About the Film
First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere) is a short graduation film by Polish director Anna Wowra, who is studying at FAMU film university. The film delicately explores the clash between faith, morality, and law against the backdrop of Poland’s strict abortion legislation. The story follows Alicja, a devout Polish gynecologist, whose former close friend comes to her seeking an abortion. Alicja is forced to make a difficult decision—whether to obey her faith and the law, or to save her friend.
The film draws inspiration from real-life stories of women confronted with impossible choices. Its goal is to offer a thoughtful and critical perspective on abortion rights around the world. We hope it will encourage open dialogue about the position of women in “traditional” societies and offer a viewpoint too often absent from public debate – the perspective of women themselves.
Last year, the film was selected for Focus SCRIPT, a prestigious script development program held annually during the Cannes Film Festival.
Currently in the advanced editing stage, the project requires several key steps to reach completion. With your support, we’ll be able to finalize the film in high quality and secure resources for marketing and distribution.
We plan to finish the film in autumn 2025. Its international festival premiere is scheduled for early 2026, followed by screenings in the Czech Republic later the same year.
Who’s Behind the Project?
The film is created primarily by students of FAMU in Prague, with contributions from students of other faculties (DAMU, HAMU) and even high school students. It represents a multidisciplinary collaboration within the Academy of Performing Arts (AMU), combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience and nurturing the creative and organizational skills essential for a career in film.
First, Do No Harm is directed by Anna Wowra as part of her master’s program at FAMU. Anna previously directed the award-winning short Stuck Together (2023), which was featured in the Future Frames section at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and received an award at the Tirana International Film Festival. Her work often focuses on social and cultural issues, with a strong emphasis on ethics.
What Will the Funding Support?
The funds raised will help finance the completion of post-production, allowing the film to reach a level that best reflects the team’s creative goals. Specifically, the funds will cover rental fees for facilities and travel expenses related to post-production.
Our aim is to ensure not only high artistic quality but also wide reach. We plan to premiere the film at festivals and subsequently distribute it through VOD platforms and human rights organizations. The funds will help us secure marketing and distribution at a professional level, including collaboration with a sales agent whose costs we will be able to cover thanks to your support.
As a thank-you for your contribution, you can choose one of several rewards we’ve carefully selected to minimize environmental impact.