Battle of Britain movies put on hold

Summarising the decisions of its second session of 2015, PISF argued that “at this stage both scripts are not sufficiently developed.

“Their current level does not guarantee an adequate artistic quality for the prospective films, and this is essential for the films to meet with international interest at festivals and with regard to distribution.”

One of the Battle of Britain movies was set to be made by director of the moment Łukasz Palkowski, whose recent movie 'Gods' was Poland's biggest success at the domestic box office in 2014, and a winner of numerous festival awards.

However, Palkowski has not been left in the lurch, as PISF granted him PLN 3.5 million at the same session for another film, provisionally entitled 'Double Iron Man.'

The second Battle of Britain movie was due to be directed by Władysław Pasikowski, whose 2014 Cold War spy movie 'Jack Strong' was another box-office and festival success.

His project is about a fictional RAF formation modelled on the predominantly Polish 303 Squadron, while Palkowski's script is based on a wartime account of the actual squadon written by celebrated author Arkady Fiedler.

The 303 Squadron shot down more enemy planes during the Battle of Britain than any other RAF unit, and it continues to enjoy legendary status in Poland.

Panellists who took part in the recent PiSF session included directors Wojciech Smarżowski, Jan Komasa and Agnieszka Holland, all of whom have made acclaimed movies about World War II.

All in all seven movies, including two debuts, were given the green light at the session, with a combined PLN 16. 2 million guaranteed in funding. Five other films will be granted funds, although precise sums have yet to be clarified. (nh)