Logline

A group of strangers come together to explore what intimacy truly means – the longing to be seen and accepted without pretending. They learn to take off their masks and reclaim the lost connection – with themselves and with others.

Synopsis

Twelve men of different ages, professions, and life experiences come together for a four-day intensive workshop aimed at uncovering their emotions and improving their connection to their bodies. From a former military mechanic, to a young transgender man, to a boxing coach revisiting childhood wounds — each participant brings a unique story to the group.

The action takes place in an isolated space where participants confront their physical and emotional limitations while grappling with the question: What does it mean to be a man in today's world?

Through intense exercises and open conversations, the participants confront hidden pain, fears, and try to navigate societal expectations. Tension and relaxation, aggression and closeness, shouting and laughter — these extreme experiences bring strangers closer and form fragile bonds.

How can masculinity be redefined while honoring sensitivity and emotional openness without compromising strength? How can one navigate the evolving roles tied to gender and the challenges of mental health?

The film also examines intergenerational dynamics, exploring some participants’ relationships with their fathers. "Stado" also addresses the broader historical and cultural context, shedding light on how men raised in post-war Poland raised their sons. How did their sons raise us, the modern men?

Contact:

Iga:
tel - 530263260
iga.malinska.prod@gmail.com

Mariusz:
tel - 606625070
mail - mariusz@playcolors.pl

Written and directed - Mariusz Biernacki
Producer - Iga Malińska
Production management - Anna Królikowska i Klaudia Cieślak
Cinematographer - Filip Rogoziński
Cameramen - Filip Rogoziński, Bogdan Borysenko, Antek Luc
Editors - Jakub Rados, Robert Kołodziejczyk
Sound engineers - Szymon Bąbała, Nikodem Sikorski
Artistic supervision (direction) - Jacek Bławut, Mirosław Dębiński, Marcin Struchold
Artistic supervision (Cameramanship) - Wojciech Staroń


Characters of the film:
Mateusz Wróbel
Łukasz Porada
Paweł Waszczykowski
Wiktor Bukieda
Paweł Antoszczuk
Stanisław Nowak
Aleksander Wołowiec
Jacek Płaza
Krzysztof Rusek
Igor Olszak
Grzegorz Assar

Production - Play Colors Media
Co-Production - Łódź FIlm School