Adam Frazier
“Written in Ink” is a documentary about hope and redemption. The entrancing story of Janusz, a Polish man trying to regain contact with his sister after 14 years of silence. Janusz is a sort of modern day Illustrated Man, covered in tattoos that detail his life’s journey and tell a tragic story.
Shot on beautiful 35mm, director Martin Rath’s film has been noticed for its ability to expose the deepest recesses of the human soul with subtly and sensitivity. The shortlisted documentary “Written in Ink” is a contender in the Short Documentary Competition at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival.
Rath’s film has a distinctive documentary language that eschews the use of interviews and voice-over. Rath simply follows the protagonist’s endeavor, allowing the film to become an allegory for the trials of human existence. This mysterious, enamoring documentary asks if one can change what has already been written in ink.
Director Martin Rath grew up in East Berlin. He is currently studying directing at the Polish National Film School in Łódź. “Written in Ink” is his first documentary, which makes its U.S. premiere Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, TX.
Rath’s short documentary is a brilliant, somber piece of filmmaking that I would highly recommend seeing if you get the opportunity. You can view the trailer here.
