European Film Festival Integration You and Me - KOSZALIN

30th August 2012

Final countdown

All set. We are now looking forward to the first screening. During today's press conference we have presented the most important points in the programme of the 9th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'.

 

Phot. Wojtek Szwej

 
29th August 2012

Undefeated's drift

It will be a loud accent at the end of the Festival. On 8th August we would like to invite everybody to a rally driving event at a go-cart track in Koszalin. Polish best drifters will present their skills then. Drifting means driving a car in a controlled skidding.
 
We would especially like to recommend performances of two special drivers. Bartek Ostałowski lost his arms in an accident a few years ago. However, disability has not forced him to resign from his passion. He has become the first licenced rally driver in Poland who drives without using his hands. And he does it really well.

The second driver who is also special is the youngest Polish drifter Adam Zalewski. This 12-year-old boy has taken part in Baltic Drifting Cup which takes place in Koszalin Motopark. He got to TOP-16 in the third round. After this he was asked to take part in Drift Open in Wodzisław Śląski and in the first league of drifting whose last round will take place in Poznań in September. 

Adam has also taken part in the European final of Easykart in Poznań and  in the world final in Italy. In 2008 he was third in the general classification of go-cart cup Easykart 60.

28th August 2012

Renata Chilewska  - flagbearer of Polish Paralympic Games representation

The choice of a flagbearer has not been coincidental. Renata Chilewska – an athlete is one of the most experienced sportswomen in the Polish representation. She got six medals for discus throwing, javelin throwing and shot put at Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Athens and Beijing and at world and Europe championships. The members of the representation call her 'a good spirit' of the team.

In 2010 Renata Chilewska was a guest of EFF 'Integration You and Me'. She talked with young people about her achievements. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26th August 2012

The blind 'will see' a painting exhibition for the first time

An audiodescription technique has been created for the needs of a film. However it has occurred that it can also be applied to other types of art. For the first time in Koszalin audiodescription will help the blind experience paintings of artists from 'Nasza galeria' /Our gallery/ from Łódź. The exhibition will be an accompanying event of 9th EFF 'Integration You and Me'.

Nasza Galeria Association supports artistically talented disabled people by organising outdoor painting workshops and exhibitions, promoting its members' achievements in albums and calendars as well as by showing their works in the media.

Especially for the exhibition in Koszalin there have been prepared descriptions for the blind to each painting. A speaker will describe the way the painting looks like, its colours, a technique of painting, they will also talk about its author. The technique of audiodescription will allow the blind to experience the exhibition comfortably and independently.
 
24th September 2012

Future technology devices

As the main motto of this year's edition of the Festival is  'I'm from the 21st century. I look into the future', we will present innovations which will be commonly used by the disabled in a few months or years.

Scientists from Lodz University of Technology will present unique devices. During the presentation which will take place in the festival's city on Wednesday everybody will be able to check how some devices work, e.g. a machine used to work on a computer using brain waves or a prototype of a keyboard with 64 signs which is operated by focusing one's eyesight on a particular sign. This device may be used by the physically disabled and people who are fully paralysed.

There will also be a prototype of a navigation system for the blind and partially-sighted. The blind is equipped with a small device with a video camera, gps, headphones and a microphone. Thanks to this the blind is able to communicate with a remote operator that observes the image from the blind's video camera and sees the person's location on a map on their computer. The operator sends oral information and warnings which make it easy for the blind to notice particular dangers and they help to move around new places. Both terminals communicate by GSM network and the internet. The prototype of the system has already been tested by the blind.

Another innovative idea is a system of  3D tactile presentation of the surrounding which enables the blind to explore by touch places already modeled on a computer. The system comprises of a video camera, a computer and a haptic device. The camera registers physical characteristics and a location of real objects which are reconstructed on a computer and available for exploration by touch with the use of a haptic manipulator. Tests with the disabled have shown that the system is appropriate for  haptic exploration of the surrounding.

 

21st August 2012

Meetings with incredible people

They have overcome weaknesses of their bodies and they have reached what the able-bodied dream about. They live life to the full. Special guests of the Festival will be people who despite their disabilities fulfill their passions. They will talk about them during meetings in schools, prison and Festival's city in Koszalin.

For the first time we will host people after heart transplantation.  Tomasz Łomowski, Patryk Koczyba, Lidia Rybicka and Jan Statuch have received the second life. Now they systematically play sport and they have been  successful at national and international competitions. They also promote a healthy lifestyle and support actions popularising transplantations which save people's lives.
 
Bartek Ostałowski will talk about driving a car without using hands. He is a licenced rally driver who despite having lost his arms hasn't resigned from his dreams. Bartek will show his skills in practice during an event at Koszalin's go-cart track. 
 
Another guest who has confirmed his arrival in Koszalin is Paweł Januszewski – an athlete who has taken part in the Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney. In 1998 he became a European champion in 400m hurdles despite the fact that a year before he had had health problems and it seemed he would never come back to professional sport. For three years he has organised an action 'I run because I like it' in more than 30 places in Poland. He also supports a programme 'YES for transplantation'.

Moreover, we will be able to listen to fascinating stories of travellers who have reached poles: Janek Mela, castles – Rafał Gręźlikowski and the sky – Maciej Horbowski.

Times and places of the meetings can be found in the Festival's programme. 
 
14th August 2012

Cabaret for good start

The opening of the Festival is always accompanied by an artistic event. This year the event will be not only important but also humorous. At the inauguration we will see a cabaret 'Drzewo A Gada'.

Patryk Laksa, Kuba Nowrotek and Ludwik Konopko from 'Drzewo A Gada' will show a match and a walk in an acoustic version, an open day in a closed institution, bath in a jacuzzi with untypical supply, live fortune telling and many songs which are about beat topics.

 

Cabaret 'Drzewo A Gada' Photography: cabarete's archives
 
'Drzewo A Gada' continues an idea of Absurd Cabaret which stopped existing a few years ago. In 2010 Absurd Cabaret Association came into life and it attended to 'Drzewa A Gada'. The association plans to reactivate Absurd Cabaret consisting of mentally retarded people and also to start other artistic forms engaging the disabled.

13th August 2012

Official programme

In Festival 2012 section there can be found a detailed programme of 9th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'. The programme includes times of screenings of both competing and non-competing films as well as a wide range of accompanying events which will take place in the Festival's city next to Alternatywa cinema and in other places in Koszalin. Admission to screenings and events is free. We would also like to remind that we do not make reservations for the screenings. 
 

7th June 2012

„Let’s integrate and animate!” workshop

Dates of the Workshop: 01-05.10.2012

Venue of the Workshop:  Poland / Dźwirzyno

Topic of the Workshop:
„Let’s integrate and animate!” workshop is an unique event concerning creation of animation movie. There is equal access to it for everyone. The language of animation movie is understandable for everybody regardless culture, background, age, skills. No matter if you are educated or not, where you live or if you are disabled or able-bodied. You have to be just hot-headed and be ready to use your heart, hands, foot or mouth to model, paint, draw. It is an offer for those who need to express themselves through art. Our materials will be flour, salt, bread, paints, crayons etc. During our workshop you will learn what the production stages are, how to prepare scenario, storyboard, layout. You will be involved in drawing, scannning and compositing but also in montage and scoring. Your mentor will be artists from famous Miniature Film Studio from Warsaw. During the workshop you will create your own animation movie! So let’s integrate and animate!

 

The closing date for submissions is 30th of June 2012.

 

Download the information sheet

 

Download the application form

 

20th February 2012

Film recruitment to the 9th European Film Festival "Integration You and Me" has started!

The EFF “Integration You and Me” will be held for the eighth time between 4th and 8th of September 2012 in Koszalin. 

The Festival's organisers already accept applications to the best feature, documentary and amateur film contests. In a Festival 2012 section there can be found regulations of the 8th EFF "Integration You and Me" as well as an application form.

We'd like to call film makers for participation in the Festival.

 

 

10th September 2011

The results are known

After watching movies of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' in categories: feature film (7 films), documentary film (22 films) and amateur film (6 films), the Jury decided as follows:

‘Motyl 2011’ for the best feature film to 'Eep!!' by Mieke de Jong (Netherlands) which in its original, sophisticated and witty way shows the happiness of coexisting with a different being and about inevitability of being apart.

 

‘Motyl 2011’ for the best documentary film to 'For once in my life' by Jim Bigham (USA) for the touching story about the difficult connection of talent and passion, which leads to the happy ending.

‘Motyl 2011’ for the best amateur film to 'A dream about Wild West' by Marek Włodzimirow and Radek Dąbrowski (Poland) for showing how a great fun can bring unexpected effects.

Second prize for the amateur film to 'Pipette' by Wojciech Sankiewicz (Poland) in which authors created a funny film form showing a great efficiency of animation.

Audience award to the feature film 'Bad lyrics' by Marcin Maziarzewski (Poland).

 

10th September 2011

Barbara Bielińska Jaroszyk has been awarded

Barbara Bielińska Jaroszyk  - the Festival's director – was awarded an order „Zasłużona dla kultury polskiej” /Distinguished for Polish culture/  during the closing ceremony of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'. The order was awarded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
 

Barbara Bielińska Jaroszyk is receiving the order. Photography Wojtek Szwej
 
10th September 2011

Small Festivals

Accompanying events of the main Festival have taken place in 13 places in Poland. There have been screenings of some competing films, concerts and exhibitions organised by the disabled. Among the organisers of the Small Festivals have been people related to European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' – prizewinners  in an amateur film category  and Festival fans.

Small Festival in Piła. Photography – organisers' archives

 

Small Festival in Piława Górna – organisers' archives
 
10th September 2011

Life is not only about taking...

We should mention people sometimes called 'good angels' without whom our Festival would not have taken place. They – volunteers – are reluctant to say a few words about their work at the Festival, they do not like boasting. Among them there have been the disabled who have devoted their time to help others. They are of different ages, educational backgrounds, life experiences. However, they all admit that everything they do comes from the bottom of their hearts. 

Many of them treat voluntary work as a part of their life. Others treat it as an opportunity to experience something inspiring, to meet new people or to contact people who prefer helping others to complaining about the whole world.

'In order to live you need to give something in return' – these are a few words from Stanisław Sojka's song. The sense of these words seems to be up to date. What makes us – the organisers proud is the fact that a number of volunteers wanting to help others during the Festival is still rising.

9th September 2011

Film – my passion

For young film makers film is their life passion. As artists get older their point of view changes. They tend to become more rational.

These two points of view represented by two generations of artists had a chance to talk during a discussion 'Film – my passion'. In one group there were experienced artists: Jan Nowicki, Janusz Anderman andPaweł Łoziński and in the second one young artists: Paweł Jeleński – a founder of yourmovieteam.com portal, a film maker,  Bartosz Terlicki – a co-author of 'Pipeta' and Rafał Gużkowski – a director.

 

   
The young artists were full of artistic energy. Paweł Jeleński pointed out that film art dis not know barriers and everyone willing and ambitious could become a director. Rafał Gużkowski said that for the disabled time at a film plan could result in emotional catharsis.

Paulina Malinowska-Kowalczyk, who loves translating films, also supported the young artists.

Jan Nowicki was very honest and admitted that he had never had a passion. He said he hadn't wanted to become an actor. He had become one because he hadn't wanted to go to the army. He added that he did his best at work.

 

 

Paweł Łoziński also looks at a film maker's life rationally. He emphasised that it is first and foremost hard work.

The discussion was summarised by Janusz Anderman saying that passion needs to be a basis of each art work.
 
9th September 2011

Looking from the sky

Maciej Horbowski has presented a collection of his photographs. What is unique about it is the place where the photographs have been taken – a paraglide. We can see incredible landscapes and places which seem even more beautiful from the sky. 
 

Photography by Maciej Horbowski
 

8th September 2011

Art devoid of barriers

One of the attractions of the third day of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' were art workshops organised in 'Scena' gallery. Instructors talked about e.g. the production of ceramics and fabric sheet. Both volunteers and the disabled took part in the workshops and made their own objects.

7th September 2011

Sea songs

A harbour without sea songs? Impossible. At the end of the second day of the Festival we had a chance to listen to Roman Roczeń's sea songs. The atmosphere was so good that even the weather didn't disturb us. It appears that once again music connected people.

 

 

7th September 2011

Jan Nowicki: you need to get ill to become a human

One question to Jan Nowicki – a jury member of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'

Have you had contact with the disabled in your professional life?
- Yes, but I have realised that here. I haven't treated them as the disabled. Actually, disability is something we deal with in childhood, at the end we also become disabled. The beginning and the end are a kind disability. Only in the middle does a human being jump a bit. But for a very very short period of time. I have just realised that I have worked on a play with the disabled. And actually it lasted quite long, two years, in  Dom Brata Alberta in Kraków. I went there with reluctance because these two  women were so importunate, but when I met the disabled I went into raptures. I could even say that the rapture was exaggerated, they just endeared me with their way of behaving, their straightforwardness, delicacy, seeking contrast, e.g. a body contrast.  They stroked my face. They missed me so much that I also started missing them. And then I thought: you need to get ill to become a human. It was wonderful to work with them. We had to work from scratch  because our theatre ended up with a première in Jan Słowacki Theatre. Some of them had a nurse with them on a stage. And that was sensational. I remember the disabled dance Polonez /a traditional Polish dance/ and it was the best Polonez I had ever seen because it was full of dignity and it was metaphorical. It was extraordinary...
 
7th September 2011

Integrative training

One of the attractions of the second day of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' was a project titled 'Active Rehabilitation'. The workshops were a great chance not only to see reality  from a perspective of a person on a wheelchair but also the participants could learn how to help the disabled. The participants of the workshops were volunteers from schools in Koszalin. Instructors showed for example how to move on a wheelchair sin a safe way, what to when when a disabled person falls down from a wheelchair and how to help the disabled overcome architectural barriers.

7th September 2011
The world of the disabled in paintings
European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' means not only excellent films. A rich programme of the Festival includes also interesting discussions, happenings and exhibitions concerning disability. Our guests can see 5 exhibitions.

An exhibition titled 'Integration in photos' is an outcome of integrative photography workshops in Kołobrzeg which took place before the Festival. The second exhibition is titled 'Everyone is allowed to love – Gdynia without barriers'. Thanks to these fantastic photos we can realise that disability apart from pain and suffering also means close relationships and intimacy. Another exhibition is titled 'Tapestries' by Bożena Lwowska. The author shows the disabled as cheerful and creative people who can face everyday problems. The next exhibition has been prepared by the students of Design Institute of Koszalin University of Technology. One of the objects worth seeing is a design of a modern wheelchair.
 
There has been prepared a special place for the artists of 'Nasza Galeria' /Our Gallery/ from Łódź. They have come to the Festival many times. It is also possible to see works of art which were presented in Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin before the beginning of the Festival. 

 

7th September 2011

Lesson filled with passion

Incredible travellers, amazing sports people, history-lovers, aviation-lovers and photography-lovers talked about themselves with the students of Zespół Szkół nr 1 in Koszalin. The participants of the meeting had a chance to listen to incredible stories and see photos from the speakers' journeys and competitions. Maciej Horbowski brought equipment used for paragliding. On Thursday a similar meeting will take place in a prison in Koszalin and Zespół Szkół nr 7.

 

 
7th September 2011

Face to face with computer

B-link programme is a free software enabling users to operate a computer by blinking. In order to use the software it is essential to have an internet camera. The author of the programme  -  dr  Aleksandra Królak from Łódź University of Technology showed its uses. The participants of the presentation were able to check the software in practice. 

Download b-link 
 

 

7th September 2011

Painted with mouth and feet

Małgorzata Waszkiewicz is an artist painting with feet. She is a self-taught artist and she has been painting for 13 years. She is a very cheerful person who approaches everybody with friendliness and a smile. Małgosia likes talking about her creative activity, therefore she travels around the world. During the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' Małgosia is going to paint a  50x40 cm painting. It is going to be a sunset made with oil paint.

 

Małgorzata Wojsia is a 17-year-old girl painting with her mouth. She uses both paint as well as crayons. She is a very warm, cheerful and friendly girl. During the Festival she's painting a volcano island. Therefore, there are dark colours changing into light and warm tones. 

 

6th September 2011

Inauguration accompanied with special music and pirates

Jan Nowicki and Piotr Jedliński – the president of Koszalin opened 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'. The masters of the ceremony were journalists Paulina Malinowska-Kowalczyk and Krzysztof Głombowicz. 

 

 
'Integration Harbour' – the Festival's city at Plac Polonii was opened by pirate cannon fire. This year's design of the city is related to a seaside location of Koszalin. The harbour and a tavern  will be the main location where the accompanying events will take place. 

 

 
The Festival was opened with a great film-music performance. Piotr Krakowski and Jacek Kabziński showed an incredible mix of picture and sound – parts of films with electronic and live music.

 

 
Another attraction of the inauguration was Conrado Yanez's performance. He is a Philippine vocalist who had taken part in a TV show 'Must be the music'. He amused his audience by his incredible voice and popular songs.

 

 
As a part of the inauguration the audience had also a chance to see a film titled „Mój biegun” /My pole/. This is a story of Jan Mela – the only disabled person who has reached two poles.

In Koszalin Library – the main location of the Festival – it is possible to see the following exhibitions: „Integracja w obiektywie” /Integration in photos/ with works of the participants of Kołobrzeg photo workshops, „Każdemu wolno kochać” /Everybody is allowed to love/ – Gdynia without barriers, „Gobeliny” /Tapestry/ – Bożena Lwowska and a presentation of designs from   Design Institute of Koszalin University of Technology.

 

6th September 2011

5 minutes before inauguration

The first screening took place in the morning. The students of Szkoła Podstawowa nr 7   and Specjalny Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Koszalin watched a film „Krokodyle z przedmieścia” /Suburbian crocodiles/, after the screening they took part in journalist workshops.

 

 
The Festival has been visible in Koszalin for a few days now thanks to the actors from „Na bosaka” /Barefoot theatre/ who organised a 'Blindman' action. Together with Danuta Stępień they showed problems of the blind and sand-blind in an artistic way.  

 

 

 

3rd September 2011

Special screening of film about Jan Mela

This year's Festival will open with a special screening of „Mój biegun” /My pole/ a full-length Marcin Głowacki's debut. This is a story about Jan Mela's life – the youngest person who has reached both poles and the only disabled who has achieved this. The film stars e.g. Magdalena Walach, Bartek Topa and Maciej Musiał. The film has been made for TVN channel as a part of „Prawdziwe historie” /Real stories/ cycle.

Marcin Głowacki is a writer, an author of TV programmes for TVN channel, e.g. „Nie do wiary” /Unbelievable/, “Nauka Jazdy” /Driving lessons/, “Usterka” /Defect/, he is also a director of TV series „W 11” and „Detektywi” /Detectives/.

The screening and a meeting with the director will take place on 6th September after the official opening of the Festival which will start at 6:00 p.m. in Alternatywa cinema.

 

  
A film set of "Mój biegun" /My pole/. Photography – Marcin Głowacki's archives
 
1st September 2011

National conference concerning sexuality

We would like to invite everybody to take part in an all-Poland conference 'PASSION AND LOVE – sexuality of the disabled'. It will take place on 8th September at 11.00 in an assembly hall of Koszalin University of Technology in ul. Kwiatkowskiego 6E.

Sexuality of the disabled is still an 'unidentified' and unaccepted sphere of the disabled people's lives. In Poland it is a taboo subject – a sphere that the disabled, their partners and parents are afraid of. However, every disabled person is first and foremost a human being who has their own needs and desires including intimate, sexual life.

The speakers of the conference will be e.g. prof. Bassam Aouil and the members of  Association of the Disabled Women One.pl. We would like to invite for the conference everybody interested in the topic,especially the disabled, their relatives, psychologists, teachers and people professionally helping the disabled.

Programme:
- introduction (Liliana Kurzawska, Dariusz Magierek),
- an inauguration lecture 'Love and sexuality of the disabled' (prof. Bassam Aouil),
- 'Passions of the disabled'  (Krzysztof Głombowicz),
- 'A disabled woman – a friend, a mother, a lover' (Grażyna Łapińska, Stowarzyszenie Kobiet Niepełnosprawnych ONE.PL /Association of the Disabled Women ONE.PL/),
- guests - speeches,
- a coffee break,
- a discussion 'Without Barriers',
- a summary,
- a screening of a documentary film 'Kochankowie' /Lovers/ director Rafał Skalski, Poland (51 minutes).

Organisers:
Koszalin University of Technology, Institute of Social Policy and International Affairs
Koszalin Social – Cultural Association
Koszalin Public Library
Kiwanis International Koszalin
 
1st September

Janusz Anderman joines jury

Janusz Anderman  - a screenwriter, an author of radio plays, a prose writer and a drama writer will be a member of the jury. Janusz Anderman is an author of e.g.  a documentary about Tadeusz Konwicki and a screenwriter of Janusz Nasfeter's „Śnić we śnie” /To dream in a dream/ (1979).

His book „Zabawa w głuchy telefon” /A whispering chain/ (1976) has received two awards.
Together with Sławomir Mrożek he has written „Oświadczenie” /A statement/(2002) which has been made by Jerzy Stuhr in Teatr Telewizji /Television Drama/ .

Redbad Klynstra has lately informed us that he would not be able to come to Koszalin due to serious health problems.
 
1st September

Festival's films on iplex.pl

From 6th to 10th September – parallel to the Festival it will be possible to see for free a few Festival's films on iplex.pl. Viewers will have a chance to watch 8 competing documentary films.

A list of films available on iplex.pl
IV piętro (4th floor), director. Tomasz Bardorsch, Poland 2010, 28 min.
Bez upadku (No collapse), director. Jakub Stożek, Poland 2008, 34 min.
Nora wciąż żyje (Nora is still alive), director Martin Jabs, Germany 2010, 70 min.
Obywatelka Dorotka (Citizen Dorotka), directors Brygida Frosztęga-Kmiecik, Izabela Szukalska, Poland 2009, 20 min.
Po drugiej stronie ciszy (On the other side of silence), director Piotr Suzin, Poland 2009, 10 min.
Uśmiechnij się i w nogi (Smile and run), director Ray Jacobs, the UK 2010, 13 min.
Wszystko o mnie (All about me),  direcotr Eva Katharina Bühler, Germany 2009, 56 min.
Bóg, który już nie chroni (God that no longer shelters), director Gaizka Urresti, Spain 2010, 20 min. 

 

29th August 2011

Arrival of special bus

The blind will have a chance to consult with rehabilitation specialists. The consultations will take place in a typhlobus – a specially designed bus.

The typhlobus is equipped with devices thanks to which the blind and the sand-blind are able to live normally. For example, there are convex maps and plans as well as scoring.

The arrival of the typhlobus will be accompanied with contests and  typhlodramas thanks to which everybody will get to know how to help the blind in a street and what should a friendly public space look like.

The typhlobus will stop in front of the town hall on 8th and 9th September in Koszalin.

 

24th August 2011

Paweł Łoziński: I don't feel like running away, I'd rather stand and watch

Lilia Kurzawska talks to Paweł Łoziński – a jury member of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'

You have been called 'a master of documentaries'. Do you consider this name adequate to your experience as a documentary film maker?

- We cannot talk here about mastery. There is a continuing fight with reality which doesn't want to be filmed and with my own doubts. Every film means the same suspense, as if I did everything for the first time. Experience helps, however it suggests how I shouldn't make a film rather than how I should.

Your documentaries 'Sąsiadki' /Neighbours/ or 'Taka historia' /Such a story/ touch the characters' emotions in a tangible way. How do you succeed in getting so close to a person when in today's world we are afraid of opening ourselves to others?

- Siostry' /Sisters/ and 'Taka historia' /Such a story/ are 'backyard films' which I have made about my neighbours. Before I bought a video camera and started filming we had known one another pretty well. For a documentary film maker it is an ideal situation. You do not have to get used to, because a relationship, sometimes friendship already exists. It is true that today it is more difficult to approach a character, people are afraid. The brutality of TV and the Internet doesn't help documentary film makers.
 
The characters of your films are mainly the elderly. In 'Kici-Kici' everybody is more than 70. Is old age a kind of disability?

- Supposedly I haven't always had such characters. Now I'm making a film about a young woman working in a match factory. Maybe the old age interested me more in the past, maybe I was interested in knowing how it would be in the future? Now I just look for good topics and interesting characters. Age doesn't matter here.

What fascinates you in the final moment of life which is passing and death? These are topics which are full of fear in the times of 'fashionable youth'...

- I have made a film 'Chemia' /Chemistry/ about people who fight with cancer. I definitely didn't want it to be about death but about the will of life, a film which would give hope. The fear of disease and death is ingrained in each of us.  I wanted to take a closer look at the fear, see how others deal with it.  A fashion for youth that you've mentioned is maybe a kind of escape from this fear. I don't feel like running away, I'd rather stand and watch.

You have received many awards and distinctions as a director and a screenwriter. Which has a special meaning to you?

- I don't have my favourite one. It's nice to get awards and also each of them gives me a chance   to find money for the next film. And the biggest problem is always the next film which is to be made.

Do you have your favourite film menu? I mean kind of films you watch for pleasure or fun.

- I have two daughters Ida and Maria, they find interesting films, they watch more than I do. They bring films and we watch together. Actually, everything from comedies to dramas, depending on our mood.

Your favourite saying 'Nic nie dzianie' /Doing nothing/ is on surface of our life. Why have you decided to talk about life by pictures and people living 'next to us'?

- I just like peeping with my video camera, I like looking somewhere next to me, at my neighbours, at places which I know and understand. I don't look for big recent topics, I don't make films abroad. Everything that I want to talk about is near me. I'm interested in small stories which are potentially universal.

24th August 2011
We would like to invite everybody for a conference 'PASSION AND LOVE – sexualtity of the disabled'. It will take place on 8th September at 11.00 in an assembly hall of Koszalin University of Technology, ul. Kwiatkowskiego 6E, in Koszalin.

Programme:
- introduction (Liliana Kurzawska, Dariusz Magierek),
- an inauguration lecture 'Love and sexuality of the disabled' (prof. Bassam Aouil),
- 'Passions of the disabled'  (Krzysztof Głombowicz),
- 'A disabled woman – a friend, a mother, a lover' (Grażyna Łapińska, Stowarzyszenie Kobiet Niepełnosprawnych ONE.PL /Association of the Disabled Women ONE.PL/),
- guests - speeches,
- a coffee break,
- a discussion 'Without Barriers',
- a summary,
- a screening of a documentary film 'Kochankowie' /Lovers/ director Rafał Skalski, Poland (51 minutes).

Organisers:
Koszalin University of Technology, Institute of Social Policy and International Affairs
Koszalin Social – Cultural Association
Koszalin Public Library
Kiwanis International Koszalin
 
24th August 2011

Special guests of the Festival

They have original hobbies, incredible achievements and admirable willpower. The guests of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' will be travellers, a history lover, a paraglidists and distinguished sports people.

Angelika Chrapkiewicz, Krzysztof Głombowicz, Rafał Gręźlikowski, Maciej Horbowski,  Lech Stoltman, Sylwia and Sławomir Szymański and Łukasz Żelechowski will be the main characters of our discussion without barriers. Young people from schools in Koszalin and prisoners  will also take part in the meetings.

 

  
Maciej Horbowski. Photography – Maciej Horbowski's archives

A short description of the participants of our discussion without barriers:

Angelika Chrapkiewicz – she has climbed Kilimanjaro. She cooperates with 'Nautica' Association in Kraków which organises diving courses for the disabled in Egypt and Croatia. She also works for 'Against the Odds'  Anna Dymna's Foundation.

Krzysztof Głombowicz – he has trained weightlifting, skiing, swimming. Now he is a journalist and a sports commentator.

Rafał Gręźlikowski – he spends his free time on either playing sport or exploring castles. He trains weightlifting, athletics, body-building, a pentathlon and curling. He writes a blog devoted to history and castles.

Maciej Horbowski – a paraglidist who has had an accident and has broken his spine. After a few months he flew with his friend.

Lech Stoltman – a weightlifter and a body-builder. A diving and photography lover.

Sylwia and Sławomir Szymański – a lovely young married couple. He is short, she is a much taller blonde woman. Sławomir Szymański trains weightlifting. He has taken part in World Championships and Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Łukasz Żelechowski – a computer engineer, a teacher. He plays a musical instrument, sings and climbs mountains. He has climbed e.g. Kilimanjaro and Elbrus. He has done it despite the fact that he has been blind since birth.

 

19th August 2011

"Passion and love" in Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

50 works of art have been shown since Friday in Jan Fryderyk’s chamber in  Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin.

All the paintings of artists from around the country have been presented by The Disabled Artists’ Association ‘Our Gallery’ from Łódź. The exhibition is one of the accompanying events of the 8th European Film Festival ‘Integration You and Me’ in Koszalin.

 

The exhibition. Wojtek Szwej
 
The vernissage has been seen by a few dozen people, including the Marshall of the Zachodniopomorskie Province Andrzej Jakubowski. The director of the castle  - Barbara Imielska has reminded that this has not been the first exhibition related to the Festival. Many visitors have been moved by the paintings. As always, there have also been critical opinions. Moreover, the disabled artists count on a commercial success - the works of art may be purchased.

The exhibition, which is related to the main idea of this year’s Festival, can be seen till 4th September between 10.00 and 6p.m. Afterwards the exhibition will be shown during the Festival at Plac Polonii in Koszalin.
 
19th August 2011

Special guests of a special discussion

Among many interesting accompanying events of the Festival it is worth recommending a discussion without barriers ‘Film - my passion’.

People who will take part in the discussion are: Magdalena Łazarkiewicz – a director, a jury member of this year’s Festival, Jan Nowicki – an actor, Paweł Łoziński – a director, Redbad Klijnstra – an actor, Paweł Jeleński – an independent artist supporting disabled artists and Zbigniew Korsak –a film expert.

The discussion will take place on 9th September (Friday) at 2:30 p.m.
 

17th August 2011

How to use a computer without hands?

We would like to invite the disabled and their carers for an open presentation of free B-link software which enables to use a computer with an internet camera and blinking. The program will be presented by Aleksandra Królak from Łódź University of Technology.

The meeting will take place on 7th September 2011 at 10:00 at Occupational Therapy Workshop in ul. Budowniczych 6, Koszalin.
 
A human-computer interface is steered by blinking. It consists of the following easily available elements: an internet camera and a PC. The system has been designed for the disabled, paralysed people who are not able to use traditional interfaces such as a mouse or a keyboard.

A prototype of the human-computer interface steered by blinking has been made in Medical Electronics Division of Łódź University of Technology. It has the following features:
- it shows and navigates through websites by blinking,
- it is possible to control a mouse cursor and emulate of mouse buttons and a keyboard,
- it enables to enter a text to a text editor, a spreadsheet or to an internet communicator.

On the basis of a technique of detecting deliberate blinking, Orange Labs – a research-development centre of Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. /Polish Telecom/ together with the authors of the system have launched b-link programme. The programme has been made accessible as a free programme of Open Source type http://sourceforge.net/projects/b-link/ and it is available in Polish, English and French languages. A number of downloads has exceeded 17 000.

There will be a possibility to check the programme in practice during the meeting.

The presentation is one of the accompanying events of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'.

16th August 2011

We are waiting for volunteers

People interested in voluntary work concerning organisation of the Festival are asked to contact our office – telephone number 0048 94 348 15 41.

We would also like to invite everybody for an organisational meeting on 5th September at 4 p.m. in the Festival's office at Plac Polonii in Koszalin.
 
Volunteers assist the Festival's quests, including people from abroad, they help with office work, organisation of the accompanying events or work on the Festival's website.
 

11th August 2011

Film in film

Audience who sees a special screening of „Way to understanding” will act in the film on their own. They will play in a documentary about the makers of „Way to understanding” whose director is Brygida Frosztega-Kmiecik from Andrzej Wajda Master School of Film Directing.

The documentary of Jacek Bławut's student is an attempt to define a therapeutic role of a film in its makers' and heroes' lives. During European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' in Koszalin the director will be filming the audience's reactions to a draft version of „Way to understanding”. The film which is being made in Gliwice Film Club 'Wrota' is still in the production phase.

 

'Films can be made by anyone. Good films  - only by a sensitive person – this seems to be quintessence of today's film art' – says Brygida Frosztega-Kmiecik. 'They are amateurs- at least they can be evaluated like this. However, what they do cannot be called amateur work. Gliwice Film Club 'Wrota' is a place which gathers people with the same passion – film.

Gliwice Film Club 'Wrota' runs a programme of film therapy for the disabled, it is an organiser of Film Festival 'Doors'. It also makes short films – one of them is 'Way to understanding'.

 

'A draft title 'Way to understanding' says a lot. They do not want to reveal too much – they want the picture to say... a film picture of course' – encourages Brygida Frosztega-Kmiecik. 'The first effects of their work will be visible at the Festival's non-competing screening'.

 

'Way to understanding' is a story of three disabled friends who  decide not to go to the centre where they spend their time and set off to the north of the country. The film will be shown on 8th August (Thursday) at 2:20 p.m. in the Festival's cinema 'Alternatywa' in Koszalin.
 

6th August 2011

Films in contest

The list of films in competition of the 8th European Film Festival Integration You and Me has been submited in Festival 2011. 22 documentary, 7 feature and 6 amateur films have been qualified to the contest. 

 

Film frame from 'Eep!, director Mieke de Jong 

 

6th August 2011

Programme is done

The programme of the 8th European Film Festival Integration You and Me has been issued in Festival 2011. We kindly encourage to familiarize with numerous film screenings and additional events.

 

5th August 2011

2 days with the Festival in arts cinemas

In several arts cinemas around the country there will be presented chosen films taking part in the contest of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'. Unique screenings will take place on 7th and 8th September parallel to the main events of the Festival taking place in Koszalin.

In the repertoire of the arts cinemas there will be documentaries from Poland, Germany, Holland and the United Kingdom. We will see the problems of integration and the problems of the disabled shown from different aspects and points of view. The film makers will present the essence of Alzeheimer disease and its impact on the surrounding. They will also show consequences of Torette syndrome which, for instance, causes a person to shout swear words. There will also be films about autism and films related to the main idea of this year's Festival – passion and love.

2nd August 2011

Exhibition in Szczecin

From18th August we would like to invite everybody for an exhibition 'Passion and love' which consists of works of art made by artists from The Disabled Artists Association 'Our Gallery' from Łódź. The paintings will be presented in Zamek Książąt Pomorskich in Szczecin.

A vernissage has been planned for 18th August at 6:00 p.m. in Jan Fryderyk's chamber. The exhibition can be seen till 4th September, everyday from 10:00 to 6:00 except for Mondays

The exhibition is one of the accompanying events of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me'.

 

 

1st August 2011

The Festival is not only about films...

The programme of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' will be rich in attractive and unique artistic events.

Some of them will take place before the Festival. In August in Zamek Książąt Pomorskich in Szczecin there will be presented the disabled artists' works of art from 'Nasza Galeria' /Our Gallery/ in Łódź.

In different places in Koszalin there will be organised artistic events related to the motto of this year's Festival – passion and love. The creators of the happenings will be 'Teart na Bosaka' /Barefoot theatre/ and the disabled.

An innovative element will be screenings of films before the official opening of the Festival - 6th September. These will be two productions for children – 'Crocodile' and 'Eep!'. After the screenings young audience will take part in an integrative discussion about films. The able-bodied will express themselves orally, the disabled through pictures.

During the inauguration of the 8th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' we will be able to admire remix cinema – a music and film collage. The collage is an interpenetration of sounds emitted live with pictures of the world cinematography. A great event will be Conrad Yanez's recital. He is a finalist of the first Polish edition of 'Must be the music'.

Moreover, during the inauguration there will be opened a photography exhibition titled 'Everyone is allowed to love – Gdynia without barriers' and an exhibition of the photographs which were taken during photography workshops in Kołobrzeg. In addition, in Public Library in Koszalin there will be presented Bożena Lwowska's tapestries. Other exhibitions shown during the Festival are: 'Feel wind in hair' which has been prepared by intellectually challenged photographers and 'See the sea' organised by the blind.

 

A work of art from 'Everyone is allowed to love – Gdynia without barriers' exhibition

In the musical part the organisers of the Festival offer apart from the above-mentioned Conrad Yanez also concerts and recitals of Grażyna Łapińska, Jacek Barzycki, Roman Roczeń and Marek Szurawski.

The Festival's city will have the character of sea with pirate elements. Pirates will come into action with sea games. There will be a chance to listen to sea songs as well as music played on bones and spoons. Furthermore, interested people will be able to learn 'metal dance' – a dance imitating activities on board. Finally, there will be a boat for amber catching in sand.

A special musical attraction will be 'Everybody has fun at a wedding reception' – a spontaneous wedding performance with the audience – the disabled and the able-bodied.

For fans of  theatre in a more classical form, theatre 'Teatroterapia' /Theatre therapy/ from Lublin has prepared a play titled 'Malowany ptak' /Coloured bird/. The play is based on J. Kosiński's work of art.

Aa a part of 'Koszalin without barriers' action Gall Podlaszewski with the inhabitants of Koszalin will symbolically break one of the kerbs in the town. Also sand-blind Danuta Stępień will suggest taking part in a city game 'Ślepiec' /Blind man/. This event is for the brave ones who are not afraid of facing everyday problems of the blind. 

The final event of the Festival will be an integrative happening by the sea in Mielno with sending a letter in a bottle. 
 

 

24th January 2011

Film recruitment to the 8th European Film Festival "Integration You and Me" has started!

The EFF “Integration You and Me” will be held for the eighth time between 6th and 10th of September in Koszalin. The topical issue of  this year’s Festival is “Passion and Love”. Thus we’d like to unveil undisclosed topic of love life and sexuality of people with disability. Movies, exhibitions, concerts, debates and other events in the program will regard this crucial matter. 

 

The Festival's organisers already accept applications to the best feature, documentary and amateur film contests. In a Festival 2011 section there can be found regulations of the 8th EFF "Integration You and Me" as well as an application form.

 

We'd like to call film makers for participation in the Festival.

 

11th September 2010

The verdict is known!

Report from the Jury session of the VII European Film Festival „Integration You and Me” Koszalin, 10th September 2010

Jury members:

Magdalena Łazarkiewicz – chairman

Teresa Budzisz-Krzyżanowska

Marta Sikorska

Frédéric Zeitoun (France)

Bartosz Szpurek

After watching movies of the 7th European Film Festival 'Integration You and Me' in categories: feature film (7 films), documentary film (25 films) and amateur film (8 films), the Jury decided as follows:

 

Grand Prix „Motyl 2010” for the best film of the festival to 'Benda Bilili', France, Democratic Republic of the Congo by Renaud Barret and Florent de la Tullaye because we become aware of the fact that by showing us a piece of the world we can say so much about this world.

 

„Motyl 2010” for the best feature film to 'Me too!' (Yo, también), Spain by Álvaro Pastor and Antonio Naharro because it is a beautiful film about love.

 

„Motyl 2010” for the best documentary film to 'Manu high on wheels' (Manu, un histoirie de M.E.C.), Belgium by Vincent Deveux because it is an honest and sentimentality deprived record of the everyday struggle of the film character to enter... the first division.

 

„Motyl 2010” for the best amateur film to 'Could you change your lifestyle?', Poland by the members of the arttherapy group managed by Mariola Żylińska-Jestadt for its delicacy and discretion.

 

Second prize for the amateur film to 'It's us' (To my), Poland by Katrina Smaczna Fajesova for the truth. Third prize for the amateur film to 'Our Betlehem' (Nasze Betlejem), Poland by Bartłomiej Zbączyniak for its simplicity.

 

Moreover the Jury decided to award the film 'Mum' (Mama), Poland by Krzysztof Piotrowski because it is a film about a beautiful woman and her happiness of life.

 

Closing ceremony. Fot. Wojtek Szwej

 

 

10th August 2010

Polish Olympians are coming to the Festival

Disabled sportspeople will be special guests of the Festival. Among them will be Katarzyna Rogowiec – a skier, the only medallist from Para Olympics in Vancouver, Justyna Kozdryk –a raiser, a medallist from summer Para Olympics in Beijing and Katarzyna Beniek Michalczyk – a swimmer, a medallist from world championships and Para Olympics. Together with them will also arrive Renata Chilewska – an athlete and a weightlifter Ryszard Fornalczyk and Rafał Gręźlikowski.

The sportspeople will meet teenagers from Koszalin’s schools and the Festival’s audience.

Katarzyna Rogowiec. Fot. Private archive of Katarzyna Rogowiec

7th August 2010

Film selection has finished

7 feature films and 25 documentaries will compete in the 7th European Film Festival ‘Integration You and Me’. There have been qualified films from all over the world, for instance from Japan, Ukraine, Greece, Democratic Republic of Congo, the USA and of course Poland.

In the feature film contest we  will see a French film ‘Lourdes’ which has raised a discussion concerning commercialisation of religion. Also we will be able to watch a renowned film ‘Me too’ by Alvaro Pastor and a Russian film ‘Shultes’.

Thanks to the documentaries our audience will be able to notice problems of the disabled on almost all continents. In this category Polish films are in majority but it is also worth seeing documentaries from Japan, the USA and Greece.

On a special non-competing film show there will be broadcast Joe Wright’s ‘Solist’ about a talented cello virtuoso suffering from schizophrenia.

A list of competing films can be found in the Festival 2010 section.

 

24th January 2010

Film recruitment to the 7th European Film Festival "Integration You and Me" has started

The EFF will be held for the seventh time between 7th and 11th September in Koszalin.

 

The Festival's organisers already accept applications to the best feature film and documentary contests. The film contests devoted to the problematicity of disabilities will be accompanied by workshops, exhibitions and many other cultural events.

In a Festival 2010 section there can be found regulations of the 7th EFF "Integration You and Me" as well as an application form.

We'd like to call film makers for participation in the Festival.

 

12th September 2009

"Jak po maśle" the best movie of the Festival

 

Jury members: Michał Jóźwiak (film director) – chairman, Marc-Ernest Fourneau (France, philosopher, director, actor), Bartosz Szpurek (journalist), Ryszard Szymanowski (artist) and Bohdan Smoleń (satirist) after having watched  films taking part in the contest for a feature film (6 films), a documentary (22 films) and an amateur film (9 films) they decide Grand Prix "Wielki Motyl 2009" for the best film of the festival goes to  "Jak po maśle" (Comme sur des roulettes), France since this film directed by Jean-Paul Lilenfeld shows everyday life of people on wheelchairs in an original and hilarious way. In the film a wheelchair is not a barrier but it brings people together.

"Motyl 2009" for the best feature film goes to "Rumba" (Rumba), Belgium/France directed by Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy for distance and tactful sense of humour in showing facing adversities.

"Motyl 2009" for the best documentary film goes to "Ślepy los" (Blindsight), the UK, directed by Lucy Walker for breaking stereotypes concerning the disabled, for breaking barriers between the blind and the sighted, as well as for combining eastern and western cultures.

"Motyl 2009" for the best amateur film goes to "Co to jest?", Poland, directed by Stowarzyszenie na Górze for creativity, patience and effort made.

Furthermore, the jury decides to give:

Special Award for a character of "Skarby Ani K." for personality which has moved all people’s hearts.

First Distinction for film "Skarby Ani K.", Poland, directed by Małgorzata Gryniewicz for a moving and warm picture of a woman who, despite everything, has strong will and lots of love.

Second Distinction for clip "Gorąca linia między nami", Poland, directed by Jacek Barzycki for esthetic values and film illustration of  musical material. 

We would like to congratulate the authors for the awards and good ideas, and characters for being consistent in breaking barriers. We hope that thanks to this Festival  society will stop avoiding people moving on wheelchairs or with a white walking stick and will understand that a disabled person often does not need help but they may help us become more friendly and sensitive. 

 

 

20th August 2009

Oiko petersem and Chris Niedenthal’s photos already in Zamek Książąt Pomorskich

Before the exhibitions get to 6th EFF Integration You and Me to Koszalin they may be admired in Szczecin till 2nd September.

Oiko Petersen, the author of "Downtown Collection" exhibition started singing a famous song by Petula Clark "Downtown".  A nice and warm atmosphere was created by numerous guests including parents with their disabled and charming children.

Seeing the exhibition is a must. We have never seen such stylization and colours which are so nice for an eye. Petersen’s work has been accompanied by a clothes collection, the work of stylists and hairdressers.

The characters of the photos are children with Down syndrome. All clothes shown in the pictures have been designed by Polish fashion designers: Viola Śpiechowicz, Teresa Seda, Michał Szulc, Martyna Czerwińska, Konrad Parot, Marta Rowińska, Ewa Morka, Natalia Jaroszewska, Dominika Bułaczyńska, Patrycja Smirnow and Gosia Knapik.

Oiko Petersen was born in 1983. He lives and works in Warsaw and London. Recently he has been finishing his photography studies at University of London. He has prepared exhibitions in Łódź, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Warsaw as well as Chinese Pingyao and French Lille.

Oiko Petersen. Fot. Iga Chełmińska

Oiko Petersen on a varnishing-day of "Downtown Collection" exhibition in Zamek Książąt Pomorskich in Szczecin. Photo by Iga Chełmińska

Petersen is not afraid of controversial issues. In 2006 exhibition "Guys. From Poland with Love" he has shown portraits of Polish gays.

Why has he dealt with a subject of disability? As he says in his family appeared a boy named Piotruś who has Down syndrome.
  
In Szczecin’s exhibition there are also works by Chris Niedenthala "Letters to son". This collection is owned by Foundation "Bardziej Kochani" from Warsaw.  Portraits of mothers and small children with Down syndrome are accompanied by letters. They have been written by Wioletta Mikusek to her son Staś: "... I am writing to you even though I know you will not write me back! You are only two days old. Today, 48 hours after your birth trisomia 21 has been diagnosed. Doesn’t it ring a bell?! I know! It says only one thing! It says: son, we’ve got a problem…".

See more photos

1st August 2009

The end of film recruitment

Film recruitment for this year's 6th European Film Festival Integration You and Me has come to an end. We would like to thank for all films. We also regret that we will not be able to show all films. The selective jury has had a difficult task but we hope that the best films have been chosen. The list of selected films will be announced soon. Once again we would like to thank all film makers.
  

14th July 2009

Extreme travelers as guests at the Festival

How is it possible to climb in a wheelchair at the height of 5100 above sea level? Participants of an excursion on Kilimanjaro will answer this question. They reached the top of the mountain with an expedition organized by Anna Dymna’s foundation "Against the Odds" last year. In the successful attempt of reaching the summit took part 9 people with various disabilities. As a part of accompanying events of Festival "Integration You and Me" the participants will show a film and pictures from the expedition. They will also share their memories, difficulties and dramatic moments with us.

Frank Bruno, another guest, has announced to come to Koszalin as well. He is a traveler, a diver, a person with an extraordinary personality, and most importantly a person who wants to encourage other disabled people to enjoy their lives. When he was 18 he lost his leg during military service. He has treated this dramatic event as a challenge. He has sailed across the Atlantic on his own, has reached Kilimanjaro, has gone through Greenland, and in 2007 together with four young people sailed around the globe from  Tierra del Fuego to Georgia. He is also a founder of organization "A scrap of life" which helps the disabled.

2th June 2009

We are still waiting for films

Preparations for the festival are in progress. We are getting more and more films from whole Europe. We would like to remind that there is still time to send us films. We are waiting for feature films and documentaries made in 2006-2009 and of course not shown in our festival yet. Deadline is 31st July 2009.

We would also like to invite the disabled amateur film-makers to take part in our contest. Statue of the contest is available online http://integracjatyija.pl.

We are happy to inform that more and more patrons are joining us. Recently stopklatka.pl, gildia.pl and animacjapolska.pl have started co-operating with 6th European Film Festival Integration You and Me. 
  

9th February 2009

6th European Film Festival You and Me – preparations have already started

This year’s 6th European Film Festival Integration You and Me in Koszalin will be held between 08th and 12th September 2009. As usually the Festival’s centre will be the seat of Koszalin Public Library located in Plac Polonii 1.

We would like to invite professionals as well as amateurs to take part in our contest. Feature films and documentaries have to deal in different ways with the problematicity of the disabled. Similar to last year there will be held a contest for the disabled and amateur film makers. Details may be found in the Festival’s rules. We are waiting for the applications of films from years 2007 – 2009. Telephone number to the office: 0048(094) 348 15 41.

Sursa: http://integracjatyija.pl/index.php?id=8