GHOSTS, SPIRITS AND MIRACLES ON A SUMMER NIGHT

GHOSTS, SPIRITS AND MIRACLES ON A SUMMER NIGHT

Short animated films of Joanna Polak co-presented by Seattle Polish Film Festival and Northwest Film Forum

Tuesday, Oct 18 2016 7:30 pm / Polish Home, 1714 18th Ave, Seattle 98122

Joanna Polak, in town for the 2016 edition of Seattle Polish Film Festival, is an award-winning animator whose films have been presented at more than 300 festivals and exhibitions worldwide, winning more than 25 awards and distinctions.

Polak has a special genius in her work in leading multi-generational groups in the creation of animation — many of the haunting and sophisticated films in this program were created join such workshops. Notable among these projects is a series of fairy tale films created with children and the elderly in the “Tales of the Borderland” project, which preserved Lithuanian, Gypsy, Jewish, Russian and Polish tales.

These films belong to another place and time, detailing fears, superstitions and simple joys that are as long-vanished as the people who lived them. Still, they strike a modern chord as well, capturing a timeless human longing for magic, redemption and understanding of loss.

In Seattle, Polak’s work as appeared in three consecutive editions of Children’s Film Festival Seattle, produced by Northwest Film Forum, and distributed throughout the USA as part of the festival’s “Best of the Fest” touring programs.

For information about a multi-generational animation workshop Polak is leading in Seattle, visit http://www.nwfilmforum.org/live/page/workshops/3262#4083.

For more information on the Seattle Polish Film Festival, visit http://www.polishfilms.org/

Ghosts, Spirits and Miracles on a Summer Night

Shedyk

(Joanna Polak, Poland, animation, 2011, 2:31 min) In Polish with English subtitles.

A peddler comes to town, and everyone trades their colorful clothing for newer things.

Sensible Senses

(Joanna Polak, created in a workshop with children, Poland, 2013, 5:30 min) Nonverbal, with text in English.

A man learns all about his five different senses, and how they help him understand his world and make him feel.

Underground City

(Joanna Polak and youth filmmakers, Poland, live action and animation, 2014, 7:30 min) In Polish with English subtitles.

A boy is transported to a colorful underground city where a three-headed dragon shows him the fantastical legends of Lublin, Poland.

About a Man and His Devil Partner

(Joanna Polak and Daria Kopiec, Poland, 2014, 3:37 min) In Polish with English subtitles.

A tale, told in chalkboard animation, about the original battle between good and evil.

The Legend of the Angel of Oblivion

(Joanna Polak,  2013, 2:50 min) In Polish with English subtitles.

Sand animation tells the story of a haunted widower, who is saved from beyond the grave so that he can find another bride and have children.

Portraits

(Joanna Polak, 2014, 3:28 min) No dialog.

Stop motion animation tracks a spooky landscape haunted by both the living and the dead.

About the Miracles of Kupala Night

(Joanna Polak, 2013/14, 2:48 min)

One night a year, the unbelievable happens: magic is in the air.

Hammocks

(Joanna Polak, 2012/13, 3:27 min)

The Jewish population of a small village was there, and then suddenly, it wasn’t.

Scare

(Joanna Polak, 2012/13, 2:29 min)

Two groups of parents, both afraid of each other, spread the fear to their children.

About the Origin of the Earth

(Joanna Polak and Daria Kopiec, Poland, 2014, 2:29 min)

This film, made in a workshop with elders, children and animators, recounts a creation legend from the Polish village of Krasnogruda near the Lithuanian border.

About Growing Stones

(Joanna Polak, with youth filmmakers) 2013/14, 2:13 min

A legend about a time long ago, when stones grew so quickly God felt the need to do something about it.

About a Little Pillow

(Joanna Polak, 2011, 3:18 min)

A girl makes a pillow for her beloved from the beautiful feathers of swans.

About What’s Most Important

(Joanna Polak, 2011, 2:40 min)

Haunting music of a song based on “Bylo Solntse,” and performed by Russian Old-Believers, threads together this animation about the perils of belief and non-belief.

The Legend About a Dream of Leshek the Black

(Joanna Polak, created with youth filmmakers) 2012, 3:50 min

The Archangel Michael appears in the dream of sleeping prince, and leaves behind a sword to help him win a battle.

Trailer: Creative process behind The Tales of the Borderland project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx4674u7fI4

Sensible Senses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfE-vPJSAwU