“THE PAWNSHOP” WINS ANOTHER AWARD
This time, Łukasz Kowalski's film was awarded by the jury of the French L'Europe autour de l'Europe.
L'Europe autour de l'Europe is a Paris-based festival that showcases the most interesting European arthouse films. Both cinema masters and debutants are invited to participate in the program. For the organisers, it is important to strengthen the festival network and the audio-visual and creative industry throughout Europe. The program includes screenings, numerous Q&A sessions with creators, masterclasses, and panel discussions with invited guests. This year's edition took place from March 14th to 28th.
The jury awarded a Polish documentary. This is another such distinction for Łukasz Kowalski's The Pawnshop.
It's a moving, humorous story about people who fight for their own survival while helping those in even greater need. Jola and Wiesiek are a couple of eccentric businesspeople from Bytom. Together with three employees, they run what is probably the largest pawnshop in Europe. However, it's well past its prime due to mines closing in the vicinity and rising unemployment. With less and less means to live, the citizens of the “Polish Detroit” try to pawn increasingly obscure and useless items. Wiesiek's crazy marketing stunts do little to help the failing business and neither does Jola's tender heart, who supports their customers not only with a good word but also with hot soup or a warm jacket. Although the pawnshop brings losses, it becomes an important spot for the local community. Soon, however, it starts teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, putting Jola and Wiesiek's relationship to the test. In the face of impending disaster, the owners will make one last attempt to save their business and love.
You can read more about the festival here.