Alicja, an icon of the pro-choice movement in Poland, sued the state when she was refused the right to abortion and suffered life-altering health consequences. Sylwia had to face adversities as a teenage mother in rural Poland. She reveals the challenges of accessing contraception and resorting to illegal methods of pregnancy termination. Lulu’s story from China exposes the societal pressure forcing her into motherhood, reflecting the ongoing clash between state policies and women’s autonomy. On the other side of the spectrum, Mr. Xincheng reveals the repercussions of the one-child policy, which has forced his family to relocate and navigate the challenges of patriarchal expectations. The fractured relationship with his sister and the weight of familial expectations underscores the deep-rooted consequences of rigid reproductive policies.
“Inanimate Objects” delves into the profound consequences of reproductive rights policies in China and Poland, where the one-child policy in one country and strict abortion regulations in the other shape human lives. The film transcends political activism to evoke a deeper, more artistic reflection on the intricacies of life under government regulations. Through intimate narrated letters, the film gives voice to those whose stories are usually not prominent in the mainstream. By focusing on the private rather than public sphere, the filmmakers make an attempt at showcasing the nuances of legislation at the state level and how it trickles down into most aspects of our lives in these seemingly distinct corners of the world. The film is a tribute to Alicja Tysiąc, who passed away in 2021, during the production of this film.