Location shooting is under way in Wroclaw, south-western Poland, for a new feature by Polish director Wiesław Saniewski.

Entitled The Winner, it is a story of friendship between a young American pianist of Polish descent who owes over 200, 000 euro to the organizers of a European tour from which he pulled out suddenly and an elderly Polish émigré, a retired mathematics teacher, who is a horse-racing enthusiast.

Saniewski, who is also the author of the script, says that the film will be the story of a friendship that seems impossible because there’s a real gulf between the two men; and yet it’s a true friendship, entirely free of self-interest. They strive for success together and realize their dreams together: Frank dreams of a big win and Olivier – of a sense of personal freedom.

The film is a Polish-US co-production. The young pianist is played by Paweł Szajda, an American actor of Polish descent, whose credits include Wajda’s Sweet Rush. The other protagonist is played by Janusz Gajos, one of Poland’s leading actors of the older generation.

Wiesław Saniewski’s output includes Custody, The Stalking Season and Immensity of Justice. (mk)