CATCH YOUR BREATH AT THE CINEMA.
SEE THE POSTER AND TRAILER FOR THE FILM ‘SIMONA KOSSAK’.
On the set, animals loved her. On screen – the audience. Those who have already had the opportunity to see Sandra Drzymalska in the role of Simona Kossak during the pre-premiere festival screenings are unanimous – her creation delights. Directed by Adrian Panek, the film about independence and determination in the search for one’s own place on Earth will also feature Jakub Gierszał, Agata Kulesza, Borys Szyc, Olga Bołądź and Marianna Zydek. ‘Simona Kossak’ in cinemas from 22 November, and in September the title will compete for the Golden Lions at the 49th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia.
– I would like people at the screening to experience the beauty that the wilderness offers. I hope that the film will make us more sensitive to the wonderful relationships we can form with animals and nature. I would also like it to resound that, against everything that happens in our lives, we can always follow our hearts and do what we want. To feel free and fight for what is right. To take care of our smaller brothers and sisters,’ says Sandra Drzymalska about the film.
– Our film, of course, deals with the environment, it talks about the issues that Simona stood up for, but it is not just aimed at environmental enthusiasts. It is a film about the struggle of an individual, about a strong woman with a strong character. About a person who made a mark in our culture and consciousness,’ adds Jakub Gierszał, who plays the role of Simona Kossak’s partner, Leszek Wilczek.
THE ORIGINAL KOSSAK
Simona Kossak, daughter of painter Jerzy Kossak and granddaughter of Wojciech, deprived of the talent that has defined her family for generations, grows up without experiencing the warmth of a domineering mother. When, after graduation, she gives up everything – home, tradition, social conventions – and takes up a job as a scientist in Białowieża, she begins a life on her own terms. She settles in the middle of the forest, in a house without electricity or running water, surrounded by wild nature. There, in the magical wilderness, she meets photographer Lech Wilczek, with whom she shares her passions – love of nature and… the need for freedom. Their unusual relationship escapes all clichés. However, Simona’s ideas about the work of a naturalist and the position of a young woman in a world dominated by men are painfully verified. She has to stand up not only for her ideals, but also for the world of plants and animals.
Adrian Panek is responsible for the direction and screenplay of the film. In the film, apart from Sandra Drzymalska and Jakub Gierszal, we will see Agata Kulesza, Borys Szyc, Olga Bolądź, Marianna Zydek, Marta Stalmierska, Dariusz Chajdecki, Robert Gonera, Tomasz Sapryk and Nika Wichłacz, among others. The producers of the film ‘Simona Kossak’ are Magdalena Kaminska and Agata Szymanska of Balapolis. The co-producers are Wytwórnia Filmów Dokumentalnych i Fabularnych (Documentary and Feature Films Studio), Mazowiecki Instytut Kultury, Krakow Festival Office and Hollman Emea Limited. NEXT FILM is responsible for distribution.
‘Simona Kossak’ will compete for the Golden Lions at the upcoming Polish Feature Film Festival in Gdynia (23-29 September).
The film is co-financed by the Polish Film Institute.
Film sponsor:
Bison Fund
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SIMONA KOSSAK
PREMIERE: 22 NOVEMBER
Cast: Sandra Drzymalska, Jakub Gierszał, Agata Kulesza, Borys Szyc, Olga Bołądź, Dariusz Chojnacki, Marta Stalmierska, Robert Gonera, Tomasz Sapryk, Nika Wichłacz
Directed by: Adrian Panek
Screenplay: Adrian Panek
Cinematography: Jakub Stolecki
Editing: Piotr Kmiecik
Music: Bartosz Chajdecki
Set design: Agata Adamus
Interior Design: Anna Pabisiak
Costumes: Kalina Lach, Paulina Sieniarska
Character design: Anna Nobel
Production manager: Julia Jendrysik
Producer: Magdalena Kamińska, Agata Szymańska
Production: Balapolis
Co-production: Documentary and Feature Film Studio (WFDiF), Mazovia Institute of Culture, Krakow Festival Office, Hollman Emea Limited.
Film sponsor: Bison Fund
Distribution: NEXT FILM
Co-financed by: Polish Film Institute