Malgorzata "Maggie"
Padlewska
Independent One-Woman-Crew
Documentarian
PROJECTS
UPDATE: My independent 'labour of love' hasn't been easy... Unable to focus solely on what I believe to be of utmost importance (the significance of our Human Cultures and the threats against them, traditional wisdom and knowledge), especially since this brutal next chapter that was revealed (for all to see this time around) in 2020, I like countless people around the world, became trapped in a highjacked reality. With few resources, I began to document the stories of people and communities within my vicinity, whose stories highlight the resilience, beauty and wonders of the Human spirit.
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The following is a glimpse at some of those...
SAK YANT: THE SACRED TATTOO (PREVIEW)
Unlike the popular ‘decorative’ tattoos common throughout much the modern/western world, the ancient practice of Sak Yant tattooing bares profound significance, meaning and purpose. Believed to provide its wearer with protection from a Higher Power, it entails highly symbolic sets of rituals - unique to every individual, as well as his/her needs. Having witnessed similar (though very distinct) practices during my meetings with Indigenous communities in other parts of the world, I set off to learn about the sacred Sak Yant in Cambodia…
ROKHAK: AMAZING WOMEN (PREVIEW)
Once an invasive species infiltrates/enters an environment it can be very difficult to get rid of it. The question then arises - how can we best fight/cope with it? In the case of the water hyacinth, an invasive plant that suffocates waterways in Cambodia (and many other regions), one cannot get rid of it without devastating the entire ecosystem. I documented the story of the Women of Rokhak who are turning to traditional weaving practices to help combat a series of problems. Here’s a glimpse at their story…
2020Scenario: The Strength & Resilience of Khmer People
Living in Siem Reap at the time, was like witnessing a brutal "global" scenario in a microcosm...practically overnight, the vibrant streets of a major tourism destination/hub normally hosting millions of visitors from around the world - turned into a ‘ghost-town’. Heavily reliant on the tourism industry, people lost their sources of income, and struggled to get by. It is in Siem Reap however, that I witnessed the true power of Humanity, and community; the love, the compassion, the resilience and strength of Khmer people…
Much of what I witnessed began to reveal a much bigger picture that I began to work on but had to pause given my lack of resources...
A FEW NOTEWORTHY CHANGES IN "TEMPLE TOWN" WHEN NATIONAL/INtERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WAS "FORBIDDEN":
​During this period of lockdowns and travel bans that robbed people and entire communities of their freedoms and only sources of incomes in Siem Reap (a city heavily reliant on the tourism industry):
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1) Millions of dollars were invested in a major re-development/makeover project of Siem Reap - the gateway city to Angkor Wat Archaeological Park that attracts millions of tourists (and dollars) from around the world. The city was cleaned up, new roads and sidewalks were constructed, and newly-introduced surveillance cameras were installed across the city.
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2) Families, formerly living near and/or within the grounds of the archeological site, were told to leave and relocated to a "convenient 'smart' city"about 60km from their homes.
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Constantly striving the highlight the power of Humanity, I toyed with concepts...
FASCINATING HUMANS, ARTS, FREEDOM OF BEING & EXPRESSION:
IN MEMORY OF ARCHITECT & KHMER ROUGE SURVIVOR
DY PROUENG
I remember when I first met Mr. Dy Proueng in 2017. He was napping peacefully in his hammock amidst his perfect miniature replicas/sculptures of the Angkor Wat Temples - this, moments before waking up to proudly share with me his incredible story. I would visit him many times after that...
may you rest in peace dear Mr. Proueng - you, your courage, passion, and work will always be remembered!
IN MEMORY OF SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST
KHUN SOMCHAI...
Khun Somchai was declared dead by online media publications that mentioned his artwork (mostly as part of basic "what to do and see" tourism guides) on Koh Mak long before I first set foot on the tiny island in Thailand in 2018.
Astonished by his impressive body of work, I yearned to learn more about the man, and the mind of the artist, who created his very own earthly "Kingdom of Affection." I began to look for information and ask questions, but there was little be found and few people knew him personally. “I heard he was a very reclusive person” I was often told by locals who had no answers. ​​
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Then, I met him...
(I write about this in great depth in the book that I am currently working on.)
In memory of Mr. Khun Somchai who passed away in November 2023, here is a link to our conversation through which he shared with me his fascinating story, inspiration, perspectives and approach to life (with much of it now being used by other publications without any reference to the source/our conversation).
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The arts, and music for example (being a healing and universal language as rightfully said by artist turned-friend Arn Chorn-Pond), is a topic always dear to my heart. I documented many such stories...
ANIMALS & WilDLIFE
FROM "HERORAT" MAGAWA TO THE EPIC RESCUE & RELOCATION
EFFORT OF ASIAN ELEPHANT KAAVAN, I was fortunate to be on the ground to witness and document animal stories that made 'global headlines.'
(This being said, there is far more to these stories - revealing far bigger issues...)
Here is a glimpse of some of the "feel good" stories that I produced...
PLEASE NOTE: There is far more to Kaavan's story than the version shared by mainstream media and large production studios...
PAUSE & THINK (CAPTIVITY):
STORIES OUT OF PURE INTRIGUE...
PRODZEKT:
RANDOM SNAPSHOTS & SHORT VIDEOS:
BANGKOK, THAILAND - June 28, 2019
In one of the world’s greatest shopping meccas, is a department store - not just any department store, but the very first of its kind in Thailand. The Nightingale Olympic - a legitimate time capsule, that still holds on to its former glory through it’s mere existence in a time and place that makes it practically incomprehensible.
Opening its doors in 1930 (yes, that's nearly a century ago!) in one of Bangkok's most vibrant neighouhoods (Chinatown), the Nightingale Olympic remains open until this very day! 98 year old Aroon Niyomvanich, the sister of the store's late founder - Nat, and her niece Phasuk continue to uphold their family's business and legacy..."day-by-day" they say, as they face an increasingly uncertain future.
TIMELESS LEGACY: Nightingale Olympic
(ETC.)
*** If you have any questions or would like to know more about any of the above featured stories, or my other productions, please do not hesitate to get in touch: mpadlewska@gmail.com ***
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