“Son of Happiness”, Interview with Director Dominik Mirecki

At the heart of “Son of Happiness“, a tender and moving short film by Dominik Mirecki, lies a universal story: the push and pull between protection and freedom, love and fear, and the powerful bond between a father and his son. Selected for the Future Frames – Generation NEXT of European Cinema program at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, “Son of Happiness” is more than a debut—it’s a quiet revelation.

A Story Close to the Heart

“It’s a story close to the heart. I think very emotional, real, and touching in my opinion,” says Mirecki as he introduces the film. In “Son of Happiness” the central character Beniamin, a young man with Down syndrome, dreams of becoming an actor. But that dream comes with a cost. His father, a constant and loving presence in his life, faces a dilemma: protect his son from the harshness of public judgment or let him pursue his passion, knowing the risks.

This moral conflict is the emotional axis of the film. “If he agrees and the son tries to be an actor, he knows that in 99% he will lose. But if he says no, the boy will live all the time with the feeling that he never tried.”

The Real Janek Behind the Character

The inspiration for “Son of Happiness”  came from a powerful encounter. Mirecki recalls watching a Polish television program called Down the Road, which followed a group of young adults with Down syndrome traveling independently. That’s where he saw Janek Skiba, the boy who would eventually star in his film. “I remember when I saw Janek, I thought, oh my God, he’s amazing. And I must make something with him.”

Mirecki’s admiration is palpable. “He played in this film all emotions, in my opinion. Jokes, sarcasm—it’s very difficult even for a professional actor. And he cries. He fights with his father. I think he’s my hero.”

Building Trust on Set

Creating a film with both professional and non-professional actors was a challenge that Mirecki embraced fully. Working with Marek Kalita, a renowned Polish actor, and Janek Skiba required a delicate balance of structure and spontaneity. “If you work with an amateur actor, you must give him space and freedom. If he trusts you, you can do everything. Janek just plays from the heart.”

Before production began, Mirecki organized rehearsals in Janek’s hometown of Gdańsk to build trust and chemistry. “We had a lot of practice—Janek, Marek, and together. Now they are friends.”

That mutual respect extended to directing as well. Mirecki, who has a background in acting, brings an intuitive approach to working with performers. “Sometimes it’s better to give a simple suggestion than a 30-minute monologue about families. The most important thing is that the actors feel free. When they are open, they can also make great suggestions.”

A Message Rooted in Love

If there’s a central message to “Son of Happiness”  Mirecki says, it’s about unconditional support. “If you have people around you who love you, you can do everything.” He shares a touching story about Janek’s father, who learned to play guitar just to teach his son—an act Mirecki calls the “definition of love.”

He also draws from his own memories: “When I was 16, I acted in amateur theater. We rehearsed until 2 or 3 AM, and my mother always waited for me. She never said a word. That, for me, is love.”

A Debut with Impact

Being selected for Future Frames is a moment of validation for Mirecki. “It’s the biggest festival in the world. I felt that we did something amazing. This film is very important for us.” Representing Poland at Karlovy Vary is just the beginning. “It’s my first film, and I hope in the future we will meet again in the main competition.”

“Son of Happiness” is more than a story about disability or dreams—it’s about recognizing the quiet power of love and the courage it takes to let someone grow. Through Janek’s deeply human performance and Mirecki’s intimate direction, the film becomes a gentle but forceful statement: freedom is an act of love.

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