JIFF: The Wedding Day

The Story

Long buried secrets resurface at the wedding of an affluent Polish family. Ryszard Wilk's daughter is getting married but before the ceremony begins, two Israeli men arrive unannounced to deliver a Righteous Among Nations medal to Ryszard’s senile father, Antoni. Horrified by their intrusion, Ryszard wants to keep it secret, but their visit triggers Antoni’s memory about another wedding that occurred in 1941. The two weddings converge in his confused mind, unleashing family secrets from their closet.  

Director Wojciech Smarzowski has earned a reputation for tackling social problems and issues of Polish identity through his work, cementing himself as a key figure in Polish cinema. In his latest film, Smarzowski uses the celebration of a wedding for a lashing and rambunctious social critique. 

Winner Best Film and Best Director at the Polish Film Awards.  

Content warning: contains graphic violence 

Rating

E

Duration

Director

Wojciech Smarzowski