"Venice", dir. Jan Jakub Kolski
Jan Jakub Kolski received the Audience Award at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers festival in Hefei, China for his poetic film of fantasy against the backdrop of war
Produced by Akson Studio and Telewizja Polska and based on Wlodzimierz Odojewski's written prose, "Venice" is a touching depiction of growing up, escapism and angst caused by a looming reality. It is a masterfully woven tale of an eleven year old boy named Marek with a dream of visiting Venice and his incredible journey into the depths of imagination. Unfortunately, as life would have it, his glittering dream becomes a distant gleam when the Second World War erupts and he is forced to move with his mother to the countryside.
Unable to fulfill his fantasy in real life, he creates his very own Venice in the basement of his family home. Experienced vicariously through the eyes and tales of his family, Marek's vision of the city is brought into being. Every square, street and cobble stone vividly present in his mind now translated into the reality of the basement. "Venice" is a passionate story of the power and wonders of human imagination.
The cast of "Venice" features: Marcin Walewski, Magdalena Cielecka and Agnieszka Grochowska.
The Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival is the Chinese equivalent to the Academy Awards. Begun in 1981, the year of the rooster, the festival was originally only available to Chinese nominees. In 2006, they opened its doors to international artists.
Equivalent to the Golden Globes, The People's Hundred Flowers Awards was set up in 1962, and together with the Golden Rooster Festival, they are the most prestigious film awards in China.
Source: press release