Dominika Sankowska, of Polish origin and Sicilian by adoption, and Giuseppe Pirrotta, a native Sicilian, share a deep passion for anthropology, culture, and history. While Dominika found in photography a way to explore these disciplines, Giuseppe pursued studies in anthropology and archaeology, focusing his interest on communities and their heritage.

Together, they travel the world documenting stories that deserve to be told, with a strong commitment to sustainability and human rights. In this interview, we delve into their creative universe, which has captivated us after watching their documentary series: “IRAQ: HERITAGE AND HORIZONS”

Cotlin: Why did you choose the name ‘Yutori’ for your project?

Yutori: With a background in linguistics, I’ve always been deeply fascinated by researching words, their etymology, and the unique meanings they carry. One concept that particularly struck me during one of my readings is “YUTORI” (余裕) a Japanese term inspired by the idea of making room and space for the things that truly matter. It literally translates into “room to breath” or spaciousness” which is a concept that resonated with both our approach to life and the project itself, as it speaks to the importance of prioritizing what’s truly significant in our lives.

C: How did Yutori Collective come about and what is the philosophy that drives your creative work? How did your interest in documentary film emerge?

Y: Yutori Collective was born from a shared vision to create meaningful space in a fast-paced world. The idea of making room for what truly matters, whether through photography, storytelling, or visuals, became the guiding principle behind our work. We strive to prioritize meaningful connections and authentic storytelling by givng voice and space to realities that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Beyond the word “Yutori” the second key concept of our project is “collective.” We believe there is no creation without collective thinking and action, and this principle drives everything we do.

Our interest in documentary film emerged from a deep desire to capture and share authentic stories that highlight the human experience, beyond the glossy magazine covers or social media posts. As a versatile medium, documentary film provided the perfect platform for exploring and sharing these insights, allowing us to dive into real stories, emotions, and perspectives. The more we engaged with the craft, the more we realized that documentary film is a powerful tool for preserving moments and giving a voice to those often overlooked: creating a lasting impact on viewers and fostering a more mindful, empathetic and, why not, curious approach to life.

C: What led you to choose Iraq as a backdrop?

Y: With both a background in the humanities and a deep passion for history, culture, and the Middle East, there couldn’t have been a better starting point for our documentary filmmaking journey than Iraq: the cradle of history and civilization. At that time, Iraq had recently reopened its borders to international travelers, and having long dreamed of visiting, we seized the opportunity. Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and pivotal role in shaping human history offered an invaluable context for exploring the complexities of the region. We were drawn to the opportunity to uncover stories that are often overlooked and to give voice to the diverse experiences of its minorities, all while highlighting the resilience and beauty of a land with such a profound legacy.

C: We were extremely sad to discover that there is nothing left of the precious Marsh Arabs ecosystem and way of life. Do you think that small initiatives like Cotlin Raw are enough to sustain and restore the cultural heritage of endangered areas?

Y: While small initiatives and business models like Cotlin Raw play a crucial role in raising awareness around ethical and sustainable practices, it’s clear that they alone are not enough to fully sustain or restore the cultural heritage of endangered lands and cultures. Comprehensive efforts involving local communities, governments, and international organizations are essential to create lasting change. Restoration requires not just environmental conservation but also the preservation of intangible cultural aspects, such as traditions, languages, and livelihoods. It’s through a collaborative approach that we can hope to protect and revive these invaluable cultural landscapes. The good news is that since our visit in November 2022, there have been significant improvements in the area, which fills us with hope for the future.

C: In a world so saturated with images and visual stimuli, how do you manage to maintain your own authentic voice in your work?

Y: It  can be challenging but it is extremely important. For us, authenticity begins with staying true to our core values and the stories we want to tell. We prioritize real human experiences and aim to share them in a way that feels genuine and unfiltered. Rather than following trends or seeking immediate popularity, we focus on the deeper, more meaningful aspects of the subjects we explore: whether that’s culture, community challenges, or the everyday lives of people who often go unnoticed. By remaining connected to the values of honesty, empathy, and intellectual integrity, we can create work that feels distinct and true to our vision, despite the overwhelming amount of visual noise in the world.

C: We live in an age of technology and constant advances, but your work seems to connect with the artisanal and the ancestral. Is this connection with the past a form of resistance to digital immediacy?

Y: Our work does somehow draw inspiration from the artisanal and ancestral, and while we fully embrace and recognize the importance and power of technological advancements, we believe there’s immense value in connecting with the past. This connection isn’t necessarily a resistance to digital immediacy, but rather a way of grounding ourselves in timeless traditions and practices that offer depth, meaning, and reflection. In a world where everything is moving faster and attention spans are shorter, the artisanal and ancestral remind us of the importance of patience, craftsmanship, and human connection. That’s why we’re also deeply interested in communities whose lives are intrinsically tied to nature and its cycles. These communities offer a profound understanding of balance, sustainability, and the rhythms of life that are often lost in modern society. Perhaps this is also why both of us have embraced analogue film photography as an additional medium of visual storytelling. It allows us to slow down, focus on the process, and capture moments with a sense of intentionality that digital media often lacks. By engaging with this vision, we hope to honor both the past and present, creating work that resonates on a deeper level.

C: Do you feel there is a growing interest in rediscovering roots and traditions in a fast-moving world?

Y: Absolutely. In a fast-moving world dominated by technology and constant change, there’s a growing interest in rediscovering roots and traditions. People are increasingly seeking ways to reconnect with the past, whether through cultural practices, artisanal crafts, or ancestral knowledge. This rediscovery often stems from a desire to find meaning and authenticity beyond the noise of modernity. Remote communities, in particular, offer a unique perspective: they often live according to their own rules, outside the influence of mainstream society, and provide an idea of existence that is more attuned to nature and tradition. They remind us of the value in slowing down, being present, and living in harmony with the world around us. There’s a universal yearning for grounding, and these traditions and lifestyles offer a sense of stability and connection that is often lost in the hustle of modern life.

C: How would you like people to feel when they experience your work? Is your intention to provoke a pause, a reflection, or perhaps to reconnect with something deeper and more essential?

Y: We aim to spark reflection, inviting people to step outside the boundaries of their familiar perspectives and question the reality they’ve always known. We seek to create moments that encourage a shift, whether through quiet contemplation or a sudden, renewed appreciation for the world around them. Our hope is that, in the process, people will begin to see the world with fresh eyes and welcome it with an open, active heart.

C: What does The New Ancestral mean to you?

Y: It’s a bridge between the wisdom of generations past and the possibilities of the future, allowing us to carry forward what is timeless while remaining responsive to the inputs of the modern world.

C: What are the next steps for Yutori Collective, any projects or dreams you would like to do in the near future?

Y: The next steps for Yutori Collective involve continuing to explore and document stories that resonate with our vision. We have several exciting projects in the works that aim to highlight the resilience of cultures at risk of being overlooked or forgotten. For instance, a short film documentary focusing on the Kalash community in Pakistan, located at the border with Afghanistan, will be released in April. We are also about to officially welcome a new member to our team, a great creative and friend who has been a silent contributor, providing graphics for our latest documentary and contributing with filming our most recent project in Pakistan.

One of our dreams is to expand our work into a broader platform that not only showcases our films and photography but also creates space for dialogue and collaboration around cultural preservation and sustainability. We hope to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations to foster a collective movement that amplifies these vital conversations. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire others to reflect on the balance between progress and preservation and to give voice to the stories that need to be heard.