The year 2024 marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Marek Hłasko, an outstanding Polish prose writer and author of film scripts. He made his debut in 1954 with the short story „Baza Sokołowska” and gained recognition with the volume of short stories „Pierwszy krok w chmurach”. Both in this collection and in subsequent works he showcased the uneasy everyday life of ordinary people. His work has a universal appeal. With his uncompromising attitude, including towards communist reality, he attracted generations of young people from all around the globe. His books have been translated into Japanese, Korean, Hebrew and almost all European languages.

Marek Hlasko strongly marked his presence in Polish cinematography. His short stories have always been eagerly screened as student shorts. He has also written scripts for important films. During the festival we aim to introduce both his works and his fascinating biography.

The Depot of the Dead, dir. Czesław Petelski (Poland) 1958, 104’, 15+

Stefan Zabawa is sent to the “The Depot of the Dead”, a unit almost cut off from the world, engaged in transporting wood. It consists of criminals who want to avoid conviction while working in dangerous conditions. Zabawa begins working with a difficult group of workers, among whom any imprudent gesture can cause conflict. The film is an adaptation of one of the most famous books written by Marek Hłasko – “Next to Heaven”.

The film will be screened in Polish language version.

Projekcja zostanie poprzedzona prelekcją Piotra Kotowskiego. 

The screening will be preceded by a lecture held by Piotr Kotowski.