Krakow Film Festival opens with focus on filmmaking family

The Krakow Film Festival has opened, presenting a curated selection of the finest documentaries, animations, and short films. Among the highlights is "Magic Hour," a new film directed by Marcin Borchardt, which offers an intimate look into the lives of the renowned Sobociński family, a dynasty of influential Polish cinematographers.

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This is a very private record, giving insight into the life of an important family from the perspective of Polish culture.

Borchardt spent months sifting through archives, including the family's extensive personal records, to craft the narrative. The film focuses on Witold Sobociński (1929-2018) and his son, Piotr Sobociński (1958-2001), both celebrated directors of photography who collaborated with acclaimed directors like Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Kieślowski. The documentary also incorporates footage filmed by Piotr's wife, Hanna Mikuć, and their sons, Michał and Piotr Jr., who have followed in their father's and grandfather's footsteps.

"Magic Hour" is described as a deeply personal account, providing insight into a significant family within Polish culture. The film traces their journey from the austerity of the PRL era through the vibrant early capitalist years of the 1990s, culminating in a life of luxury with apartments in Manhattan and homes in Malibu. Borchardt chose Piotr as the central figure due to his sensitivity and the personal drama he experienced, particularly his desire to match his demanding father's legacy.

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I didn't want to create a typical biographical film. I chose Piotr as the protagonist because of his sensitivity and the drama he experienced. He really wanted to equal his very demanding father.

The film reveals behind-the-scenes moments from both Polish and Hollywood productions. It includes previously unseen footage from the set of "Pharaoh," where Witold worked as a camera operator, and captures the intense realities of American film production through Piotr's experiences. Despite achieving international success, including an Oscar nomination for "Ransom" directed by Ron Howard, the film suggests Piotr felt the absence of a collaborator like Kieślowski, hinting at a bittersweet taste to his success.

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Hollywood needed European, artistic cinematography at that time because they lacked the finishing touch for their perfect productions. And Piotr gave them that.