POLISH FEATURE FILM COMPETITION

SKRZYŻOWANIE

2024 / 95 min / color

The well-ordered life of Tadeusz, a retired hospital director, changes in the blink of an eye when he’s involved in a dramatic car accident. Instead of enjoying his peaceful, well-planned golden years, he’s faced with a situation that overwhelms both him and his family. The atmosphere thickens almost overnight; emotions take over, and the future is no longer as certain as it seemed. His marriage, his relationship with his son and the upcoming wedding of his beloved granddaughter are all affected. In addition, a new woman appears in his life, and under her influence he begins to make surprising decisions. The debut narrative feature by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Dominika Montean-Pańków is grounded in understatement. The accident involving Tadeusz, which sets the story in motion, gives the director an opportunity to reflect on morality, ethics and the choices we make, bringing to mind the films of Krzysztof Kieślowski. Jan Englert plays the character of Tadeusz — his first leading film role in 30 years. The prominent Polish actor has said that his performance in The Crossroads is some of the most important work in his acting career.

A Q&A session with the filmmakers will take place during the film screening on April 28 at 5:00 PM at the Małopolska Garden of Arts – Mastercard Birthday Cinema.
Please note: the Q&A will be in Polish.

• Warsaw Film Festival – Young FIPRESCI Jury Award for the best directing debut by a director from Eastern Europe