directed by Piotr Chrzan, Poland, 2015, 99 min, drama, english subtitles, original title: Klezmer

cast: Lesław Żurek, Dorota Kuduk, Kamil Przystał

Premiered in Venice, the debut feature by Piotr Chrzan tells the story of a rural community living in the Polish countryside under German occupation. On a warm and sunny summer afternoon in 1943, a group of young folks goes to the forest to gather some brushwood. Suddenly, in the woods they come across a wounded Jew, who is barely alive, and they have to decide what to do with him. Should they show him mercy or rather turn him in to the local authorities and earn some money? The director skilfully builds the story, while guiding us through what seems to be an endless forest, revealing the characters' true natures with every step. A complex, very realistic and engaging portrait of people facing decisions that overwhelm them, this ascetic and insightful film is a basis for reflection and further discussion.

Awards:
Venice FF 2015 (Giornate degli Autori)