Andrzej Wajda awarded in Berlin

Andrzej Wajda received the Alfred Bauer Award for Sweet Rush (Tatarak) at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival. The award of the Berlinale’s founder is given to directors who set new perspectives of film art.

“This award is for Krystyna Janda, who put not only her talent into this film, but also a part of her life,” said the 83-year-old Wajda during the award ceremony. “I am very fortunate that probably as the oldest director in this hall, I am receiving this award.”

Sweet Rush tells the story of a mature, life-experienced woman (Krystyna Janda) who lives in her memories. By accident she meets a young man, who brings back her youth. The plot develops into monologue by Janda, who in a dark, almost empty hotel room tells the story of the illness and death of her husband, cameraman Edward Kłosiński.

The festival jury gave two Bauer Awards. The second recipient was a young Argentinian director, Adrian Biniez, for his film Gigante.
The main prize at the festival, the Golden Bear Award, was given to Peruvian director Claudia Llosa for La teta asustada.

Translated by Monika Miziniak | Edited by Patricia Koza