POLISH FILMS WIN AWARDS IN BULGARIA
The Rhodope International Film Festival in Bulgaria proved to be a special occasion for Polish filmmakers. Aliaksandr Tsymbaliuk's film won the main award, Maciej Adamek's production received a special mention in the medium-length documentary category, and among the short films, "Clear Sky" by Marcin Kunder was victorious.
The Rhodope International Film Festival is an international film event held in Bulgaria's picturesque Rhodope Mountains. The festival distinguishes itself with a unique concept, combining film screenings with breathtaking mountain scenery and local culture. It focuses on independent cinema, presenting feature films, documentaries, and short that explore diverse themes.
The winning film in the medium-length film category is a beautiful story about a father and son. The protagonists of "Koka" earn their living by fishing. They live in harsh, almost ascetic conditions, and the rhythm of their lives is set by each subsequent catch. From a young age, Koka, under his father's watchful eye, learns the practical skills that allow him to survive in the difficult conditions of that part of the world. But when he is free from his duties, he can return to the carefree world of childhood. It is a tenderly filmed, intimate story about the relationship between a father and son, where care and love are mixed with rigor and discipline.
The honoured work Unspoken directed by Maciej Adamek revolves around 26-year-old Mateusz – a young man with a stammer who wishes to fulfil his childhood dream: to become Poland's acrobatics champion.
In turn, "Clear Sky" by Marcin Kunder is a story about childhood. Days are spent outdoors and wandering aimlessly. Wowa and Roma, although they try to act like adults, remain children at heart. They spend the last days of their summer holidays in their hometown of Kramatorsk. However, a carefree summer is not possible in such close proximity to the front. Explosions, air raid sirens, and military patrols in the streets cast a shadow over their reality. Even though everyone around them tries to carry on with their lives, the war's constant presence is felt every day. Despite the difficult circumstances, the children try to play and have adventures.
You can find out more about the festival here.