Lidia Piechota
Lidia Piechota is a Shopsteward for the INPUT 2009 conference and has been involved with the conference for two years. She was the host of a psychological program for young people, “Check It Out” and was co-host of the nationwide morning program, “Coffee or Tea?”What can you tell us about yourself?
I live in Olsztyn, though I come from Opole. I love lakes and forests and there are plenty of those here, so I’m not drawn to the capital. I’m a journalist who hosts programs dealing with information, youth, and social/political/cultural subjects. I like doing it in English because somehow my temperament matches Anglo-Saxon culture and language better and no one (or practically no one) can accuse me of speaking aggressively or that I mispronounce those demanding Polish vowels.
I’ve worked with TVP since 2005 and have not yet found my place. I dream of having my own production agency where I will have time to create my own projects.
When did you begin work with the conference?
I’ve been associated with INPUT since 2007, when Andrzej Fidyk, who practically did not know me at all, came up with the idea that I should be a Shopsteward. I fell in love with INPUT at first sight, though it wasn’t mutual right away. I’ve learned a great deal since then and come to understand the spirit of INPUT thanks to other Shopstewards from around the world, of course, our coordinators, and that INPUT continues to give me a chance. Working with INPUT I feel really important, though it does not translate into a higher salary or m y position at TVP. What I have learned is now part of me, it inspires me, and I have new ideas every day. The selection meeting in Berlin provided inspiration to last at least a year till the next selection meeting. Of course, insofar as I can, I take advantage of this inspiration each day and drive my camera operators and editors to exhaustion with my visions.
What are your expectations for the upcoming INPUT in Poland?
I’d like the Polish INPUT to be exceptional, for many delegates to attend, and for the discussions to be most passionate. The most important thing is that INPUT makes people open up without any great effort; everyone talks to everyone else, young and old, experienced and novices, and everyone’s opinion is important. I really get excited by being involved in everything wherever I can: the conference life of Shopstewards, the conference setting, and even helping find the nearest telephone booth. Every exchange of opinions is important at INPUT. I like to think that in nearly every country around the world I have some close, who if the need arises will support me fully.
You’ll be leading the Disclosure sessions at the conference, right?
Interviewed by Jakub Osiejewski
