The digital remaster of “The Birch Wood,” the premiere of “Diplomacy” by Volker Schlöndorff, Tadeusz Sobolewski’s “Cinema Lesson,” and screenings under the stars – Two Riversides is not slowing down after its powerful opening day.

At the festival we will watch a “refreshed” version of “The Birch Wood” by Andrzej Wajda. Although the 1970 film about the provincial life of two brothers is universal and remains up-to-date, time has not been kind to the film tape. A digital reconstruction allows for a new appreciation of the lighting, colour, and extraordinary intensity of Zygmunt Samosiuk’s photography. The screening will be attended by Andrzej Wajda and Emilia Krakowska, who plays one of the leading roles.

We will also see the premiere of Volker Schlöndorff’s “Diplomacy.” Set during World War II, the story of the negotiations between a German general and a Swedish consul shows how victory or defeat in war often rely not on the soldiers on the battlefield, but on the individuals who make decisions from afar. The director of the Palme d’Or- and Oscar-awarded film “The Tin Drum” has already fascinated the participants of this year’s Berlinale with his latest film.

We will start off the “Music – My Love” section with the rhythm of Brazilian dance. Two Riverside festival-goers will have the opportunity to see the Polish premiere of “O Samba” by Georges Gachot, who is one of the guests at this years edition. The titular samba is not just the sensual movements of hips, but an inseparable part of Brazilian culture. The documentary washes away the image of Brazil as the host of the World Cup football tournament.

Years ago, Henri Bergson wrote: “Time is open.” Tadeusz Sobolewski adds: “Cinema is the only art form that allows to see and grasp this.” During his cinema lesson, one of the most prominent film critics will take us on a journey through the films of Antonioni, Resnais, Ozu, and Has – cinema that relies on “observation” and not “action.”

Is there anything better than a film in the open air? We will find out tonight. Perła Cinema will open with the screening of “Only Lovers Left Alive.” At the Small Market Square we will see how Jim Jarmusch deals with the topic of vampires, which has been so popular in recent years. The director of such films as “Permanent Vacation” and “Stranger Than Paradise” tells a stylish, melancholy tale of vampiric love that spans centuries.

Two Riversides is also an opportunity to talk. Following the screenings of “Shimon’s Returns” and “The Family Album,” all are invited to the I Love Cinema Café to meet Katka Reszke and Andrzej Titkow.

The 8th edition of Two Riversides will present 90 feature films and 60 competition films. We recommend visiting the E-SHOP. The little-great festival will last until August 10th. See you all in Kazimierz Dolny and Janowiec nad Wisłą!

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