Krzysztof Zanussi: Master of European non commercial films
Written by Eva Csölleová, Vítek Formánek
Krzysztof Zanussi was born in Warsaw before the outbreak of war on 17.7.1939. In 1955 he started to learn physics at Warsaw university since he didn´t believe that culture can be free in Poland of mid 50´s. After four years when the political ice began to thaw, he realized that he likes something else and went to Krakow to study philosophy.At the same time he started to make amateur films which were critically well received and he got some awards for them.In 1962 he switched universities and went to study film and theatrical directing.His debut in professional film world is called „ Struktura krystalu“(1969) and he even wrote his own screenplay for that.Majority of his films are intelectual talks about moral values and point of life. Other films such as „ Rodinný život“, „Iluminace“ or „ Ochranné zbarvení“ quickly followed and he earned the position of very talented and respected director.He became one of the leading personalities of Polish cinematography and heavilly supported Solidarity movement. As director he worked at 70 movies for most of which he wrote his own screenplay.He established his own production company TOR and teaches at various universities around Europe. He devotes his time to non commercial and independent movies so obviously we wanted to ask him questions for Unitedfilm. We met him at Febiofest and he was very approachable and despite his busy schedule he replied duly our questions.
How big is amateur/independent film in Poland?Any platform or festivals to screen these films and exchange experience?
I have major doubts what does it mean an „independent „ film? All films are dependant.There are some festivals for animate film in Poland(so called independent) and there is such section on our national film festival in Gdyna.
Is there any structure in Polish culture which allows funding the independent films, any ministry grants or is in dependant on private money and sponsors?
I have to say there is no structure, no grants, no sponsors, just friends.
What did you feel when you made your own film?Was it excitement, satisfaction, fullfilling yourdreams or just pure joy of freedom?
All, but freedom…..I have learnt that if a film becomes public I become dependant.
Do you give talks or lectures to young film makers-to- be about your experience with films, how to create artistically good films and don´t loose focus for good story?
Yes, I do.I teach at film schools in Poland, universities in Switzerland and National Film School in London and I also teach at university in Katowice.So I have plenty of space to spread my experience and message around.
Do you think digital technology diminishes director´s focus and sharpness cos he knows that he can make tons of material and delete what he wants so he will be more relaxed than he would have been with classical film material?
In my opinion art is based on the process of choise, that´s as simple as that.I must admit I am not a friend of animation or 3D format, it´s not my cup of tea really.
Is it better when amateur filmmaker does all by himself, with no professional guidence behind him so he will find ways and mistakes by himelf or professional could tell him directly what to do but amateur would loose his enthusiasm after short while?
I believe that if enthusiasm of filmmaker is genuine, nothing can estinguish it, so he could withstand and advice given to him by someone professional.
Is it difficult in Poland even for respected man like you to get money for your film with strong story but small commercial potential?
Commercial aspect is not the only one.Strong impact on small audience counts as much as superficial success. But yes, it is difficult to find money for art that is not aimed to please everyone.But only the most cultivated audience can move society forward,Masses won´s move by themselves.
Sometimes is takes years, maybe decade before artistic film is made due to lack of finance.Do you think in those years the story can stay intact or it must be altered as the years go so in the end, maybe story is totally different to what it used to be at the beginning?
The biggest difference is the audience.Some 50 years ago when I started the market was no as saturated as it is now.
What is more important: stay youself, independent and have problems to make your film and get it to cinema or mellow a bit, bend few things, change few lines but get studio which will finance it and release it with adverts.Is latter version still independance?
I believe that creation includes compromise.The practical problem is how to find it.
What made you to decision to become a film director.Did you want to tell the stories or just show your inner feelings and point at sore issues in human life and film was perfect tool to make it?
Author and director in one person, that is always what I wanted to be., That is why I write my screenplays for my own movies.I tell the stories from my own world.Take one of my first films „ Ochranné zbarvení“.It was made in deep totalitarian regime and it mirrored the mood.It´s not very funny film, one doesn´t want to believe in what climate was it made.During making that movie I didn´t have any problems, but they came when film was made and went into cinemas.
Were you inspired by people like Bergman or Antonioni, who made films with deep topics that were hard to swallow and difficult to understand? 
Yes, I was very much influenced by Bergman.I follow his footsteps and try to show problems of human beings, problems of consciousness, fidelity and love among people.
Some directors say that society is rotten and they must make films that shake up the system and wake people up.Some say, life is hard enough and people want to go to movies to forget about reality for two hours.How do you view this dilema?
Mission versus escapism? That is neverending topic which we try to solve. Art as a drug? I don´t share this attitude.