Spektrum kicks off in Świdnica!

Świdnica once again transforms into the film capital of Lower Silesia! October 22 marks the first day of the 10th edition of the Spektrum Film Festival. Until Sunday, the Świdnica Cultural Center will host the best films from Poland and abroad, hits from the most important film festivals, special guests, filmmakers, and VR experiences. From the festival's rich program, Paweł Kosuń – Spektrum's Artistic Director – has selected and commented on five must-see highlights.

Toxic, dir. Saulė Bliuvaitė | 1,2 Competition

A fresh and uncompromising debut by a young Lithuanian director. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such energy radiating from the screen. No wonder an unknown filmmaker in Europe won the top prize at the Locarno Festival.

The screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, at 7:45 PM.

Fremont, dir. Babak Jalali | Closing

It’s a film from the “comforting” category. A romantic comedy of the absurdities of everyday life, set against the backdrop of a Chinese fortune cookie factory and garden sculptures of shepherd dogs. It’s impossible to leave this film without a smile and a renewed belief in the beauty of simple human life.

The screening will accompany the awards ceremony, scheduled for Saturday (October 26) at 8:00 PM.

Armand, dir. Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel | 1,2 Competition

There probably isn’t a film in this year’s Spektrum program that better embodies our motto “Don’t assume.” Everything we think we know at the beginning, everything we’re sure of, is slowly dismantled, leaving us vulnerable to the precision of the film’s script. Armand is Norway’s Oscar submission.

You can watch the film at the festival on Thursday evening (October 24, 9:45 PM).

Clamor, dir. Salomé Da Souza | The Youth Perspective International Competition

Out of the 800 films submitted to the Okiem Młodych competition, this one by a young French director is the one I remember most clearly, and you should remember her name too. I am convinced that Salomé Da Souza is about to make her mark on the European film scene—if she hasn’t already, as just a week ago Zgiełk was nominated for the European Film Award. The portrayal of provincial southern France brims with brilliant staging ideas, showcasing the director’s and young actors’ talents.

The screening is scheduled for Thursday (October 24) at 12:00 PM.

New Narration

This is a new section at Spektrum—six VR experiences that you simply have to see. They are absolutely mind-blowing. These are experiences you won’t find anywhere else, and they will expand your horizons on how films can be perceived. Award-winning and showcased at the top festivals, these VR experiences will be available in Świdnica. I could watch/experience them on repeat. They contain all the emotions that make a good film: emotion, fear, surprise, suspense. If I had to choose one part of the festival not to miss, it would be the New Narratives. The VR Zone will be open from Wednesday to Sunday at Klub Bolko and the former Teatralna Café. There will also be meet-the-creator sessions in the program!