Is it a fiction film with elements of a musical and a documentary, or a documentary with some elements of genre cinema?
The world premiere of All Inclusive, the latest hybrid film by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert will close the 64th Krakow Film Festival on the June 1st at the Kijów cinema.
“I began my film career 25 years ago at the Krakow festival. These were my first steps as a filmmaker… in my hometown, but also globally, since the festival has international recognition. Now, after all these years, I return to this wonderful festival with Michał Englert, with whom I form a directing and artistic duo. All Inclusive has been waiting for its premiere for a long time. We are delighted for it to be the closing film. It is definitely our least obvious production, and I think many people will be taken by surprise! I can’t wait to share it with you all!” – shares the film’s co-director, Małgorzata Szumowska.
Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s film is built on contrasts, leading to numerous confrontations and even micro-conflicts. Paradoxically, the cultural differences between Polish citizens and the Muslim community are not the most resonant in the film, thus avoiding simplistic stereotyping. The most friction is to be found within the tourist group – an incredibly diverse bunch, both in terms of worldviews and natures. Important questions about spiritual matters, happiness, and sadness are discussed by the pool, during lunch, or even on a tourist cruise.
The latter paraphrases Marek Piwowski’s cult film, with scenes from James Cameron’s Titanic also making an appearance, while the entire hotel interior shot by Michał Englert brings to mind Ulrich Seidl’s productions. There are many more such self-referential tropes and cinematic references in All Inclusive. The directing duo plays with form and genres. Talking heads typically seen in documentaries intersect with musical scenes and socio-existential drama, while amateur actors interact with seasoned professionals such as Andrzej Chyra and Izabela Kuna.
The 64th Krakow Film Festival will be held in cinemas from May 26 to June 2 and online across Poland from May 31 to June 16, 2024.