Papusza follows the life story of a Roma inspiration who became the first female poet writing about the reality of her life in Poland at the beginning of the 20th century. Papusza was discovered by another writer, Jerzy Ficowski, who went on to author the first Polish monograph on Gypsy culture. "The canvas of the story is the meeting of Papusza and Jerzy Ficowski in 1949, when he is on the run from authorities decides to hide in the Gypsy camp, where he spent two years," said Krauze. "This meeting determined her fate. Making such films that also have an ethnographic dimension, is as fascinating as discovering new continents."
The leading role is played by Jowita Budnik, who was highly praised for her previous collaboration with the directing duo on the drama Saviour Square, which earned her Polish Eagles honors for the best female role and actress at the 2007 Gdynia fest. Her screen partner is the young, up-and-coming Polish actor Antoni Pawlicki, who plays Ficowski. They are accompanied by an all-star cast of actors including Zbigniew Waleryś, Artur Steranko and Sebastian Wesołowski. The DoPs are the respected Wojciech Staroń and Krzysztof Ptak.
After years in development, the film was shot in black and white throughout 2012 on locations in Tokarnia, Orneta, Łęczyca and Nowy Sącz. Papusza is produced by Lambros Ziotas of Argomedia in co-production with Telewizja Polska, Canal+ Polska and Studio Filmowe KADR. The film premiered internationally in June at the Karlovy Vary fest where where it earned a jury special mention. New Europe Film Sales is handling world rights.
Crew:
Director: Joanna Kos-Krauze and Krzysztof Krauze
Producer: Lambros Ziotas
Production companies: Argomedia, Telewizja Polska, Canal+ Polska, Studio Filmowe KADR
Financial support: Polish Film Institiute
World sales: New Europe Film Sales
Cast:
Jowita Budnik, Zbigniew Waleryś, Antoni Pawlicki ,Artur Steranko, Sebastian Wesołowski, Patryk Dytłow, Leokadia Brzezińska and others
Production information:
Argo Media Sp. z o.o.
ul. Wystawowa 1
51-618 Wrocław
tel. +48 71 337 37 38
