I am not here to change the world – I am changing the world because I am here.

Mirka Anderson

Author & Filmmaker

Mirka Kiersztejn was born in Warszawa, Poland in 1951. She graduated from the University of Warsaw with a diploma in linguistics (interpreting English and Spanish) in 1973. She left Poland for England around 50 years ago.

In 1975, Mirka got married and had her first child, Caroline, the following year. She received a diploma in speech therapy from City Lit College, London, in 1981. The following year she left England for New Zealand, and travelled via Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia for one-and-a-half months.

During 1982-3, Mirka worked in Auckland hospitals as a speech therapist in neurological disorders and dementia clinics. She returned to England in 1983 via Tahiti, USA (four months’ travel in a camper across the States) and Mexico. In 1984, her second daughter Emma was born with Down Syndrome and a life-threatening heart condition, and Mirka has been her carer for 40 years.

From 1986-2007, she worked as a communication therapist in a private psychiatric hospital. Mirka’s third daughter Sophie was born in 1990.

Mirka received a MSc in human communication from the University of London in 1992.

The authoress is a linguist, a speech and language therapist, a mother of three, and a documentary director, reminiscing over five decades of life-changing and character-forming events that she has experienced since leaving socialist Poland and arriving in capitalist England.

Mirka Kiersztejn was born in Warszawa, Poland in 1951. She graduated from the University of Warsaw with a diploma in linguistics (interpreting English and Spanish) in 1973. She left Poland for England around 50 years ago.

In 1975, Mirka got married and had her first child, Caroline, the following year. She received a diploma in speech therapy from City Lit College, London, in 1981. The following year she left England for New Zealand, and travelled via Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia for one-and-a-half months.

During 1982-3, Mirka worked in Auckland hospitals as a speech therapist in neurological disorders and dementia clinics. She returned to England in 1983 via Tahiti, USA (four months’ travel in a camper across the States) and Mexico. In 1984, her second daughter Emma was born with Down Syndrome and a life-threatening heart condition, and Mirka has been her carer for 40 years.

From 1986-2007, she worked as a communication therapist in a private psychiatric hospital. Mirka’s third daughter Sophie was born in 1990.

Mirka received a MSc in human communication from the University of London in 1992.

Awards and Achievements

Rooted in a celebrated career in filmmaking, Mirka Anderson has been recognized for her creative vision, compelling narratives, and unwavering dedication to authentic storytelling at over 60 international film festivals.

the sky is the limit

The film, produced by the mother, is about the life of her 40 years old daughter Emma who has Down’s Syndrome. Despite all social, physical and psychological obstacles she is a symbol of success as a prolific artist and emanates positive energy with calm, humour and affection.

International Appearance

Mirka and Emma Anderson has been featured in major literary events across the globe. Her participation in these prestigious book fairs reflects her growing influence and connection with readers, creatives, and thought leaders in the international literary community.

Notable Engagements

About the Book

From the Eagle's Nest to the Lion's Den

“From the Eagle’s Nest to the Lion’s Den” is, without a doubt, an incredibly evocative and unique autobiography and memoir, covering the author’s journey from a country in sociopolitical turmoil, to travelling the world. From the very beginning the readers get the insight on how life was like in a socialist Poland, with the system controlling its people and the narratives through propagandas.

With moving to the UK, we experience the author’s world changing as she starts her journey of being exposed to new cultures, languages, traditions, people and religions. As audience, we find ourselves completely engrossed, as the author steps onto her dreamland and finds freedom in London. The author struggles in her pursuit of high quality education from the universities in England, as she fights her way through all obstacles to fulfil her dreams.

This book is more than a simple mixture of adventure and biography. It also brings in the idea of a travelogue which makes the central themes of the book far more interesting than one might believe it to be. The great details of the landmarks and sites in England, from Trafalgar Square in Londinium, the audience gets to experience and visualise all these tourism spots that are filled with adventure and history.

As we continue to read the author’s journey from her marriage and having her dearest children, to her travelling the world with her family, we find ourselves getting lost in the life of a person who lives life to the fullest and allows herself to be exposed to different perspectives and outlooks on life.

I, Emma

This unique book is the cherry on top of our mission cake. Since Emma was born with Down syndrome, we have faced the world and tried to make it a better place for DS people and those who are different.

Author spreads awareness

Royston author visited London Book Fair to talk about her work for World Syndrome Day. Emma, who has Down syndrome, attended the fair from March 11 to 13 alongside her mother and carer Mirka Anderson.

Emma is the author of I, Emma, an autobiography which she dictated to Mirka, and Mirka is the author of From the Eagle’s Nest to the Lion’s Den. A memoir and travelogue about her life in Poland and the world.

Enjoy Emma's Artworks

Emma Anderson won a competition to exhibit the paintings at the world-famous art gallery in London after a college teacher encouraged her to enter.

The Spotlight Network on From the Eagle's Nest to the Lion's Den by Mirka Anderson

Filled with life lessons, daring escapades, and heartfelt reflections, Mirka’s story will inspire anyone seeking to transform dreams into reality. This is more than an autobiography; it’s a roadmap for living boldly and embracing every opportunity.