POLISH MOUNTAIN DOCUMENTARIES AWARDED IN SLOVENIA

Last Friday the sixth edition of the Mountain Film Festival Domžale in Slovenia reached its end. Two Polish films were listed among the laureates. “The Art of Freedom” by Wojtek Słota and Marek Kłosowicz and “Declaration of Immortality” by Marcin Koszałka scored two of the main festival’s awards.

Seventy minutes long “The Art of Freedom” brings an aswer to the phenomenon of the Polish himalaism. Poles used to rule in highest world’s monuntains for at least 20 years. They were pioneers to mark not only new routes but also new standards of behavior. They were noticeable by the original technique of climbing, their persistence, sense of responsibility and solidarity. The more obstacles they had to face in Poland stricken with the constant economic crisis, the better results they scored in Himalayas. In Slovenia the jury  appreciated the completeness of the film: its documentary, technical and artistic value. The explanation they gave was as follows -  the film shows a particular period in the history of Polish mountaineering and outstanding achievements in conquering the highest summits and freedom – this has marked a new chapter in the history of the Himalayan alpinism. Film was made within the frame of “Guide to Poles” cycle produced by Adam Mickiewicz Institute.

“Declaration of Immortality” directed by Marcin Koszałka was given the prize for the best climbing film. The story of Piotr “Mad” Korczak’s career won the juries liking, that on presenting the award said: in the expressive title Declaration of Immortality we can physically feel every climber’s individual fears of the unavoidable limitations of his body, which will one day prevent him from living the life he once knew. How to accept and confront this emptiness when climbing movements can no longer be our ultimate expression?

Slovenian award is another distinction for Marcin Koszałka’s film, that from its premiere at Krakow Film Festival in May 2010, is constantly scoring awards at festivals that include Karlove Vary, Tampere, Graz and Vancouver to name just a few. Film was produced by Polish Television (TVP).

The complete list of awarded films is to be found here