THE PAWNSHOP
Jola and Wiesiek are a pair of eccentric entrepreneurs from Bytom. Together with their three employees, they run probably the biggest pawnshop in Europe. However, the time of its glory has passed with the closure of nearby mines and growing unemployment in the city. Deprived of a livelihood, the inhabitants of “Polish Detroit” pawn increasingly absurd and useless objects. Neither Wiesiek’s crazy marketing ideas nor Jola’s tender heart can help the failing business. She supports their clients not only with a kind word but also with hot soup or a warm blanket. Although the pawnshop brings losses, it becomes an important center of life for the local community. The owners make one last attempt to save their business and their love.
Lukasz Kowalski (1984) is a Polish director, journalist and creator of television programs. He graduated from the Department of Philology at the University of Silesia in Katowice. Since 2007, he has been professionally associated with Polish Television. He is the author of more than 170 short documentary films and intervention and investigative reportages. He won many awards in the most prestigious nation-wide journalist competitions. He is a co-owner of the 4.30 Studio production company.
National Film Festival Provincialia – Best Documentary Feature
Neisse Film Festival – Best Documentary
Millennium Docs Against Gravity – Grand Prix Bank Millennium Award
Astra Film Festival Sibiu – Best Film in Central & Eastern European Competition
THE PAWNSHOP (doc.)
DIRECTOR: Lukasz Kowalski
COUNTRY: Poland
YEAR: 2022.
RUNTIME: 81’
LANGUAGE: Polish
PRODUCTION: 4.30 Studio, Canal+ Polska
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EU: ZONE OF CHANGE