POLISH FILMS AWARDED AT GEORGIAN FESTIVAL

“The Whale from Lorino” by Maciej Cuske and Michał Piotrowski’s “Lolo” were recognised by the jurors at local film festival in Batumi, Georgia. Both films were considered best in their respective categories.

Batumi International Art-House Film Festival is one of the most important cultural events in Georgia. The annual international festival is a place where both famous and aspiring artists from all over the world exchange expriences and present their achievements. Every year, the program includes famous and popular titles as well as those less known and completely independent. 

This time, two Polish films were invited to compete. Lolo, a film by Michał Piotrowski, represented our country in the short film category it was the jury of this competition that gave it the award for best film.

This short feature is set in a steampunk setting. It is a tale about the consequences of swapping roles. The titular hero is a cleaner. The world he lives in is one of widespread and persisting class divisions. The boy sees no sign of his life becoming any better. It all changes when he reaches for a hat belonging to one of the patricians. In his new outfit, Lolo can experience the world from a different perspective. He gets the opportunity to take revenge for his past humiliations. But will he still remain himself?

In turn, Maciej Cuske’s The Whale from Lorino captivated the jurors of the international documentary competition. The award-winning film tells the story of people who live in one of the most inaccessible and hostile places on Earth – the Chukchi Peninsula Separated from Alaska by a narrow strait, the Peninsula lies at the north-eastern tip of Eurasia, bordered by the Chukchi Sea to the north and the Bering Sea to the south. It is currently inhabited by Russians, Chukchi, and Eskimos. The film shows how the ancient tradition of whale hunting brings together various members of the local community.

More information about the festival is available on its official website.