Manhunt competes for Krakow Film Award

Marcin Dorocinski (L) and Maciej Stuhr (R): image - Kino Swiat

Manhunt (Oblawa) presents an unflinching portrait of Polish partisans during the Second World War and the trials of endurance in the forests.

“I don't believe in glamour in this forest, I suppose it was a kind of hell,” director Marcin Krzysztalowicz told our reporter, Nick Hodge.

For the director, it was a deeply personal project, as Krzysztalowicz's late father was himself a veteran of Poland's official underground force, the Home Army. Like the main character in Manhunt, Krzyształowicz Senior was assigned to execute Nazi informants.

“This film is specifically a morality play,” Krzysztalowicz said.

“I try to explain why my father was a very closed man,” he reflected.

Manhunt is competing against 11 international films from Romania to South Korea in Off Plus Camera's main competition.

Only debut or second films are eligible, and 100,000 dollars await the winner this weekend.

Meanwhile, the parallel Polish Feature Film Competition pits 11 home-grown movies against each other.

Artistic Director of the festival Ania Trzebiatowska believes it's been a vintage year for the Polish film industry.

“The Polish Film Institute is doing a brilliant job in terms of supporting new projects,” she said.

The 6th Off Plus Camera Film Festival wraps up on Sunday, and the winners of both competitions will be announced on Saturday night. (nh)