From Prague to America
Agnieszka Holland's career began at the FAMU, a famous film school in Prague which turned out such celebrated figures as Miloš Forman. Both directors have managed to attract attention both home and in the United States. While in Poland, Holland shot "A Lonely Woman" (1981), a disturbing feature film starring Maria Chwalibóg as a world-weary post woman who believes a relationship with a disabled pensioner will bring her happiness. While abroad, she has made a number of works, including "To Kill a Priest" about Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Polish Catholic priest murder by the Communist secret police, "Total Eclipse" (starring young Leonardo di Caprio) about French Symbolist poets, "Washington Square" (based on the novel by Henry James) or "Copying Beethoven". Her latest projects also include HBO TV series such as "Burning Bush" or "House of Cards".
Oscar at her fingertips
The has received three Academy Award nominations. Her first nominations was for "Angry Harvest" (1985), her second came five years later for "Europa, Europa" and her latest for "In Darkness", which the "Polish Cinema for Beginners" audience are going to discuss with the director at the Nowe Horyzonty Cinema. It must be added that the series has been designed for foreign residents of Wroclaw who would like to learn more about Polish cinema. They can enjoy screenings with English subtitles, listen to lectures on a given film, and engage in a discussion with other viewers after the screening.
Sewage worker with a heart of gold
"In Darkness" garnered praise from the most influential foreign dailies. The story of Leopold Socha, a small-time crook and a thief who helped a small group of the Jews from the Lodz ghetto to survive in the sewers, appealed both to reviewers and the audience. The man who was initially enticed by the money was later ready to sacrifice a lot to save his charges. "The main hero [...] resembles Oscar Schindler, and his unique and dramatic story shows how a die-hard anti-Semite can turn into a guardian angel," wrote "Wall Street Journal".
The viewers are going to enjoy the film with English subtitles on 9 April, and Agnieszka Holland is expected to join the audience in a Q&A after the show. The screening begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost 13 and 16 PLN.
