Under The Volcano
A Ukrainian family of four are enjoying the last day of their holiday on the island of Tenerife, Spain. Once at the airport, their flight is canceled: Russia has invaded Ukraine. Trapped on the island, the tourists become refugees.
Award-winning Polish director Damian Kocur (Bread and Salt) returns with this striking example of cinema’s capacity to articulate the intimate impact of global events, and to do so as the world-altering events it tackles are still raging. In a immensely fruitful move, Kocur takes a step out of the actual warzones to reflect on several primordial questions raised by such extreme events: what is the decent way to behave in the situations caused by a war? Do individuals bear the responsibility of their country’s leader’s acts? How does the fact that men are meant to defend their nation impact their role within the family? What does being 'strong' even mean?
The stupendous cast make this family’s members exist so strongly, you will never stop hoping that they will be all right.
Under the Volcano is Poland's entry for the Academy Awards.
Spirit of the Festival Best Film and Best Screenplay nominee