Pope Film Opens
The Cracow premiere of the new film about Pope John Paul II took place yesterday evening at the city's Multikino cinema. The lavish Italian/Polish production was originally conceived as a two part television drama, but owing to Poland's special attachment to the late John Paul, prints of the film have been distributed to cinemas across Poland. The Polish title of the production is 'Karol - czlowiek, ktory zostal papiezem' ('Karol - the man who became Pope).
Yesterday's screening was attended by rising Polish star Piotr Adamczyk, who took the role of the young Karol Wojtyla. He received a standing ovation when the film was premiered in Italy two months ago.
The Cracow premiere was attended by director Giacomo Battiato and many Polish actors who performed in the film. Shooting was conducted over several months on site in Cracow and in the Polish countryside. A good deal of the backdrops for individual scenes were authentic, including several in Wawel Cathedral itself.
The film was warmly received by the Vatican, and the first Polish comments have been very favourable. 'Karol - the man who became Pope' will open to the public today at 100 cinemas across Poland. Cracovians can decide for themselves whether the film cuts the mustard when ARS begins screening the production this evening.
Source: NH JG | June.17.2005 |