Production is currently in full swing for Pawel Pawlikowski's latest cinematic endeavor, '1949,' starring Sandra Hüller, across the picturesque landscapes of Poland, Germany, and Italy. Mubi officially confirmed on Tuesday the commencement of principal photography for this highly anticipated project, penned by Pawlikowski alongside Henk Handloegten.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War's intensifying chill, '1949' weaves a tale of Erika (Hüller, renowned for her roles in 'The Zone of Interest' and 'Anatomy of a Fall'), an actress, journalist, and spirited rally driver, who embarks on an epic road journey from U.S.-dominated Frankfurt to Soviet-held Weimar with her writer father, Thomas (played by Hanns Zischler). Joining them on this intriguing voyage are August Diehl, Anna Madeley, Devid Streisow, and Theo Trebs, rounding out an esteemed ensemble cast.
According to a statement from Mubi, "In '1949,' Pawlikowski continues the narrative thread he so skillfully established in his award-winning films 'Ida' and 'Cold War,' delving into the profound themes of identity, guilt, familial bonds, and love amidst the tumultuous and morally ambiguous landscape of post-war Europe."
Produced by an esteemed collective comprising Mubi, Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli of OUR Films, Ewa Puszczynska of Extreme Emotions, Jeanne Tremsal and Edward Berger of Nine Hours, Dimitri Rassam of Chapter2, and Lorenzo Gangarossa of Circle One, the film promises a visual and narrative feast.
Pawlikowski has reassembled his seasoned filmmaking crew, including Oscar-nominated cinematographer Lukasz Zal, costume designer Aleksandra Staszko, editor Piotr Wójcik, production designers Katarzyna Sobańska and Marcel Sławiński, and composer Marcin Marsecki. Together, they strive to recreate the era's intricate textures and emotions on screen.
'Ida,' Pawlikowski's earlier masterpiece, garnered an impressive 70 international accolades upon its 2013 release, including five European Film Awards and the coveted 2015 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Further cementing his reputation, 'Cold War' saw him nominated for Best Director at Cannes in 2018, amassing 52 wins and 126 nominations, including Oscar nods for Best Foreign Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. With '1949,' Pawlikowski aims to add yet another chapter to his storied legacy in cinema.
