Under the Volcano (Pod wulkanem), the latest film by acclaimed Polish director Damian Kocur, offers a poignant exploration of displacement and identity amidst geopolitical turmoil. Premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, the film has garnered international attention and was selected as Poland's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
A Family's Sudden Transformation from Tourists to Refugees
Set against the idyllic backdrop of Tenerife, Spain, Under the Volcano follows the Kovalenko family—a blended Ukrainian household enjoying their vacation. Their serene holiday is abruptly disrupted when news breaks of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, rendering their return home impossible. The family, comprising father Roman, stepmother Anastasiia, teenage daughter Sofiia, and young son Fedir, finds themselves stranded, their status shifting from carefree tourists to uncertain refugees overnight.
The narrative delves into the emotional and psychological impact of this sudden upheaval. As they grapple with their new reality, the family's interactions with other tourists, hotel staff, and locals highlight themes of privilege, empathy, and the often-overlooked complexities of refugee experiences.
Damian Kocur: A Director Committed to Authentic Storytelling
Born in 1983 in Katowice, Poland, Damian Kocur is a director, screenwriter, and cinematographer known for his commitment to realism and emotional depth. A graduate of the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice, he is currently pursuing a PhD at the Łódź Film School.
Kocur's debut feature, Bread and Salt (2022), premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, earning the Special Jury Prize in the Orizzonti section. His short films, including Beyond is the Day (2020), have received accolades at festivals such as Clermont-Ferrand and the Kraków Film Festival.
With Under the Volcano, Kocur continues his exploration of contemporary social issues, focusing on the human aspects of geopolitical crises. His approach emphasizes authentic performances and a deep understanding of his characters' emotional landscapes.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition
Under the Volcano has been lauded for its subtle yet powerful storytelling. Critics have praised the film's ability to convey the purgatory of survival during times of horror without resorting to overt dramatization.
The film's accolades include:
- Best Director at the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival
- Best Debut Actor for Sofiia Berezovska at the Gdynia Film Festival
- CEI Award at the Trieste Film Festival for embodying the spirit of cultural dialogue and contemporary issues
Join Us at the New York Polish Film Festival
Experience Under the Volcano at the 20th New York Polish Film Festival:
- Date: May 27, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Venue: Scandinavia House, New York City
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a film that offers a profound look into the human condition amidst crisis. For tickets and more information, visit https://nypff.com.
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