CCHS is a respiratory disorder that is fatal if untreated. People afflicted with Ondine's curse suffer from respiratory arrest while asleep and require tracheotomies and a lifetime of mechanical ventilation in order to survive. There are approximately 300 known cases worldwide, including 17 in Poland.
In his film, Śliwiński shows the process of dealing with and taming fear of the disease, but also talks about the small joys of everyday life highlighted by the dramatic circumstances. The history of the film's protagonists is also described on the Leoblog blog.
Through this film, my wife and I had a chance to realize how much we’ve changed. This story is no longer just our story, but it has gained a much more universal dimension. And that's why we decided to share our experience with others. Maybe it will give strength to other people coping with similar problems. The Oscar nomination has also confirmed that the film made sense. And that there is something meaningful in this story. Now, it will reach a wider audience, it will attract attention and possibly do some good.
-- said the director in an interview with the Polish Filmmakers Association portal.
Produced by the Warsaw Film School, Our Curse has received awards at festivals in Wrocław, Koszalin, Aspen, Lisbon, Sheffield, Monterrey and London. It was also nominated in the Best Documentary Short category for the 2015 Oscars.
Source: own materials, ed. & transl GS, January 2015