“Intimate in style, but carrying the complexity of something much deeper and more profound, Fledglings is a truly extraordinary and well-constructed documentary.”

Disability is not a subject that is new to cinema, and it has frequently been the subject of artistic expression over time, almost as long as stories have been told in some medium. However, the primary difference between current works and those from previous decades is that we are finally starting to see these stories told from the perspective of those with firsthand experience of having a particular condition. Few films have been able to maintain this promise more than Lidia Duda’s incredible Fledglings (Pisklaki), a fascinating and beautifully composed documentary that centres on three children in contemporary Poland who were born blind and follows them over the course of a few months as they navigate the world that is notoriously hostile to those with visual impairment. There is beauty in simplicity, and Duda accomplishes so much in a relatively short span of time, asserting her vision while finding the space to provide one of the most tender and insightful works of representation in recent years, handcrafting a soft-hearted, deeply meaningful view on disability, and offering a marginalized group a platform to have their voices heard.

Fledglings is simultaneously charming and melancholy, since a great deal of time is spent with these children, balancing the joy with their struggles, which would likely be shattering to anyone with even an iota of empathy for them as they try to find a place in a world largely inaccessible for those who cannot be self-sufficient, or even navigate their environment. Children are fascinating subjects, and we are introduced to three of them here – Zosia, Oskar and Kinga – who serve as our guides into their world, which may be perceived very differently by those who are unable to see it in its grandeur but can still find joy in the situations that many may have taken for granted. There is something about seeing the environment through the eyes of a child – unfiltered, colourful and joyful, which seems to be the principle guiding Duda in the construction of this documentary, as she is creating a scenario where she can provide a vivid snapshot of a group of children who may have a disability but are not restricted by it. They are shown to be living full, rich lives and retaining both a positive outlook and sunny disposition, which is so beautifully captured throughout this film.

The approach taken by the director to telling the story of these children contributed to the way the viewer likely will engage with their experiences. Duda’s control of the craft of looking at their lives through the perspective of a very simple but evocative documentary is part of what makes Fledglings so effective. Both in style and structure, there is a poignancy that is difficult to fully encapsulate in words, but which we can all recognize as being a work of impeccable and undeniable humanity. The film notably draws attention to the challenges faced by these young protagonists as they age into a world that is not always able to facilitate those with visual impairment, but it never trivializes their struggles, and treats these children with respect and humanity. Fledglings is not a film about drawing out sympathy from the viewer, nor is it aiming to be the definitive text on the process of growing up blind in a world that is mainly sighted – the director and her crew are there to observe and document, rather than shaping it to have a particular narrative. Instead, it is a vibrant and often beautifully poetic snapshot of a few moments in the lives of three young people who are differently abled, but still find a way to circumnavigate their surroundings. This is facilitated by the parents and educators that help them in their development, the film being as much a celebration of these unique children as it is the adults that guide them through the world and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to survive.

Fledglings is a resoundingly triumphant documentary that aims to capture some of the most special moments in the lives of a group of children who may have been born with a disability but are far from limited by it. Not everything that the film portrays is necessarily noteworthy in the traditional sense, but it is clear that Duda is committed to capturing those pivotal moments that will be cherished by the subjects and their families in later years, since we see the raw development of some very promising, resilient young minds throughout this film. Intimate in style, but carrying the complexity of something much deeper and more profound, Fledglings is a truly extraordinary and well-constructed documentary that is able to be sympathetic without veering towards the saccharine, giving us an objective view of the lives of these children. This view is filtered through the undying compassion that pulsates throughout the film, demonstrating the director’s fascination with the subject, which is always vital for a strong work of non-fiction storytelling. There are very few bold proclamations or grand revelations in the film, and Fledglings mainly exists as a descriptive snapshot of a few scattered moments in the lives of these children and their caretakers – but the passion with which it is made, as well as the profoundly moving message of resilience and tenacity that underpins the film, makes for a work that is truly motivating and deeply resonant, becoming an astonishing account of the human condition, and one that finds achingly beautiful details in absolutely every moment.