HEART OF THE WOMAN or 24/I

The award-winning film Heart of the Woman or 24/I by Andrejka V. Skračić was her spontaneous response to the position of women, mothers and woman artists in today’s world where people have marginalised the very values that deserve utmost attention and support of the individuals and the society.
The idea was born when Andrejka V. Skračić paid regular visits to the Croatian Employment Service. The film Heart of the Woman or 24/I describes an ordinary day of an urban woman in her early thirties, a mother and a wife, doing her chores and making ends meet, aspiring at the same time to make a movie and get affirmation in the world of film. However, her attempts result in another marginalisation. She cannot find financial or any other support of the social and cultural institutions for her projects, and decides to make a film by herself. Fortunately, her family and friends help her complete the project. Her day (24 hours), her film (24 fps) and her story reflect today’s society and emphasise the need for redefining attitudes toward basic values.
“Actually, when I became a wife and a mother, assuming a number of new roles and obligations, I tried to continue to make independent movies, as I had used to do. At the same time, I regularly reported to the Employment Service that was supposed to help me find a “proper” job. I was busy and exhausted like never before, and all I got from the Employment Service was a stamp confirming that I was unemployed. That was absurd. I felt compelled to question the values of motherhood and creativity, and started making a film on the subject. Unfortunately, I live in a society that takes the position of a woman and mother lightly, that does not see her dedication, burden, isolation, longing and frustration, whose institutions do not provide sufficient support and protection, or do it in a theoretical and formal way. Taking care of children, family and home is not recognised as a fundamental value although the community’s future depends on good parenthood. Therefore, I advocate that women and mothers be no longer branded as “unemployed” and “invisible”. They deservedignity and a smile on their faces. Who should be ashamed, really – a mother with two kids seeking support from the Employment Service or an indifferent state bureaucrat who has nothing to offer but a confirmation of unemployment – a stamp?
The film is dedicated to motherhood and creativity of women, in the hope that they will grow more courageous, self-aware, and determined in fulfilling their dreams in times to come – in other words, hoping that they will be freer and happier.”