Exotic
High heels, low confidence, and a seaside pole-dancing camp that changes everything.
Mila is thirty, thoughtful, insecure, and far more forgiving of others than of herself. When her friend cancels, she reluctantly travels alone to a pole-dancing camp on the Polish coast. Surrounded by confident dancers, skimpy costumes, high heels and a world that feels completely alien, Mila observes everything with irony and unease. Away from her controlling boyfriend and the expectations of everyday life, things begin to shift. Through demanding training, wild nights, awkward encounters, laughter, and intimate conversations, she discovers freedom, friendship, and a new relationship with herself.
With its sharp self-awareness, awkward humour, emotional honesty, and flawed but deeply lovable protagonist, “Exotic” evokes the spirit of “Fleabag” while finding its own distinct voice.
“Exotic” is about the courage to inhabit your own body and life without asking permission. Mila’s transformation is neither dramatic nor instantaneous. She simply begins to take up space, accept her imperfections, trust her desires, and understand that confidence does not mean becoming someone else. Sometimes transformation begins with the smallest decision: to stop apologising for who you are.
Yort Jansen
Biography
Sonja Orlewicz-Zakrzewska (1990) is a Polish film director, screenwriter, visual artist, and photographer. She holds a master’s degree in photography from the Cinematography Department of Łódź Film School. Her first short film, ”Cross’n’Carry” (2019), was screened at international festivals. “Exotic”(2026), which she wrote and directed, is her feature-film debut. She is currently developing her next feature, “Dolphin”. She is also a cinematographer of “Enthusiasts”, a documentary series for Canal+. Her video art and photographs were shown in numerous exhibitions (Leica Gallery Warsaw, Labirynt Gallery Lublin). She publishes photographs and creates visual content such as music videos and cover art for albums.
Filmography
Exotic (2026)
Award for the best film, grant of 5000€ by
