With the slow onset of autumn, the Telegraph will be draped in red and white for a few evenings. The Polish season in Olomouc is peaking, and we're part of it. This Polish-Czech initiative brings together several local institutions with the common goal of connecting Moravia (and Olomouc in particular) with Poland and its culture for a few days. The Telegraph offers a glimpse into the world of our northeastern neighbours through three broadcast frequencies. There will be cinema, debates and, of course, visual arts.
The easiest way to get a glimpse of a society is through its art, and that's exactly what we'll be giving space to. The regular film screenings on Monday evenings will belong to the current cutting edge and new releases from Polish cinema, and therefore bear the name KINO PL. Polish cinema builds on a rich tradition and it must be admitted that for several decades it has been still one of the top European filmmakers, not only thanks to emerging young filmmakers. We could almost envy their quality and courageous films, but you have to judge that for yourself. The opportunity is here now.
NEZANECHAT STOPY / Żeby nie było śladów
Mon 5 Sep 2022, 20:00
The first film of the Polish screening is the second feature film by Jan Matuszyński, the director of the award-winning The Last Family. It competed for the Golden Lion at last year's Venice Film Festival and authentically captures the atmosphere and conditions of pre-revolutionary Poland and the events of 1983 that eventually led to the fall of the totalitarian regime. The country was shaken by the case of Grzegorz Przemyko, a high school student who was beaten to death by the police. Based on true events, the film follows the story of Jurek, the only witness who overnight became enemy number one of the state. The repressive regime then tries to use its entire apparatus, including the secret service, the police, the media and the courts, to silence Jurek and Grzegorz's mother. The film was nominated in 13 categories at the Polish Film Awards, with one "Eagle" going to actor Jacek Braciak for his supporting role.
SONATA
Mon 12 Sep 2022, 20:00
Czech audiences have had the chance to see Sonata only at the Karlovy Vary IFF and the LFS. In any case, we decided to bring it exclusively to Olomouc for one evening! The family of 14-year-old Grzegorz has already accepted the fact that the boy suffers from autism spectrum disorder. The diagnosis has been confirmed several times, so it is not surprising that the parents are questioning the suspicions of their son's new assistant that the boy suffers from hearing loss, not autism. Their surprise is all the greater when the doctor confirms this theory. After a successful operation, Grzegorz receives an implant and gradually opens up to the world from which he has been excluded for so long. Finally, he is also able to put into words his greatest dream; to play the piano and give concerts to packed houses... The leitmotif of this fascinating story based on a true story is hope. A hope that Grzegorz has not lost and that his family has gradually found again. A unique screening and a cinematic treat for true lovers of Polish cinema.
TICHÁ ZEMĚ / Cicha ziemia
25 Sep 2022, 20:00
A complete novelty in Czech cinema distribution, and also the debut of director and screenwriter Aga Woczcynska, this is a disturbing probe into the crisis of partner life and its atmosphere is nothing like Michelangelo Antonioni's films. A young Polish couple rent a holiday home with a swimming pool on a sunny Italian island. But the pool is empty and becomes a source of dissatisfaction for the Polish holidaymakers. They ignore the fact that the island is facing a water shortage and ask the owners for an immediate remedy. The hired foreigner who is supposed to take on the task inspires distrust and a sense of danger. A chain of events is set in motion where irrational and instinctive actions reveal the darkest parts of their personalities.
TTALK: JAROSLAW PASTUSZAK
6 Sep 2022, 19:00
TTalk, a regular talk show that brings together personalities from the fields of culture and business, will turn to Poland in September through its esteemed guest, artist and curator of the Zet Gallery, Jaroslaw Pastuszak. In addition to his impressions of life in the Olomouc region, you will also be able to ask him your own questions together with the moderators Robert Runták and Radim Kašpar. Every good talk show also has its musical performances, which this time will be presented by a musician with Polish roots, Krystyna Pekala.
EXHIBITION Mateusz Dąbrowski: Absolutely Nothing
16 - 23 Sep 2022
The cinema room will not just be used for cinema or talkshows this time. For one week, the hall will be open to the public with an exhibition project by Polish visual artist Mateusz Dąbrowski. On Friday the 16th there will be an opening with the artist present at 18:00. He will interpret his works together with the curator of the exhibition, Zbyněk Janáček, and then a DJ will take the reins. Mateusz Dąbrowski studied graphic arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, where he is currently the head of the Serigraphy Studio. He works in painting, graphic design and printmaking, but he also creates spatial objects and installations, which in some cases he moves using electromagnetic waves, infrasound or air movement. You will be able to see one such installation on site.
See you then and cześć!
For more information, see PROGRAM.
By Michael Bukovansky
