Art of Freedom

How is it possible that in the ‘70s and ‘80s, in the times of the
Polish People’s Republic, at the height of real socialism, Polish
mountaineers were the best in the world? How could the inhabitants of a
country where the average monthly salary amounted to 20 dollars organise
expensive trips into the Himalayas?

They did not have the
money, modern gear or the freedom to travel. Nevertheless, they reached
the summits of the highest mountains of the world. At the very peak of
real socialism they were proving that a desire for freedom, courage and
ambition make it possible to cross any boundaries.

“I’ve never
been able to reconcile to returning empty-handed” – Jerzy Kukuczka, the
legend of the Polish mountains, admits in one of the scenes.

The film has won awards at the festivals in Bilbao, Vancouver, Kathmandu, Chicago, Zakopane and Domzale.

written and directed by Wojciech Słota, Marek Kłosowicz
director of photography Piotr Wacowski
music by Łukasz Pieprzyk
edited by Wojciech Słota
produced by Instytut Adama Mickiewicza