepan is retiring at the age of 45. He takes part in a state transition programme by solving the problems caused by closed mines.
Meanwhile, his only child, Dorota, is off to university in a big city to study journalism. Her confrontation with modern Europe shakes up her identity as the child of a mining family and an advocate for her community.
Both father and daughter are searching for their place in a changing world.
Szczepan and Dorota are filmed in Polish Silesia between 2021 and 2025.
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