"Essential Killing" on Top Ten List

Essential Killing, a feature directed by Jerzy Skolimowski and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute, has been named one of the best films of 2011 by the critics of the French film monthly magazine Cahiers du Cinéma.

Ten Best Films of 2011

The Top Ten list, in addition to Essential Killing, features such acclaimed films as A Burning Hot Summer by Philippe Garnel, House of Tolerance by Bertrand Bonello, Meek’s Cutoff by Kelly Reichardt, Melancholia by Lars von Trier, Outside Satan by Bruno Dumont, The Strange Case of Angelica by Manoel de Oliveira, Super 8 by JJ Abrams, The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick, and Habemus Papam by Nanni Moretti.

Skolimowski – Fourth Time on Top Ten List

This year’s recognition for Essential Killing on the acclaimed CdC list is not Jerzy Skolimowski’s first. Cahiers du Cinéma recognized three of his earlier films: Walkower (Walkover) in 1966, Bariera (Barrier) in 1968, and Moonlighting in 1982. French critics also voted Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Krótki film o zabijaniu (A Short Film About Killing) one of the top ten films of 1988. The Top Ten list has been announced annually for the past 60 years.

Essential Killing Co-Financed by the Polish Film Institute

Essential Killing follows the story of an Afghani man, captured by American forces for killing three soldiers. Transported to Europe for interrogation, he flees from captivity and sets off on foot, committing further crimes. Essential Killing received awards at film festivals in Venice and Mar del Plata, also winning the Golden Lions for Best Picture aware at the 35th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia. Essential Killing was produced by Skopia Film, and co-financed by the Polish Film Institute.

Paulina Bez

Translated by Karolina Kołtun