Venice (110', colour, 2010) by renowned director Jan Jakub Kolski is one of the most important productions being presented at the market.
This affecting film is set during World War II. The cellar of a house becomes both a place of hiding and a place of cherishing the deepest, most vital human dreams. At first these are dreams of children, full of pure belief in making all things possible by the force of will and mind; but later the older generations of the large family join in the play as it transforms into a ritual and an attempt to overcome the hostile world through the human spirit.
The special, old, family nest/house seems to be a final asylum and brings a promise of safety. This feeling gradually flows over to the successive circles of the family's friends, neighbors and - finally - the total strangers who one day enter the house. How will it withstand a confrontation with the cruelty of war?
Venice was awarded Best Artistic Contribution Prize at the Montreal World Film Festival in August 2010.
Made in Poland (90', colour, 2010), a contemporary drama written and directed by Przemysław Wojcieszek
Bogus (17) realizes that the only message he wants to convey to the world is captured in the phrase "fuck off". He hence tattoos it on his forehead. He shows his rage by destroying everything in his way. Even the priest Edmund is unable to soothe Bogus's frustration. His teacher, a lonely alcoholic, tries to convince the boy to quote the masterpieces of literature, but he doesn't propose any concrete solution. His mother disregards her son's distractions and worries that his tattoo will prevent him from finding a job. Only his sister and brother are fascinated with Bogus's radicalism and calls for rebellion.
This dynamic plot is strengthened by a gangster motif. With the help of the priest and the intervention of an outside power, the gangsters are convinced to forgive a debt, and Bogus is able to marry his girlfriend.
Flying Pigs (99', colour, 2009), a film starring one of Poland's biggest movie stars, directed by Anna Kazejak.
Flying Pigs is a movie about passion, honor, and living life to its fullest. The stake of the real game is love... One day, a local football club ceases to exist, and the lives of the four main characters are turned upside down. Oskar (Paweł Małaszyński) is forced to put on a suit and accept a job offer from the boss (Cezary Pazura) of a local company, which has decided to launch a new football club. This is just the beginning of big troubles and ... becoming a superhero.
Joanna (105', colour, 2010) is a feature concerning the most important questions in everybody's life in German-occupied Warsaw in the midst of the WWII.
In the time of turmoil and insecurity of war, there arise questions that suddenly confronted every person: How much love of other human beings does one have within oneself? How much is one willing to sacrifice? Is there a price one would refuse to pay to protect his loved ones? Is one really as good as one sees oneself? Joanna, a Jewish woman, has to decide for herself whether to engage or whether to stay safe.
Screening schedule:
Flying Pigs 11.05.2011 11.30 Palais D
Venice 11.05.2011 15.30 Palais D
Joanna 12.05.2011 13.30 Gray d'Albion 4
Made in Poland 13.05.2011 9.30 Gray d'Albion 4
