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Film short abstract

This film documents the encounter and conversation between Toby Gorniak, a Roma refugee who fled Poland in early 1990s, after enduring violence from skinheads and Mirek, a former neo-Nazi from Poland, now born-again Christian giving testimonies about his past.

Film synopsis

The film is one of the outputs of an ESRC funded project on transnational dimension of far-right activism between Poland and Britain (see: https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/research/centres-groups-and-units/global-diversities-and-inequalities-research-centre/projects-and-partners/everyday-transnationalism-of-the-right/).

The film documents the encounter and an honest conversation between Toby Gorniak, a Roma activist, and refugee who fled Poland in early 1990s, after enduring violence from neo-Nazi skinheads and Mirek, a former neo-Nazi and football hooligan from Poland, who used to engage in anti-Roma violence. Mirek is now born-again Christian giving testimonies about his past and transformation. Their conversation touches on the origins of hate, childhood, anti-Roma violence and its consequences. It also dwells on the possibilities for reconciliation.

While grounded in Toby’s story, the narrative also delves into Mirek’s transformation from a life of hate and violence to becoming an advocate against extremism. By offering his perspective, Mirek provides unique insights into the psychology of far-right extremism and the potential for redemption. The encounter between former victim and oppressor probes the healing potential of restorative justice in cases of hate crimes and violent racism. Through raw storytelling and compelling testimonies, the film demonstrates how personal transformation and honest dialogue can become powerful tools for fostering understanding and challenging hatred. However, the film does not provide clear and easy answers. Change is never absolute and the emotional character of trauma revisited by Toby and Mirek during their conversation is the testimony that past is always present.

The film has been awarded the Audience Choice Award on AKA DIKHEA Roma film festival in Berlin in 2025.