Caged Swallow (The)

(Jaskółka)

It’s the 1970’s. Gomulka, a firm Polish Communist Party leader is succeeded by a dynamic and younger Edward Gierek, Poland ends up third in the World Cup, Vietnam war finally ends and Karol Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. However, to Agnieszka Jaskółka colorful seventies bring back different memories. It is Easter 2000. Fifteen years go by after Agnieszka leaves home with her daughter Nina - now she returns to to reconcile with her father. The trip turns out to be a journey in time. Agnieszka experiences again the events from 30 years ago: growing up in the world where vodka flew constantly, being regularly forced by her drunk father to practice playing the piano at night, and her first communion dress costing less than the Beatles album. It is a world where color television and a foreign car aroused admiration and respect. On June 21, 1973, Stan Borys sings "Jaskółka uwięziona" (Imprisoned Swallow) at the Song Festival in Opole. His performance is watched on TV by all Poles including the Jaskółka family. That night, however, something else happens, something, which although not consciously realized will influence the rest of nine-year-old Agnieszka’s life...

Director: Warwas, Bartosz

Screenplay: Bartosz Warwas, Marcin Włodarski, Ewa Kustusz

Cinematography: Ernest Wilczyński

Music: no.wak

Film Editor: Cecylia Pacura, Edyta Zajdlic

Principal Cast: Marcin Włodarski, Dwa Kustusz, Barbara Dembińska, Michał Staszczak, Bronisław Wrocławski, Dorota Kiełkowicz, Tomasz Kubiatowicz, Bogusław Suszka and others

Runtime: 73 minutes

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Drama