The Balcony Movie (Film Balkonowy)

Perhaps the most Polish of all Polish films! A Polish filmmaker, Pawel Łoziński, decides to make a film from his balcony because of Covid, calling out to people on the street and interviewing them about their lives, their loves, and what are their hopes and dreams. Rotten Tomatoes gave it the rarest of ratings, 100%, saying that “Is a tribute to life, a mirror for everyone to see themselves in. Unforgettable!” Winner of multiple awards, including Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Toronto Polish Film Festival

Can anyone be a movie hero? Can the world be locked in one film frame? Director Paweł Łoziński is watching people from his balcony as they are passing by: sad, thoughtful, glued to their phones, young and old. Neighbours, random visitors or simply passers-by. The filmmaker accosts them, asks questions, talks about how they deal with life. Standing there with his camera for over 2 years he has created a space for dialogue, a lay confessional of sorts, where everyone can stop by and tell their story. The protagonists carry secrets and mysteries, and are not easy to label. Every story is unique, and life always surpasses imagination. “The Balcony Movie” is a radical comeback to the beginnings of cinema, when man approached the camera. Maybe it’s enough to stop for a moment to get a deeper insight?