DOK Leipzig to Showcase Polish Puppet Animation

No other country is as closely associated with puppet animation as Poland. This tradition was begun in the early 20th century by Wladyslaw Starewicz. After World War II, filmmakers piggy-backed on the origins of Polish puppet animation and continually found new ways to bring puppets to life.

As part of its Let the puppets dance! Polish puppet animation after 1945 series, DOK Leipzig will be showcasing a cross-section of films from past decades. Particularly noteworthy are the works from the socialist era, which steered clear of the ideology of the time. Unlike, for example, their Czech counterparts, the Polish filmmakers avoided politically explosive issues and found a niche with historical material and stories for children.

This special program features widely varying ideas, scripts and techniques: Life-size puppets come to life alongside small wire-frame figures and even animated household objects. Philosophical and musical pieces will be shown in addition to children’s films and fairy tales. A program of seven short films that invite you to dream and let your imagination run wild.

DOK Leipzig 29 Oct – 4 Nov 2012 55th International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film.