PHARAOH
(FARAON)



1966, 175 min., Poland
Polish, no English subtitles

DIRECTION:
Jerzy Kawalerowicz
SCRIPT:
Tadeusz Konwicki, Jerzy Kawalerowicz
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Jerzy Wojcik , Wieslaw Zdort
ART DIRECTION:
Jerzy Skrzepinski
MUSIC:
Adam Walacinski
EDITING:
Wieslawa Otocka
SOUND:
Stanislaw Piotrowski
PRODUCED BY:
KADR Film Studio

CAST:
Jerzy Zelnik (Ramses XIII, Lykon), Wieslawa Mazurkiewicz (Queen Nikotris), Barbara Brylska (Kama), Krystyna Mikolajewska (Sara), Ewa Krzyzewska (Hebron), Piotr Pawlowski (Herhor)

A wonderful example of costume drama made with taste and intelligence. Egypt at the end of its 20th dynasty sees the empire showing signs of deterioration. The power behind the throne of Pharaoh Ramses XII lies with the selected body of priest. They jealously fight to guard their influence and rule Egypt. Young prince Ramses, heir to the throne and commander of the armies, sees the solution to Egypt's problems and sets himself against the priests in order to begin war.

JERZY KAWALEROWICZ

One of the most internationally acclaimed Polish film directors and a leading figure in the Polish Film School movement. Kawalerowicz was noted for his powerful, detail-oriented imagery and the depth of ideas in his films.

Born in Gwozdziec, Poland (now Gvozdets, Ukraine) in 1922. Studied in the Cracow Academy of Fine Arts (1946-1949), and while still there he undertook a Course for Professional Filmmaking (1946). After working as an assistant director in 1946-1949, he made his directorial debut in 1951. In 1955 he was appointed head of the prestigious KADR Film Studio. In the 80's he lectured in the Lodz Film School. Although the Communist Party member from 1954 until its dissolution, he resisted pressures from the administration to produce propaganda films. In 1983 he alienated some of his peers by signing communist government reports criticizing filmmakers aligned with "Solidarity." In 1985-89 he was a member of Polish Parliament. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including life achievement awards from the Polish Film Academy. Mar del Plata and Gdynia Film Festivals. He died in 2007 in Warsaw.

Filmography as a Director:

2001 Quo Vadis;
1995 What For? (Za co?);
1991 Bronstein's Children (Bronsteins kinder);
1989 The Hostage of Europe (Jeniec Europy);
1983 Austeria;
1980 Chance Meeting on the Atlantic (Spotkanie na Atlantyku);
1977 Deat of a President (Smierc prezydenta);
1971 Maddalena;
1968 Game (Gra);
1965 Pharaoh (Faraon); nominated to the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film;
1960 Mother Joan of Angels (Matka Joanna od Aniolow);
1959 Night Train (Pociag);
1957 The Real End of the Great War (Prawdziwy koniec wielkiej wojny);
1956 Shadow (Cien);
1954 Under the Phrygian Star (Pod gwiazda frygijska);
1953 Celulose (Celuloza);
1951 The Village Mill (Gromada).

Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 6pm (GALLERY THEATRE)