Zvika Gregory Portnoy – co-director and co-scriptwriter of The Guest.
Zvika was born in the Soviet Union, but his birth certificate lists Ukraine—even though Ukraine did not exist as an independent country at the time. For the past 13 years, Zvika has been living and working in Poland, a move inspired by his love for his wife Zuzanna. Together, they form a successful duo both in their personal and professional lives. Their shared love of travel, freedom, and collage making adds a unique sensitivity to their films, which deepens with every project. While they often switch roles, their core focus remains on directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and editing. The Guest is their first feature documentary in which they share directing credits.
Zuzanna Solakiewicz — co- director and co-scriptwriter of The Guest.
Zuzanna grew up in a mountain lodge in Poland, which her parents managed. In the local tradition, the main entrance door was always left open at night, as someone from the trail might arrive seeking shelter. This sense of duty — to provide shelter to strangers simply because „they need it”—left a deep imprint on her consciousness. Zuzanna’s grandmother was born in Poland but had her birthplace documented as the Soviet Union, as she was born in pre-war Lviv. Today, it would be noted that she was born in Ukraine. Such historical complexities teach us a sense of distance and empathy. The Guest is her first feature documentary in which they share directing credits.
