Undoubtedly the most popular and controversial Polish director conquered national box-office records with 5 million tickets sold to 2018 'Kler' (awarded by 3 Polish Eagles). He already celebrated one 'Wedding' in 2004, when Smarzowski’s debut earned a Special Mention from the Youth Jury in Locarno. After 17 years and 6 other divisive films with harsh smash of Polish social realities Smarzowski closes the loop of time, turns to his roots, and invites for two different weddings. Today and in the Past.

In the very first co-production with Latvia, the relentless director makes us dance with love and hatred, but bitingly exposes the ugliness of manipulation and reminds us of unpleasant common historical crimes. In painfully poignant fast-paced drama an established Polish Master is never afraid to reveal uncomfortable truths and observe human sins, which need no translation.

Shady greedy authoritative trader Rysek has not enough time for all corrupted affairs and arranges important business meeting just before the wedding of his heavily pregnant daughter, who wants nothing else, but to run away from depressing homeland. Vodka and debauchery disco polo driven celebration is fearfully observed by elderly patriarch Antoni Wilk, who witnessed one turbulent wedding during WWII and experienced the first unexpected love.

Gradually, invisible boundaries of history and memories disperse with revelations of longly silenced and buried secrets, lies, betrayals, wishes. This time wedding’s hangover will be brutal. It would be impossible to jump on to another day just with hollywooden slogan “what happened somewhere, stays only there”.

Edvinas Pukšta