Cinema for me is…

Antoni in 10 frames

1. What film made you fall in love with cinema?
The Fearless Vampire Killers, or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck (Roman Polanski, 1967). It’s a certified masterpiece.

3. What does Europe mean to you?
Above all, it means home, but also idealistic values and gripping stories. Not to sugar-coat, though, I’m more than mindful of Europe’s history of colonialism, bloodshed, and class struggle. These clashing associations inevitably trigger a strong case of cognitive dissonance. What I’m left with is hope that Europeans can continue on the path toward amends and meaningful principles (Yes, I’ve written speeches. What do you mean you can tell?).

4. What do you like the most about your country that makes it unique?
I cherish the unhinged temperament that the national football team brings out in us Poles.

5. Your favorite film theatre? What do you like about it?
GCF (Gdynskie Centrum Filmowe) and Kino Muranów. The former is situated just a couple of hundred meters off the beach, which lends it a charming aura. It also happens to host my beloved Gdynia Film Festival. The latter is the cinema of my childhood and I’m very fond of its retro identity and fantastic programming.

6. What is your dream job in the film industry?
Screenwriter, hands down!

7. Which film director would you like to be?
Peter Bogdanovich.

8. Which film character do you most identify with?
Mindy from Scream (2022) and Gil from Midnight in Paris (2011).

9. Your favorite soundtrack or song?
I have a soft spot for Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” (especially James Vincent McMorrow’s version).

10. If you had to live in a movie, which one would you like it to be?
I’d have to say Stardust, but there are a few fantasy/horror films I could settle for, so long as they are werewolf-free (I fear these creatures tremendously).

Antoni Konieczny is the Ambassador of Gdynia Film Centre (Gdynia). Find out more about the cinema here.