Born Dead is Jacek Blawut's powerful and intimate observation of Robert Jurczyga, a 23-year-old man incarcerated in remand centres since he was just 15. Close to his release date, Robert volunteers as a carer in the Duet Rehabilitation Programme, initiated by the Krakow Penitentiary and a local institution for the intellectually handicapped. The camera follows Robert closely, recording his initial sense of confrontation, which slowly gives way to warmth for and enjoyment of these youths. He makes friends with the boys, one of who constantly collects and waves plastic bags, another who gets extremely close to silently take everything in. The communication between them is by sign language, sounds and touch.

As the film unfolds, so does Robert. Interviewed within the grey, cold confines of the prison, he speaks of his institutionalisation. This world stands in stark contrast to the bright, sunny and lively world of the centre and its residents. Screened in Competition at IDFA, Born Dead masterfully paints a picture of society through the canvas of this single, complex character.