Polish Films Competition 2024 Lineup!

Wednesday October 23rd, 2024

We announce the line-up of the Polish Films Competition of the 32^nd edition of EnergaCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival.

KULEJ. ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD

The story of Jerzy and Helena Kulej, the most vibrant married couple of the 1960s in Poland. He was a legendary boxer, a two-time European and eight-time Polish champion, the only Polish boxer to have won two Olympic golds, and although he never suffered a knock-out in the ring, he collapsed many times in his private life. She was a strong woman, always there by his side, who refused to stay in his shadow forever. The film focuses on the 1964-68 period when Jerzy Kulej won gold at the Olympic Games in Tokyo only to repeat that feat in Mexico. It’s a multifaceted story of the sportsman’s successes on the ring and the colours of the era, but also a tale of the turbulent fate of the marriage where great love was put to the test while trying to tackle a great success.

Original title: Kulej. Dwie strony medalu
Director: Xawery Żuławski
Cinematographer: Marian Prokop
Produced by: Watchout Studio
Polish distributor: Next Film
Country and year: Poland, 2024

MINGHUN

Jurek and his father-in-law Ben confront the loss of a loved one and decide to perform the so-called minghun, a Chinese ritual of posthumous marriage. The protagonists set off on an emotional journey to find the perfect partner for eternity. The collision of disparate cultures is meant to help make both the film characters and the viewers realize that no matter what our background is, we all belong to one human family. Minghun is a story about hope, love and the search for the meaning of life and what comes after.

Director: Jan P. Matuszyński
Cinematographer: Kacper Fertacz
Produced by: Wonder Films
Polish distributor: Kino Świat
Country and year: Poland, 2024

SCARBORN

In the spring of 1794, a historical figure and real-life hero General Tadeusz 'Kos' Kosciuszko, who played a significant role in the history of both Poland and the United States, returns to his homeland to ignite a rebellion against Russian oppression. Accompanied by his loyal friend Domingo, Kosciuszko evades a ruthless Russian captain and crosses paths with Ignac, a young peasant with dreams of claiming his noble birthright. Thrust into a whirlwind of danger and destiny, Ignac must choose between his personal quest and the greater cause of freedom. In this gripping tale of courage and camaraderie, the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.

Original title: Kos
Director: Paweł Maślona
Cinematographer: Piotr Sobociński Jr
Produced by: Aurum Film, Bodzak Hickinbotham Walter
Polish distributor: TVP Dystrybucja Kinowa
Country and year: Poland, 2023

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

A story about an unexpected road trip to their hometown which enables two women to confront their childhood traumas and build themselves anew. Ada, a pregnant American journalist of Polish descent, is struggling to find herself in the new reality in Hamburg. One day she receives an autobiographical book about a childhood trauma, with a personalised dedication. The mysterious sender turns out to be Roksana, her childhood friend. Ada decides to go with Roksana to their hometown to describe her friend’s gripping story. Once they get to Poland, nothing is what it seems, and Roksana’s mother, who has no intention of confessing her past guilt, adds fuel to the fire. She is determined to guard the past: whatever happened, will never see the light of the day.

Original title: Rzeczy Niezbędne
Director: Kamila Tarabura
Cinematographer: Tomasz Naumiuk
Produced by: ATM Grupa, RIVA Film
Polish distributor: Kino Świat
Country and year: Poland, Germany 2024

UNDER THE GREY SKY

Belarus, 2020. Mass protests follow the elections rigged by Lukashenko. Anti-regime journalist Lena livestreams the brutal crackdown of a peaceful demonstration and is tracked down by a police drone. Nevertheless, she continues the broadcast and is arrested. Lena’s husband, Ilya, prepares an emergency evacuation abroad, but the system has no intention of letting her go. Lena and Ilya must face unbearable choices in an attempt to survive and remain true to themselves, as the regime is determined to break them both. The film is inspired by the true story of Belarusian journalists Igor Ilyash and Katsiaryna Andreyeva, who was arrested in November 2020.

Original title: Pod Szarym Niebem
Director: Mara Tamkovich
Cinematographer: Krzysztof Trela
Produced by: Media Corporation
Country and year: Poland, 2024

WHITE COURAGE

It is the late 1930s in the Podhale region. A talented mountain climber, descendant of a prominent highland family, Jędrek Zawrat likes living on the edge. When he climbs, he chooses the most difficult routes, when he loves, he is ready to sacrifice everything. As a result of a family decision, his beloved Bronka is married off to the older of the Zawrat brothers, the stable and serious Maciek. Proud Jędrek abandons his homeland to seek oblivion among the Cracow bohemians. On his way, he meets a German scientist and mountaineer Wolfram, who proclaims the theory that the Highlanders descend from the ancient Germanic tribe of the Pragoths. When the war breaks out, the Germans offer the people of Podhale cooperation. Maciej Zawrat, supported by many distinguished families, firmly rejects the offer. Jędrek, however, persuaded by Wolfram and hoping to win back his beloved Bronka and save his community from wartime annihilation, decides to cooperate with the Germans.

Original title: Biała Odwaga
Director: Marcin Koszałka
Cinematographer: Marcin Koszałka
Produced by: Balapolis
Polish distributor: Monolith Films
Country and year: Poland, 2024

WROOKLYN ZOO

18-year-old Kosa is the best skateboarder in Wrocław. He has a beautiful girlfriend, great friends, a beloved grandfather, and a clear plan for the future. He wants to win a prestigious skateboarding competition, with big money and a trip to Los Angeles at stake. Everything changes dramatically when, during a carefree summer vacation, Kosa meets Zora – a magnetic Romani girl who brings magic and a passionate love into his life, the likes of which he has never experienced before. Soon, to fight for their love, the young lovers will have to confront old family traditions, social taboos and prejudices, and thugs blinded by hatred. Together, they will do everything to change destiny, though the price of their choices may be truly high.

Director: Krzysztof Skonieczny
Cinematographer: Adam Pietkiewicz
Produced by: głębokiOFF
Polish distributor: Kino Świat
Country and year: Poland, 2024