More Premieres This Summer!
In June, at one of our favorite Polish festivals, the next productions of the Warsaw Film School will make their debut. We’re talking, of course, about the Koszalin Festival of Film Debuts "Youth and Film" – a legendary place where young filmmakers and debutants have gathered for years, where a walk on the beach with your future producer can start right after a cinema screening.
What will you see in Koszalin?
Four narrative films:
"Hajfongpol", directed by Leon Korzyński – a story about emigration and identity, wrapped in stunning colors. In a Vietnamese corner of Warsaw lives Drew, an immigrant from Vietnam. To escape the strict expectations of his mother, society, and masculinity, he takes refuge in his passion – painting nails. The film was made by two of our students after their first year of studies: director Leon Korzyński and cinematographer Witold Prokopczyk. Congratulations on your success!
"Lika", directed by Filip Dučić – a moody tale of pride, insecurity, and the challenges of adulthood, set in the Croatian Dinaric Alps. Jacob is a young father whose family suffered greatly during the 2008 financial crisis. To avoid ending up on the street, they moved in with Jacob's uncle, who quickly asserted himself as head of the household. Consumed by jealousy, Jacob is determined to regain control over his life. This moving story was directed by Filip Dučić, with cinematography by Zhan Zharoff – students of the Warsaw Film School's international program. Congratulations!
"I Look to the Sky", directed by Alexandra Strunin – a film about the struggle for nationality and freedom, set in the music room of a Russian elementary school. When a teacher of Ukrainian descent finds her nephew among a group of children abducted from eastern Ukraine, a race against time and propaganda begins for the boy’s soul. Directed after her first year of studies by Alexandra Strunin, with cinematography by Kamil Małkowski, the film shows a different face of a war that refuses to end.
In addition to these premieres, the festival program will also feature "Neverlandex", directed by Agata Kapuścińska with cinematography by Mateusz Gzel. Its official premiere will take place at the end of May during the Krakow Film Festival. We warmly invite you and congratulate the creators on yet another selection!
And two documentaries:
"Dancing King", directed by Igor Kuna – a documentary about a king ruling over a disco frozen in time. This talented director and cinematographer, who made the film after his second year of cinematography studies, has a gift for portraying characters who defy easy description. He’s sure to bring a good dose of groove to Koszalin.
"Antek", directed by Patrycja Feliszek and Błażej Burski – Antek is a young dreamer with Down syndrome. First-year students of directing and cinematography decided to take a closer look at his world and accompany him during an important event: a birthday party where the most meaningful gift turns out to be friendship. Congratulations to all the filmmakers on a wonderful premiere!
Let’s not forget about our alumni! Their latest short narrative films will also be shown:
Bartosz Brzeziński – "Przybieżeli"
Mateusz Motyka – "Miło."
Also, keep an eye out for familiar names in the selection of feature-length debut films! Heading to Koszalin with their films are:
Mara Tamkovich – "Under the Grey Sky"
Monika Majorek – "Where Do We Begin”
Congratulations! We can’t wait for summer.