For three days, cinema lovers will be able to immerse themselves in six fascinating films, exploring themes ranging from the environment and modern technologies, through extraordinary images of icons of cinema and society, to deep psychological issues, the rhythmic tones of music and sports emotions.
During the 21st MDAG in Walbrzych, we will see films that have received recognition at the world’s most important film festivals, as well as works created by distinguished filmmakers from around the world. It is not only a cinematic journey around the world, but also a rich exploration of important themes that reflect the diversity of human experiences and global challenges.
Films that are especially worth watching:
‘Cup 71’ – a documentary exploring the history of women’s football since 1971.
“Into the Fire.” “The Anita Pallenberg Story” – A portrait of the Rolling Stones’ eccentric muse.
“The Natural Wildness of the Heart” – the story of a Norwegian family facing life changes.
“Rave” – a story about the Polish techno scene.
“Every Little Thing” – a film about the Hummingbird Clinic in Los Angeles.
“The YouTube Effect” – analyzing the platform’s impact on contemporary society.
The slogan of this year’s edition of MDAG is “In Relation to the World” and refers to the exceptional value of documentary cinema, where we can look at ourselves, as in a mirror, and learn more about ourselves, others and the world.
MDAG Festival 2023 program at Apollo Cinema:
May 17, at 6 p.m
Cuba 71, dir. James Erskine, Rachel Ramsay
The best women’s soccer teams participated in the major competition in 1971 in Mexico. More than 60 years later, the filmmakers revisit events that were deliberately erased from history.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup was first organized by FIFA in 1991. We see this event as the official beginning of a new era in the history of sports, but is this true? 20 years ago, the first women’s team championship was held in Mexico, but it was erased from the pages of history. The fact that the vast majority of football fans know nothing about Copa 71 shows how uncomfortable this event was for world football authorities. The film reveals a wealth of archival material related to the tournament. It was produced by Venus and Serena Williams among others.
May 17, at 8 pm
in hell. Story by Anita Pallenberg, dir. Svetlana Zille, Alexis Bloom
Anita Pallenberg – German model and actress – gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s. The film, in which Scarlett Johansson reads her diary, tells the story of the bizarre life of the Rolling Stones muse.
She has been described as a rock and roll goddess, voodoo priestess, and evil seductress. He was accused of trying to break up the Rolling Stones due to his relationships with three members of the band. Many Stones songs were inspired by it, and it was even called the sixth Stones. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine. Anita Pallenberg – German model and actress – gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to her turbulent biography. The film, in which Scarlett Johansson reads Anita’s diary, tells the story of her strange life, family and career. We learn about her previously unpublished memories.
05/18 at 6 pm
Natural Wild Heart, dir. Silje Evensmo Jacobsen
Winner of the main prize in the Sundance International Documentary Competition
The fate of a family who enjoyed a self-sufficient life on a Norwegian farm, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is turned upside down. How will they face change?
For years, the family of parents and four children has enjoyed a self-sufficient life on a Norwegian farm, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in harmony with nature. An unexpected tragedy turned their lives upside down. The compassion they show to each other also extends to the animals, the home, and the surrounding nature. The film asks the question of how to manage yourself and your family in times of grief. It emphasizes the need to accept change and find a new way of life.
05/18 at 8 pm
Delirium, dir. David Nickel, Lucas Rondoda
The film is about techno music and rave culture in Poland. Will the younger generation be able to reconcile Poland’s club scene, which has been divided by class since the 1990s?
The guide to this world is two young musicians: Marisia Janusz, and Marcelo Zamenhof, a musician and one of the pioneers of techno music in Poland. The characters search for an answer to the basic question: Will the younger generation be able to reconcile Poland’s club scene, which has been divided by class since the 1990s?
May 19, at 16.00
It’s all small, dir. Sally Aitken
Terry Masser runs a clinic for the world’s smallest birds – hummingbirds – at his home and beautiful garden in Los Angeles. The film becomes a story about resisting life’s blows and the process of healing body and soul.
These adorable little creatures are brought here from all over California. Images of hummingbirds, resembling the spirits of fairy tales, combined with beautiful images of the natural environment, emphasize the main theme of the film – resistance to life’s blows and the healing process of body and soul.
May 19, at 6 p.m
YouTube Effect, dir. Alex Winter
The history of YouTube is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. The film looks not only at the platform, but also at the way it has changed our lives and our thinking.
YouTube was founded in 2005 by three young IT professionals from PayPal Holdings and quickly became one of the most powerful online platforms. Initially, it was visited by 8 million users daily – today it is 2.6 billion. It is currently the second most popular website after Google and has a huge impact on culture and society. While it provides easy and quick access to news and entertainment, it is also a source of misinformation. How did it change our lives and our thinking?
“Amateur social media maven. Pop cultureaholic. Troublemaker. Internet evangelist. Typical bacon ninja. Communicator. Zombie aficionado.”
