Ten years after the release of “Gods,” seven after “The Art of Loving. The Story of Michalina Wisłocka” the producers of Watchout Studio are closing their trilogy of film biographies with the production of ”Kulej. All That Glitters Isn’t Gold.” The story of Jerzy and Helena Kulej was directed by Xawery Zulawski. The role of the legendary fist fighter, two-time Olympic champion, is played by Tomasz Włosok, his extraordinary wife is played by Michalina Olszanska. The film will enter theaters on October 11, but a special preview of the film will be held in Paris on August 2 during the Olympic Games. We present the first trailer of the production.
The story of Jerzy and Helena Kulej – the most colorful couple of the 60s in Poland. He, a legendary boxer, two-time European champion, and eight-time Polish champion, reached his immortal status as the only Polish boxer with two Olympic golds. Although he was never knocked down in the ring, he fell more than once in life. She, a strong woman, who always stood by his side, but did not want to remain in his shadow forever.
“Kulej. All that glitters isn’t gold” focuses on the years from 1964 to 1968, from Jerzy Kulej’s gold at the Tokyo Olympics, to repeating this feat in Mexico. It is a multi-dimensional story of an athlete and his triumphs in the ring, presenting the colour and mood of the era. It is also a tale of Kulejs’ turbulent marriage in which their great love was put to the test of coping with spectacular success.
The role of Jerzy Kulej is played by Tomasz Włosok. The actor has been training in kickboxing for many years, but in preparation for the role, he intensified his boxing training. In order to faithfully portray the fighting style of yesteryear, movement choreography and dance classes were also necessary. The shoot proved extremely demanding, which sometimes meant boxing day after day for 9 hours at a time – the actor had to be in truly Olympic shape. Michalina Olszanska as Helena Kulej was primarily tasked with showing extraordinary charisma and exceptional strength of character.
Andrzej Chyra plays the coach of the Polish national team – another celebrity of the boxing world, Felix “Papa” Stamm. Tomasz Kot plays the role of the Colonel, head of the Gwardia sports club. Other roles include Bartosz Gelner, Konrad Eleryk and Monika Mikolajczak.
SPECIAL SCREENING DURING THE OLYMPIC GAMES
“Kulej. All that glitters isn’t gold” has received honorary patronage from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Polish Olympic Committee. A special preview of the film will be held during the Olympic Games in Paris. The Olympic team and the media will have the opportunity to attend the Polish House Paris 2024 event, which will include the screening and a meeting with the filmmakers.
Radosław Piesiewicz, PKOL President: – I am very pleased that it is in the house of Polish sport in Paris that the premiere of the film about our outstanding fighter will take place. Great actors, a great plot, a passionate story of the life of our outstanding athlete. I think this is the most appropriate place and moment during the Olympics to show this story. You are cordially invited. I am confident that the reception of the film will bring us all an unforgettable experience.
Xawery Zulawski is responsible for directing, together with Rafal Lipski he also wrote the screenplay. Among the filmmakers are the biggest names in the Polish film industry, including Marian Prokop (cinematography), Anna Englert (costumes), Jan Komar, Mikołaj Majkusiak (music), Agnieszka Hodowana (make-up) The producer is Krzysztof Terej, Watchout Studio (“Gods,” “The Art of Loving. The Story of Michalina Wisłocka”).
The film was made with financial support from the Polish Film Institute.
“Kulej. All that glitters isn’t gold” will enter theaters on October 11, 2024. Before that, it will take part in the Main Competition of the 49th Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia (September 23-28).
KULEJ. ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD
Directed by: Xawery Zulawski
Screenplay: Rafał Lipski, Xawery Żuławski
Cinematography: Marian Prokop PSC
Music: Jan Komar, Mikołaj Majkusiak
Set design: Marta Skajnowska
Costumes: Anna Englert
Characterization: Agnieszka Hodowana
Sound: Mateusz Adamczyk, Jarosław “Bodo” Bajdowski, Sebastian Witkowski
Editing: Wojtek Włodarski PSM
Cast Director: Marta Kownacka PCDG
Director of dance scenes: Maciej Zakliczynski
Fight director, stunt coordination: Tomasz Krzemieniecki
Producer: Krzysztof Terej
Production: Watchout Studio
Production Manager: Dagmara Bagnecka
Virtual production: ATM Virtual
Virtual production: Veles Productions
Veles Producer: Paweł Stawiński
Veles Producer: Artur Paprocki
Co-financed by: Polish Film Institute
Co-production of the film: ATM Virtual Radoslaw Bardes, Andrzej Mlynarczyk
Film co-production: Veles Productions
Film co-production: Systemics New
Distribution in Poland: NEXT FILM
Starring: Tomasz Włosok, Michalina Olszańska, Tomasz Kot, Andrzej Chyra, Bartosz Gelner, Konrad Eleryk, Monika Mikołajczak