The film takes up the subject of the life of amphibians in Gdańsk. The invited nature scientists will talk about the nuptial spring migrations of these animals, also pointing out to the obstacles and dangers which the amphibians living in the city are facing. The sight of a frog or a toad in a city like Gdańsk, so rich in waters, a place which has always been their home, becomes now more and more rare. Why is this so?
The film includes interviews with people connected with city planning and development. They talk about a positive and pro-ecological approach to the city development, focusing on efficient water management. Considering the present instability of the climate, such attitude is especially desirable. Is the implementation of these solutions taking the amphibians into consideration as well? The whole world is facing a frightening rate of amphibian extinction, which is symbolic for the mass loss of biodiversity. It has been assessed that ca. 50 % of the catalogued species are in danger of extinction.
her film the artist wishes to draw attention to the difficult situation of the amphibians, hoping that it will serve as a source of information and motivation for finding solutions to the designated problems.
“Mute Croak” is a result of Kamila Chomicz’s long-term artistic residency in LAZNIA CCA, whose aim was to establish a network of cooperation and build a platform for the exchange of thoughts among researchers, activists, urban planners, and other specialists in diverse fields. The residency’s main theme was the relationship between the nature and the city, with the emphasis on how to currently establish ways to connect both of them.
Kamila Chomicz
graduated from both the University of Gdańsk (with a degree in biology) and the Academy of Film and Television in Warsaw. She is a film-maker and a photographer, organizer of workshops and meetings. She initiates various educational campaigns, as well as social and artistic projects which provide the opportunity to address many crucial subjects in a creative and interesting way. She works with diverse institutions, organizations and independent artists on projects implemented outside or within the MI-RO-RO foundation. Over the last three years she has been working on subjects connected with the protection of the natural environment, the promotion of science, the sustainable development of cities and countryside, as well as eco-tourism. Among Kamila Chomicz’s ongoing projects are: “The Voice of the Lagoon” (www.lagunabacalar.net), “Miasto drzew Trójmiasto” (www.facebook.com/MiastoDrzewTrojmiasto), “My Ziemianie”, “Urodzajnia” (www.miroro.pl/urodzajnia/), “Życie na Ziemi”, “Sploty” (www.sploty.org.pl).
Paweł Janowski is a zoologist, and a member of NATRIX Herpetological Society. He majored in environmental biology at the University of Gdańsk. He treats his research into the biology and protection of amphibians and reptiles both as a profession and a hobby. His area of work encompasses mainly the Pomeranian region.
Miłosz Marciniak is a geographer and a naturalist. For the last 12 years, he has been actively protecting the amphibians endangered by various investments. He also conducts stocktake of amphibians and their habitats located within the Pomeranian region.
Piotr Zięcik is an environmental biologist. For the last 9 years, he has been monitoring, researching and protecting amphibians in Gdańsk.