Scorsese to promote Polish cinema

Martin Scorsese. Photo: wikipedia

Taxi Driver director Scorsese has picked 21 classics for his showcase, taking in works by filmmakers including Andrzej Wajda, Wojciech Has, Krzysztof Kieslowski and Krzysztof Zanussi.

The project, "Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema", will kick off in February 2014 in New York at the Film Society of Lincoln Centre.

Scorsese has often spoken of his admiration for Polish film, and in December 2011 he was given an honorary doctorate by the Lodz Film School, alma mater of many of Poland's most noted directors and cinematographers.

During the 2011 ceremony, he said that the experience was like coming home.

“Actually, I feel like I'm a part of this school and that I attended it,” he enthused.

“This title is a great honour for me.”

During the 1990s, Scorsese backed the restoration of Wojciech Has's The Saragossa Manuscript (1965), together with Francis Ford Coppola and Grateful Dead rock veteran Jerry Garcia.

That cult film, together with Has's The Hourglass Sanatorium (1978), is among the works chosen by the Raging Bull director for his Polish showcase.

Other movies picked include Andrzej Munk's Eroica, Krzysztof Zanussi's Illumination, Andrzej Wajda's Ashes and Diamonds and Krzysztof Kieslowski's Blind Chance. (nh)

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza