Tides of Freedom

A poetic exploration of self-discovery

Directed by Claudia Malecka

Berlin-based filmmaker, Claudia Malecka’s Tides of Freedom is a poetic exploration of self-discovery, blending dreamlike visuals with real emotion. With a multicultural background spanning Germany, Poland, and Italy, Malecka brings a unique perspective to her artistic work, often exploring the emotional interplay between strength and vulnerability.

Challenging perceptions of the present, Malecka uses striking contrasts and fluid imagery in this powerful short film - guiding audiences through an intimate reflection on the human spirit.

Tides of Freedom blends dreamlike visuals with raw emotional intensity. How did you  strike the balance between these contrasting elements in both direction and  cinematography?  

In Tides of Freedom, my objective was to elicit a range of emotions and establish a connection  with the audience. I focused on transitioning between reality and dream as a key narrative  element, portraying the human tendency to reflect on the present, the future, and existence in  diverse ways. Capturing this universal story was paramount because I wanted to explore  experiences inherently relatable to everyone. –My greatest inspiration is life itself. I perceive  existence through pronounced contrasts, which I incorporate as narrative tools in my work. In  Tides of Freedom, I used these juxtapositions to challenge viewers' interpretations, utilising both dynamic and still imagery, akin to moving photographs.  

Collaborating with cinematographer Mica Komagata was invaluable in realizing my vision. Mica  beautifully transformed my visual concept and storyboard into evocative imagery, elevating the  production in the surreal narrative. I placed a strong emphasis on visual clarity and precision,  complemented by the profound voice-over narrative that guided the audience through the  intricacies of the protagonist's inner world. 

The film features a strong internal narrative voice. How did you collaborate with David  Voss to capture this intense inner dialogue, and how did it shape the film’s direction?  

The voice-over was essential in capturing the introspection and marked my first project incorporating language into auditory narration. This integration added a new layer of depth to my storytelling approach. I met David Voss before the project was conceived and was immediately struck by the unique timbre of his soothing voice.

As the project took shape, it became clear that his voice would be an ideal fit for the desired tone. I wrote the monologue as a poem and asked him to read it in his distinct, serene style. The process was straightforward, as his voice inherently carried the qualities I sought: calmness, acceptance, and a contemplative depth. David’s delivery shaped the film’s emotional flow and depth, aligning seamlessly with the overall tone while keeping the narration authentic and grounded.

The black-and-white aesthetic gives the film an intense, timeless, and almost archival feel. Was this a deliberate choice to evoke memory or nostalgia, and how did it influence the mood of the piece? 

I chose black and white as the visual style to emphasise the universal nature of the story, stripping away distractions to focus on contrasts and subtleties. This aesthetic aligns with the process of introspection and the acceptance of past experiences - a journey I associate more with clarity and contrast than with vivid colours. 

The flintstone, a key element in the film, reflects this duality with its black-and-white composition,  intensifying the visual metaphor. The incorporation of Video8 footage added another layer of nostalgia, grounding the film in a reflective, enduring tone. This approach heightened the sense of revisiting and reflecting on memories while maintaining an abstract, dreamlike edge. 

The pacing and energy shift dramatically in the film when the line “I am free” is spoken.  How did you decide to contrast the fast-paced, blurred shots with this change in tempo and rhythm? 

Visual storytelling, including unconventional approaches, is central to my work. The decision to amplify the narration with a sudden tempo shift felt instinctive. I wanted to challenge viewers by introducing an unexpected rhythm, creating space for personal interpretation.  This shift mirrors life’s unpredictability - and, like the tides, it ebbs and flows. The juxtaposition of rapid, blurred shots with a slower, more reflective rhythm defies conventional expectations,  encouraging deeper engagement.

While this approach may challenge some viewers, it also invites them to explore their reactions and interpretations, aligning with the film’s overarching themes of freedom and self-discovery. 

“I wanted to challenge viewers by introducing an unexpected rhythm, creating space for personal interpretation.”

Working closely with Hartbrand on the sound design, how did you ensure the music and sound blended seamlessly with the visuals? Were there any challenges in creating the right auditory atmosphere for the film?  

From the moment I brought Hartbrand on board, I knew the sound design would be exceptional,  given my familiarity with his distinctive style. While we had collaborated on smaller projects in the past, this marked our first major project involving sound design and music. We developed the sound in the studio after the edit was finalised, and I was fully involved throughout the process,  enabling a seamless and collaborative approach.  

Maintaining a minimalistic sound design before introducing the more intense music was essential to fostering introspection and providing Hartbrand with the creative freedom to infuse his unique style later in the piece. One notable challenge during the process was persuading him to retain extreme minimalism in certain segments of the sound design. Ultimately, the balance we achieved resulted in a cohesive auditory and visual experience that deepened the film's emotional impact,  and I am very pleased with the outcome. 

Your film Escapism earned the Emerging Talent Award at the B3 Biennial, and you’ve been recognised in various exhibitions. Looking ahead, what themes, stories, or collaborators are you excited to explore in your future work? 

I am currently working on several independent film and photo projects, scheduled for release in  2025, while simultaneously developing my commercial career in the fields of fashion, music, and advertising. Balancing these artistic and commercial pursuits allows me to grow creatively across diverse disciplines. 

In my future work, I aim to delve deeper into psychological and philosophical themes, further exploring concepts such as memory, self-reflection, and human connection. Collaborating with like-minded creatives who share my passion for pushing artistic boundaries remains central to my vision. Rooted in experimental film, I am particularly excited to experiment with new forms of visual storytelling, further merging sound and imagery in unconventional ways. Publishing my first piece of writing with the poem for Tides of Freedom—has also empowered me to share more of my writing in future works, expanding the narrative dimensions of my projects. 

Additionally, I am planning my first solo exhibition, potentially in 2025, once I have secured the necessary funding. This milestone excites me, as it will allow me to share my work in a more personal and immersive format.

---

Written, Directed, Produced and Edited by Claudia Malecka

Director of Photography & Grading – Mica Komagata 

Music & Sound Design – Hartbrand

Audio Mix & Master – Schaltgeraete Studios

Actor & Voice – David Voss 

Fashion Design & Styling– Adam Zapletal

Styling Assistant – Giorgia O’Sullivan

Hair & Makeup – Delphine Campbell

Shooting Production Assistant – Kateryna Bilaya

Runner – Mila Moskalenko, Laura Cuello, Tetiana Ladychenko

Thanks to Adrien Merat, Simon Doba, Iva Sa’adon & Eladio Torres