Poland's politicians, filmmakers hail Oscar for 'Ida'
"It's thrilling. It's fantastic. We have a great tradition of films," Pawlikowski said.
WARSAW, Poland: (AP) - Poland s politicians, filmmakers and fans rejoiced Monday over the nation s first ever foreign language movie Oscar for "Ida," seeing it as a sign of the country s cinematography coming of age.
President Bronislaw Komorowski said the award is a "source of satisfaction for all Poles" and proof that democratic Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive country, with "valuable things to offer to the world."
The win marks the first foreign language Oscar for Poland despite nine previous nominations and a rich history of filmmaking, including by renowned directors like Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polanski.
Polish-British director Pawel Pawlikowski made "Ida" in black and white, using imagery of the 1960s. It plunges into World War II and the early years of communism, two dark chapters of Poland s history, via a young Catholic nun who discovers she is Jewish. It was one of the critical hits of 2014 in Europe and the U.S. Being so well known helped the movie in the Academy members vote, Polish critics said.
Polish 1993 Oscar-winning production designer Allan Starski said the country s filmmakers always aspired to be among the leaders in the world of cinema.
"Polish films often won nominations for foreign movies ... We were often very close, but we never won an Oscar. This time we have an Oscar. This is a huge success," Starski said.
After years of a downturn following political and economic change, Polish cinema is getting momentum, also thanks to funding from the state Polish Film Institute, which also helped finance "Ida."
The head of the Polish Filmmakers Association, Jacek Bromski, said the movie is "outstanding" and objective, which gave it universal appeal.
Speaking backstage Pawlikowski said he believes the award will encourage other Polish directors to be original and bold.
"It s thrilling. It s fantastic. We have a great tradition of films," Pawlikowski said.
