Two Janusz Kamiński’s films at the Opening of the Festival

We have a pleasure to inform you that we know the first title that will start the struggle for the Golden Frog during the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematogaphy PLUS CAMERIMAGE 2007.

The screening of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le papillon), directed by Julian Schnabel, with cinematography by Janusz Kamiński will inaugurate the Main Comprtition this year. The Opening Gala on the 24th November 2007 will be dominated by Janusz Kamiński who apart from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly will also present Hania. This movie, directed by him, will be a noncompetitive screening and will be presented to the audience as an opening movie of the Festival.

Janusz Kamiński spent his childhood and his youth in Poland. He was a student of Stefania Sempołowska 10th Comprehensive High School in Wrocław. In 1981 he moved to the USA. From 1982 till 1987 he attended the Columbia College in Chicago. In 1988 he finished a course at American Film Institute. Since 1993 he works with Steven Spielberg on all of his productions. He is a two Academy Awards winner. In 1994 he won an Oskar for Schindler's List and in 1999 for Saving Private Ryan. In 1998 he was nominated for Amistad. He is also a laureate of the BAFTA Award and BSC Award (both for Schindler's List). In 2000 he made his directorial debut with Lost Souls.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - COMPETITION
Directed by: Julian Schabel
Cinematography: Janusz Kamiński
Screenplay: Ronald Harwood
Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Max Von Sydow, Marie-Josee Croze
USA, Francja 2007

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a heartbreaking, moving and charmingly beautiful story of Elle France editor, who, being totally paralized, writes bestseller novel about the struggle for the meaning of life, using only his eyelid. The movie by Oscar winning filmmakers with the enchanting cinematography by Janusz Kamiński, who received an award for his work at Cannes Film Festival this year and directed by Julian Schnabel, best director award winner.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly distributed by Best Film is opening in Poland on 18th January 2008.

Hania - SPECIAL SCREENING
Directed by: Janusz Kamiński
Cinematography: Janusz Kamiński
Screenplay: Andrzej Gołda
Cast: Agnieszka Grochowska, Łukasz Simlat, Maciej Stolarczyk, Małgorzata Kożuchowska Polska 2007

Hania, as magic as a story of Little Prince, is an exceptional movie being a result of the combined efforts of two Oscar winning talents so famous in holywood - Janusz Kamiński and Jan A.P. Kaczmarek. Their latest work is a production made on the Polish ground in a hollywood style, which can be seen not only in the cinematography and music but also in the general form of the film comprised among others of a happy end, so characteristic of American productions. Hania tells a story of a young married couple, whom we meet during Christmas time. Wojtek, a graphic designer is so absorbed by his work that he does not get on well with his wife. Ola, a sensitive, gentle cello player, is dreaming about a child and a cosy home. An old school friend encountered by chance talks them into inviting for the Christmas Eve Kacper, a boy whose identity will surprise both the characters and audience. This amazing boy by asking “naive", simple questions forces the couple to rethink their relationship and helps them to find their lost love.

Hania distributed by Kino Świat is opening in Poland on 30th November 2007