POLISH FILMS IN CINEMAS WORLDWIDE

Throughout the first quarter of 2016, a number of Polish films and co-productions co-financed by the Polish Film Institute have been released theatrically abroad. Territories that recently had Polish films in theatrical distribution include Switzerland, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Denmark.

Body/Ciało (Body)

In 2016, Małgorzata Szumowska’s Body/Ciało (Body) has been released theatrically in four countries to date. January 7 marked the release date in Switzerland, with distribution handled by Trigon Film. On January 21, the film was released in Brazil, with distribution handled by Supo Mungam Films, and in Denmark, with distribution handled by Reel Pictures. In February, the Berlinale Silver Bear winner was released theatrically in Hungary, with distribution handled by Vertigo Media.

In total, Szumowska’s Body/Ciało will be released theatrically in 25 territories. In 2015, the film was released in Germany and Italy and was warmly received by audiences and critics alike. Other territories where the film was released in 2015 include Serbia, Turkey, and Colombia.

Niewinne (Les innocentes)

Niewinne (Les innocentes), a film by Anne Fontaine, was released theatrically in France on February 10, 2016. Distribution in France is handled by Mars Films. This international co-production between Poland and France was warmly received by critics and audiences alike, marking over 600,000 admissions. In March 2016, the film was also released theatrically in Belgium and the Netherlands. Distribution in both countries is handled by Imagine.

Crache-Coeur (Raging Rose)

Julia Kowalski’s feature debut Crache-Coeur (Raging Rose), another Polish-French co-production, has also been released theatrically in France, with distribution handled by Zootrope Films.

Bogowie (Gods)

Łukasz Palkowski’s Bogowie (Gods) was released theatrically in Spain on February 19, 2016. The film’s Spanish title is Dioses, and distribution is handled by Surtsey Films.

Intruz (The Here After)

The Here After, UK poster. Photo courtesy of Soda Pictures

On March 11, 2016, Magnus von Horn’s The Here After (Polish title: Intruz, Swedish title: Efterskalv) was released theatrically in the United Kingdom. Distribution is handled by Soda Pictures.

Magnus von Horn’s feature debut had its world premiere screening in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival. On November 20, 2015, the film was released theatrically in Sweden, with distribution handled by TriArt Film. Norwegian audiences had an opportunity to see The Here After at the cinemas from December 4, 2015. Distribution in Norway was handled by Mer Film.

Czerwony Kapitan (The Red Captain)

On March 10, 2016, Czerwony Kapitan (The Red Captain), a Czech-Slovak-Polish co-production directed by Michal Kollár and starring Maciej Stuhr, was released theatrically in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with distribution handled by A-Company in the Czech Republic and Forum Film in Slovakia. The film was extremely popular with audiences and beat the opening weekend record in Slovakia.

Karbala

On March 18, Karbala by Krzysztof Łukaszewicz was released thatrically in Bulgaria. The film’s Bulgarian co-producer and distributor is Miramar Film.

Czerwony pająk (The Red Spider) and Ja, Olga Hepnarova (I, Olga Hepnarova)

Marcin Koszałka’s feature debut Czerwony pająk (The Red Spider) was released theatrically in the Czech Republic on March 24, 2016. Distribution in the Czech Republic is handled by A-Company. March 24 also brought the Czech release of Ja, Olga Hepnarova (I, Olga Hepnarova), a Czech-Polish-Slovak co-production directed by Tomáš Weinreb and Petr Kazda, starring Michalina Olszańska. The film had its world premiere in the Panorama section of this year’s Berlinale, and its theatrical distribution in the Czech Republic is handled by Bontonfilm.

Carte Blanche

Carte Blanche, a film by Jacek Lusiński, was released theatrically in Denmark on March 31. The film’s Danish title is Professor Bieliks hemmelighed, and distribution is handled by Reel Pictures.

International Distribution of Polish Films in Second Quarter of 2016

Papusza, UK poster. Photo courtesy of New Wave Films

On April 1, Papusza by Joanna Kos-Krauze and Krzysztof Krauze was released theatrically in the United Kingdom, with distribution handled by New Wave Films. The film was previously released in Denmark, Spain, japan, Germany and Sweden (in Sweden the theatrical release was followed by a DVD release).

Jerzy Skolimowski’s 11 minut (11 Minutes) was released theatrically in selected cinemas and online (iTunes) in the USA.

On April 14, Ja, Olga Hepnarova (I, Olga Hepnarova) was released in Slovakia. On May 5 Krzysztof Zanussi’s Obce ciało (Foreign Body) was released in Italy. On May 12, Marcin Wrona’s Demon will be released in Brazil, with distribution handled by Supo Mungam Films.

In June, French audiences will be able to enjoy Magnus von Horn’s The Here After on the big screen (distribution handled by Nour Films, release scheduled for June 1), while audiences in Taiwan will have an opportunity to purchase DVD copies of Jacek Lusiński’s Carte Blanche.

On July 1, 2016 Niewinne (Les innocentes) by Anne Fontaine will be released theatrically in the USA by Supo Mungam Films. 

Paulina Bez

12.04.2016