The film Pociągi (Trains), directed by Polish filmmaker Maciej Drygas and edited by Rafał Listopad, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The film triumphed in the International Competition category, one of the most significant accolades in the world of documentary filmmaking. Additionally, Rafał Listopad received the Best Editing Award for his exceptional work on the film, marking a double victory for the Polish team.
A Landmark Achievement
IDFA is renowned as one of the most influential festivals dedicated to documentary cinema. Winning in this prestigious forum not only highlights the creative excellence of Pociągi but also underscores the power of archival storytelling. The jury praised the film’s “bold and inventive use of archive,” noting its ability to explore the dual-edged legacy of industrial progress. They described the film as a haunting meditation on history, observing:
“This is a bold and inventive use of archive. The film shows us routes to the positive and negative consequences of modern industrial innovation. It harnesses the magic of cinema and as an audience, we are haunted by our present historical time, even while we bear witness to the past.”
Celebrated Editing
Rafał Listopad’s masterful editing was also recognized with the Best Editing Award. The jury commended his work for seamlessly guiding audiences through a journey across time, entirely without dialogue:
“This film was masterfully edited. Both image and sound took us on a journey moving seamlessly through time. The film confronts us with history both subtly and with exacting precision and without a single word of dialogue.”
A Poetic Exploration of Humanity
Pociągi is a reflection on the 20th century through the lens of train travel, crafted entirely from archival footage. Opening with a poignant quote from Franz Kafka—“There is plenty of hope. An infinite amount of hope. But not for us.”—the film weaves a rich tapestry of human aspirations, tragedies, and resilience. Scenes of steam locomotives and festive rail journeys gradually give way to images of war, displacement, and human suffering. Through these juxtapositions, the film highlights cycles of beauty and destruction, challenging viewers to reflect on humanity’s choices throughout history.
Accompanied by a meticulously crafted soundscape and a stirring score by Paweł Szymański, Pociągi creates a profound sensory and emotional experience.
Team Behind the Masterpiece
Director & Writer: Maciej Drygas, a veteran of Polish documentary filmmaking and professor of directing.
- Editor: Rafał Listopad, celebrated for his meticulous approach to storytelling.
- Music: Paweł Szymański, whose composition adds depth and nuance to the film.
- Producer: Vita Żelakeviciute, who also co-produced alongside Era Film and Telewizja Polska.
A Journey Through History
In Pociągi, the train becomes a metaphor for human progress and its consequences. The archival footage evokes a powerful narrative of technological achievement and its darker side, from the joy of exploration to the horrors of war. The film asks a compelling question: Which route will humanity choose?
Sources: IDFA and Polish Film Academy in Łodz / PWSFTviT
Photo: Amsterdam ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska communications-unlimited.nl
