WOMAN OF...
KOBIETA Z
WOMAN OF...
drama I 2023 I Poland, Sweden
THURSDAY 14/11/2024 6:45pm
LUNA LEEDERVILLE
Original Title: KOBIETA Z...
Duration: 132 min
Language: Polish with English subtitles
Director: Małgorzata Szumowska, Michał Englert
Cast: Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik, Joanna Kulig,
Jacek Braciak, Renata Dancewicz, Jerzy Bonczak,
Bogumiła Bajor
A recent selection at the Sydney Film Festival from the acclaimed duo Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, known for Never Gonna Snow Again (PFF 2021), Infinite Storm and Body (PFF 2015), WOMAN OF… made its premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion. Spanning 45 years, it explores the struggle for self-identity while highlighting the profound beauty found in authentic human connections.
As Poland undergoes significant cultural and political shifts - from the fall of communism to the rise of capitalism - Aniela Wesoły embarks on her own personal transformation. Born and raised as Andrzej, she spends more than half her adult life in a provincial town, living as a man. Despite trying to fulfill her roles as a good husband and father, she grows increasingly uncomfortable in her own body that does not reflect her true identity. After years of suppressing her gender dysphoria, Aniela gradually finds the courage to defy the expectations of her family and society, embracing her true self and reclaiming her identity.
"A bold, ambitious addition to the oeuvre of an unpredictable film-making team" — Screen International
"It holds its audience with the sheer, plangent emotional force of its storytelling, and via an enormously sympathetic lead performance by Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik. — Variety
"Hajewska-Krzysztofik builds a quietly heroic characterization as Aniela, marked by raw vulnerability that nonetheless hides fortitude and unapologetic dignity" — Hollywood Reporter
MAŁGORZATA SZUMOWSKA
One of the most prominent Polish directors of today, Małgorzata Szumowska was born in Kraków in 1973. She has directed, written and produced feature and documentary films and has received numerous awards at international and Polish film festivals. After two well-received shorts, her first feature, 'Happy Man' (2000) was nominated 'Discovery of the Year' at the European Film Awards and won the Special Prize in Thessaloniki. Her second feature, 'Strangers' (2004) was presented at Sundance and Berlinale; '33 Scenes From Life' (2008), won her the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno Festival. She later directed 'Elles' (2011) with Juliette Binoche, and 'In The Name Of', which won the Teddy Award at Berlinale. She returned to the Berlin festival with 'Body' in 2015 and 'Mug' in 2018, which won her the Silver Bear for Best Director and Grand Jury Prize respectively. Her first English language feature, 'The Other Lamb' (2019) was screened in Toronto, San Sebastian and London.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
NOMINATED: Golden Lion: Best Film I Venice Film Festival I 2024
NOMINATED: Best International Competition I Munich Film FestivalI 2024
NOMINATED: Dragon Award International Competition I Göteborg Film FestivalI 2024
NOMINATED: Golden Lions: Best Film I Gdynia Film Festival I 2024
NOMINATED: Best Feature Film I Guadalajara International Film Festival I 2024
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