According to RÚV, Icelandic cinemas are entering “Wolka” – a Polish-Icelandic production that debuted at this year’s Reykjavik International Film Festival and is the last film by director Árni Ólafur Ásgeirsson, who died last year at the age of 49, just three months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The film tells the story of a Polish woman who has just finished a 15-year prison sentence for murder. For reasons he knows only, he breaks the parole and goes to Iceland in search of a woman.
The film, the fourth in Árnia Ólafur’s oeuvre, has been in development for some time – a decade in fact. Árni Ólafur, who was married to the Polish set designer Marta Luiza Macuga, lived in Poland and wanted to make a film about Polish society in Iceland. After returning to Iceland, he met screenwriter Michał Godzic. They started working on the script together and finished it nine years later.
– ADVERTISEMENT –
In addition to the RIFF debut, a special screening of the film “Wolka”Was also held at Vestmannaeyjar. “It was definitely a very emotional experience for my son and me” Marta said. “It was weird to be there without Árnie. I don’t think I’ll ever come back to Vestmannaeyjar. Wherever I went, I felt Árni should be there with us. Here in Reykjavik it was easier for me, the whole team was with me so it was easier to handle. I was able to enjoy myself more and celebrate the film’s release. He’s good and people will appreciate him.
Olga Boładź, one of the most outstanding Polish film stars, played the main role of Anna. “I met Árni Ólafur in Poland” – he recalls. “He called and asked if I would like to play Anna. I read the script and fell in love with it, it was such a beautiful role that gave so many possibilities. I said, “Yes, thank you.” He was one of the most amazing directors I’ve ever worked with. “
Filming Vestmannaeyjar during the winter was difficult, but Olga recalls it positively. “It was hard due to the weather and frost. But Iceland is such a beautiful country, and the people are friendly and kind, especially Poles, because wherever I went, I met Poles. They were really proud that a film is being made about Poles who live in Iceland. I hope they like it “ – says Olga.
Olga believes that “Wolka”Is a story that will have a wide resonance. And although this story may be of particular importance to Poles living in Iceland, Olga believes that it will broaden people’s perceptions of this community. “This story is certainly about Polish society [na Islandii]but shows them in a new light. Árni wanted to show that Poles are not only a workforce, but also people with feelings who laugh and cry. We are normal people, just like people of all other nations ”.
Source: Yle
Leave a Reply