Raina Acquires ‘King Matt the First,’ Exploring the Bond Between Two Sisters, Ahead of Hot Docs Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

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Raina, a festival agency based in Helsinki, has acquired the rights for “King Matt the First,” the latest documentary from Polish director Jaśmina Wójcik (“Symphony of the Ursus Factory,” 2018). This film will have its world debut in the International Competition at the 32nd annual Hot Docs Festival, happening from April 24 to May 4.

The movie revolves around sisters Zoja and Lea, whose lives are intertwined with mutual games, explorations, and chats, as well as their frequent spats and arguments. At first glance, the girls, who look remarkably alike, appear to have a unique sisterly connection.

As the days roll by, my elder sibling, Zoja, seems to be drifting away from me. The joy we once shared in playing with sand or frolicking in the river appears to be fading, as she immerses herself deeper into the world of books and spends progressively more time socializing with her friends rather than with me.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but see a reflection of my own apprehensions in these two characters. They both harbor an intense dread about stepping into adulthood, viewing it as a potential peril. It’s as if they’ve noticed how the adults around them appear oblivious to the deterioration of our world, choosing to overlook environmental disasters and even contributing to conflict.

Drawing inspiration from Janusz Korczak’s novel titled “King Matt the First” (originally penned as Henryk Goldszmit), this work invites its audience into a world that transcends adult-imposed hierarchies and restrictions, as suggested by recent remarks. Even over a century since the book’s initial release, Korczak’s message continues to be strikingly relevant, echoing the anxieties and uncertainties of our contemporary world—particularly for young individuals on the verge of adulthood.

Wójcik states, “This movie signifies the conclusion of my journey in various roles – as a mother, artist, director, educator, and individual. It’s a call from the heart, advocating for the protection of childhood, valuing the human spirit within children, believing in them, understanding their openness and responding to their needs – all while upholding the protective environment and guidance that adults are responsible for providing. The film echoes the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as the conflicts in Ukraine (from 2022) and Gaza (from 2023). It’s a cry for a transformation, one that draws wisdom from children and helps us rediscover our inner child.

Andy Norton, chief of festival distribution at Raina, along with Inka Achté, the head of acquisitions, were quickly captivated by the enchanting universe of Zoja and Lea, appreciating the original perspective the film presented on our contemporary world filled with numerous geopolitical conflicts and turmoil.

King Matt the First” is set to be shown as part of the Polish Competition during this year’s Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival. This event will serve as the movie’s debut on a national level. The festival, in its 22nd edition, will take place from May 9-18 at cinemas and from May 20-June 2 online.

The film titled ‘King Matt the First’ is created by Marta Dużbabel and Agnieszka Rostropowicz under Poland’s Pinot Films, with partnership from FixaFilm, the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Jaśmina Wójcik, and Jakub Wroblewski. The Polish Film Institute partially funded this production. Helsinki’s Raina manages the distribution rights for festivals.

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2025-03-26 10:17