FORUM
The section FORUM is dedicated to films that have already received accolade from both Polish and international audiences and film critics, and sparked lots of discussions among critics and fans.
These films are unique for many different reasons, and they deal with topics that are considered difficult and far from obvious. Their authors are not afraid to vocalize their opinions about disturbing political choices, human tragedies, or the dynamic progression of AI that we are witnessing today. The programme we have prepared for you includes films that were widely debated for many weeks and polarized opinions: some simply loved them, while others rather showed lack of comprehension.
In ‘The Green Border’ by Agnieszka Holland, you will witness a tragic story about refugees pushed around and trapped between the borders of Poland and Belarus, and the people who decided to save them, regardless of personal hazards.
In ‘Poor Things’ by Yorgos Lanthimos, featuring the brilliant performance of Emma Stone, you will embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the successive stages of growing up, with some controversial scientific experiments happening in the background.
The drama documentary ‘Four Daughters’ shows an investigation revolving around political games, in which the courage of women and a political system based on violence are the leading narratives.
The animated film ‘Mars Express’ offers a unique insight into a world based on artificial intelligence, treating us with a very original visual design.
‘Under Therapy’ is a combination of an intelligent comedy and a moral drama. The film is a story about three couples that decide to undergo a therapy for couples, as all of them have issues in their private lives they cannot overcome.
In ‘Vika!’, you will see 84-year-old Vika, who is a legend among the night clubs in Warsaw and a colourful figure in the urban landscape of the city. She is a charismatic DJ surrounded by young people, proving that age is merely a number.
‘Doppelgänger’ is a psychological thriller in which the plot is developing simultaneously on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
In ‘Memory’, you will watch Sylvia as she goes to a reunion of graduates from her secondary school, where she is followed by demented Saul, right from the start. Distrustful at first, the girl soon develops an emotional bond with the man.
‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a story about an investigation, which starts when Daniel, an 11-year-old boy, takes his dog for a walk and returns only to find a dead body of his father lying in front of the house.
In ‘Bâtiment 5’, we are taken to the outskirts of a city in France. The local residents are getting more and more frustrated, as the government is enforcing decisions they deeply resent.
‘The Royal Hotel’ is a story about two friend, Hanna and Liv, who decide to travel around Australia. When they run out of money, Liv talks her friend into accepting a part-time job at a local bar.
In ‘One Soul’, the protagonist Alojz is a charismatic miner immensely respected among his colleagues. Unfortunately, his alcoholism and aggressive personality bring suffering to the ones he loves.
We are certain that these films will stir up many discussions among our festival audience. Feel free to join in with your own opinion!
Included in the section:
- The Green Border, dir. by Agnieszka Holland, Poland, France, Czech Republic, Belgium 2023, 147’
- Poor Things, dir. by Yorgos Lanthimos, Great Britain, Ireland 2023, 141’
- Four Daughters, dir. by Kaouther Ben Hania, France, Tunisia, Germany, Saudi Arabia 2023, 110’
- Mars Express, dir. by Jérémie Périn, France, 2023, 85’
- Under Therapy, dir. by Gerardo Herrero, Spain, 2023, 93’
- Vika!, dir. by Agnieszka Zwiefka, Poland, Germany, Finland, 2023, 74’
- Doppelgänger, dir. by Jan Holoubek, Poland, 2023, 115’
- Memory, dir. by Michel Franco, USA, Mexico, Chile 2023, 103’
- Anatomy of a Fall, dir. by Justine Triet, France, 2023, 152’
- Bâtiment 5, dir. by Ladj Ly, France, 2023, 101’
- The Royal Hotel, dir. by Kitty Green, Australia, 2023, 91
- One Soul, dir. by Łukasz Karwowski, Poland 2023, 93’
