Polish film: Spoor

The film is based on the novel Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk. The story follows Janina Duszejko, a retired engineer living in an isolated mountain village near the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. When her neighbours start dying mysteriously, Janina becomes the prime suspect. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, 2017, 128 minutes. Introductory presentation by Lidija Rezoničnik. In cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

The director describes the film as “an anarchist-feminist eco-crime film with elements of black comedy.” It intertwines the beauty of nature with the cruelty of society, exploring themes of justice, environmentalism and compassion for animals. Despite being a thriller at its core, the film confronts the viewer with moral questions about the world we live in. It was awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlinale, and was hailed by many critics as “the Polish Fargo” for its unique blending of genres and stylistic daring.