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English Titles I

I Am

Original title: Jestem
German title: Ich bin
Poland, 2005

Director: Kedzierzawska, Dorota
Production company: Kid Film, Warszawa
Co-producers: Telewizija Polska, Orka Film, Panavision Polska
Age recommendation: 12 years and up

Synopsis:
Director Dorota Kedzierzawska’s film tells the story of an eleven-year-old runaway. Rejected by his mother, Mongrel finds himself left to his own devices. Uncomplaining, he doesn’t give anyone the blame for his desperate situation. He simply tries to see things the way they are and to organise his life as best he can. The longer he spends in transit, the more he begins to fantasise about a better world and the life he would like to live. Time and again, his optimism that one day he will have this life gives him the strength he needs to survive his harsh existence. Mongrel is neither self-pitying, nor does he have any regrets. The only thing he knows is that, at 14, his adult life has just begun and that he must get through it on his own. Self-critical and fiercely independent, he makes his home in an old barge that’s fit for the scrap heap. Shortly afterwards he makes friends with a girl who lives in the neighbourhood. The encounter means much more to Mongrel than simply the attraction of first love. Their friendship makes him realise that he is no longer alone in this world. If you’re lucky, you will meet people who feel the same as you do, people who have the same problems and who see things the way you do.
This film is based on a true story that occurred in Lódz in 2002. (Kinderfilmfest/14plus Berlin 2006)

Comments:
"Established Polish helmer Dorota Kedzierzawska's outstandingly good drama "I Am" unfolds heartwrenching tale of a resourceful type (Piotr Jagielski) living rough in a small town after escaping a children's home. Damn near perfectly made pic features tech contributions from lenser-co-editor, Arthur Reinhart and composer Michael Nyman, and ace perfs across board. Slated for theatrical release in September, "I Am" should reap critical raves but will need savvy marketing to maximize niches." - VARIETY

”Plenty of alienated-youth pictures have shared similar naturalistic urges to the fairly straightforward “I Am”, but rarely do they transcend the mainstream like this vital treasure, which offers only fascinating performances while avoiding all traces of spoon-fed pathos and sappy triumphs of the human spirit.” - PREMIERE MAGAZINE

"Combining naturalism with the poetic and scored with music by Michael Nyman, this superbly photographed and acted film relates a touching tale of an unusual childhood friendship." (Go East Wiesbaden 2006)

Director’s statement
"This character had haunted me ever since I met a shy, inconspicuous nine-year-old boy in Lodz. He had never been to the cinema or theatre, he practically lived in the streets, he often walked around hungry and ragged. But he had one great dream. He wanted to be a poet. It is to this boy, and all the others like him, that I dedicate this film."

Festivals:
Toronto 2005, New York 2005, Gdynia 2005 (awarded), Warszawa 2005 (awarded), Pusan 2005, Kinderfilmfest/14plus Berlin 2006, Go East Wiesbaden 2006, Giffoni 2006, Cinekid Amsterdam 2006, Filmak Dobrany 2006 (awarded), Buster Copenhagen 2006, Poznan 2006, Cinekid Amsterdam 2006, Castellinaria Bellinzona 2006, Ale Kino Poznan 2006, Taiwan 2008 (awarded)

Website: www.kidfilm.pl

World sales address/es:
Attraction Distribution (CDN)

Sold to:
Bundesverband Jugend und Film (DE)