Born Dead

Robert Jurczyga is twenty-three and has been in prison since he was fifteen – the reason is not given. He participates in the Duet rehabilitation programme, initiated by the prison and an institution for the mentally handicapped in Krakow. Each day, Robert works in the institution, mainly with children and adolescents. Many of them are unable to speak; one boy is constantly waving plastic bags, another comes close and silently watches everything. They communicate by means of sign language, sounds and touches. The camera follows Robert, in prison, in the prisoners' van and at work in the centre. At first, Robert panics in the face of a crying child and stares blankly, smoking a cigarette in the bus back to the compound. But soon, the heavily tattooed inmate is used to the routine in the institution. He is strict when necessary, but sings and dances with the children, holds their hands and even teaches someone how to play basketball. He learns how to change a diaper and helps the children to brush their teeth. The film switches back and forth between the two worlds Robert inhabits. In interviews in prison, he talks about his experiences. And then he goes from the silent, chilly, grey-blue prison to the lively, sunny, bright world of the institution.