Krzysztof Zanussi – Portrait of a Friend
“…to read wisdom and humility…”
Printed edition coming soon!!!
With Krzysztof Zanussi in Katowice – 2024
Krzysztof Zanussi – born in Warsaw on June 17, 1939.
Film, theatre, and opera director. Screenwriter and film producer. Philosopher, physicist, polyglot, and an artist of European and global stature. Professor at the University of Silesia. For nearly 40 years, he led the renowned film group TOR. The creator of numerous acclaimed and award-winning films, including:
The Structure of Crystal, A Woman’s Decision, Camouflage, A Year of the Quiet Sun, The Paradigm, Illumination, The Constant Factor, The Spiral, The Contract, At Full Gallop,
Life as a Fatal Sexually Transmitted Disease, Persona non grata, A Touch of the Hand, Our God’s Brother, With a Warm Heart, Ether. His films have featured both Polish and international stars, including: Maja Komorowska, Zofia Mrozowska, Halina Mikołajska, Zbigniew Zapasiewicz, Jerzy Stuhr, Daniel Olbrychski, Jan Nowicki, Piotr Fronczewski, Tadeusz Łomnicki, Jan Świderski, Aleksander Bardini, Jan Kreczmar, Tadeusz Bradecki, Jerzy Nowak, Franciszek Pieczka, Janusz Gajos, Leslie Caron, Vadim Glowna, Scott Wilson, Vittorio Gassman, Julian Sands, Christoph Waltz, Max von Sydow, and Nikita Mikhalkov. Zanussi has been the subject of many books and is the author of several himself, including Time to Die and Strategies for Life, or How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too. A recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including the Platinum Lions for lifetime achievement. He holds honorary doctorates from multiple universities in Poland and abroad, and is a member of the Polish PEN Club and the Polish Writers’ Association.
*I admire Krzysztof Zanussi for the humanistic message carried throughout his work — for the clear presence of Christian values, and for his unwavering commitment to promoting true cinematic art.
I admire him for his humility in life, for the thoughtful conversations he leads on a wide range of topics,
for his love of nature and his deep respect for animals. For all of this — I can borrow the title of one of his films: With a Warm Heart.
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With Krzysztof Zanussi at the Stary Teatr in Kraków – 1993
“Dear Mr. Darek,
Fresh from your tribute evening, I find myself thinking of you on the cobbled streets of Paris, announcing the Polish Feature Film Festival.
Once again, thank you for all that you do.”
Krzysztof Zanussi
With Krzysztof Zanussi at the Dariusz Domański Tribute at AST in Kraków – 2020
With Krzysztof Zanussi at the VIP Magazine Gala – Warsaw, 2024
With Krzysztof Zanussi, Elżbieta Zanussi, and my family in Laski – 2012
Jan Nowicki
“…I remember “Spiral” as a wise and important film. It was very difficult to suggest anything to Zanussi, because he operates within clearly defined boundaries of culture and convention — which at times limited my creative freedom… I respect him and like him, but I don’t fully understand him. He gives me the impression of being a boy — just returned from one place, already off to another, constantly flying around the world…”
“…I will remain grateful to Krzysztof Zanussi not only for entrusting me with a role, but also for allowing me to be present as he cast actors for supporting roles at the agency.
It was a great lesson…”
Aleksander Bardini (regarding the film Murder in Catamount, 1974)
Sławomir Idziak
“I’ve worked with many directors, so I’m able to make comparisons.
Krzysztof is a very unusual kind of director. He doesn’t carry that emotional charge most directors bring to their work. For him, it all begins with a message — an idea around which he builds a story, then frames it within a dramaturgical structure. During filming, he often shows a certain impatience.
The production phase doesn’t seem as important to him as the process of writing the script — into which he puts far more passion and personal investment…”
*The materials published on this website are taken from the publishing series “Portraits of Friends” by Dariusz Domański and have been used with the author’s permission.