To become a successful film director, one must possess patience, ambition, and creativity but also a strong desire to gain popularity and receive acclaim. An excellent example of a film director who embodies these traits is my father – Andrzej Mańkowski. In this article I would like to tell his story and guide you through the most popular productions in his career.
In the early stages of his career, he initially aspired to become either a professional programmer or a cellist. However, having graduated from the Music Academy in Gdańsk and possessing a deep passion for playing the cello, he decided to pursue a career in music. Eventually, shortly after he started thinking about creating regularly various short and long documentary films he found the right life path. Particularly because of willingness to see and taste the flavor of a film director’s career and to check the possibilities of working in this demanding profession.
The origins of his film career weren’t too easy but he didn’t hesitate to achieve his goal. He worked hard with patience and belief that he would soon be able to reach the next level in his job position.
He finished postgraduate screenwriting studies and he wrote the script and directed the documentary that first showed up in 2006 under the title “Lekcja muzyki” (‘’Music lessons’’). This production is about the musical life steps of Polish composer and pianist, Tomasz Stroynowski, who is also my uncle. Next more popular documentary is a film novel “Ksiądz i dziewczyna” (“The priest and a girl’’) about loud case of a priest who was first convicted for getting drunk and molesting a teenager, and then trying to prove his innocence with recordings from a hidden voice recorder, in which the teenager openly admitted to involving the priest in the intrigue and giving false testimony. These events took place near my hometown, Gdynia, in a countryside called Bojano. With this documentary, the aim was to bring more attention about the problem of sexual abuse among clergy.
Another documentary talks about behind the scenes of the work of helpline and youth consultants. This film, titled “Dzieci dzwonią” (“Children call”), was released in 2014. Through this documentary, viewers gain insight into the significance of this specific role, which involves handling various issues affecting children, especially those related to their families. The film also highlights the inherent stress that comes with the responsibility of helping these children with their problems.
In May 2016, a heartbreaking story made its debut on well-known Polish TV programs. It featured Bartosz Turzyński, also known as “Cetowy,” whose true passion was breakdancing. Despite his talent and multiple appearances at special music events, he encountered serious life challenges. He felt rejected by others and having a worse time in his life one day he came up with a foolish idea to dance on the moving train. This decision led to a grave outcome… To this day, “Cetowy” has not regained his former fitness and sometimes he forgets about his earlier life and even his own name. I had the pleasure to meet him during a breakdance event in Kraków in 2017, where I noticed that he had significant communication difficulties, which appeared to be linked to a prior accident.
Finally, it is time to share the biggest and most memorable film production of my dad, “Po Miłość” (“For love”) which premiered in the second part of 2021. This project was a realization of my dad’s long-held dream to create a substantial feature film in his filmmaking career. I personally observed the initial preparations taking place in our home, such as the brainstorming and planning of the film’s storyline. The story revolves around a Polish family dealing with a constantly drunk and abusive father, as well as severe financial difficulties. Despite this, the wife, who is in an unhappy marriage, decides to change her life by entering a complex relationship with a friendly man from Senegal.
During time-consuming preparations, I stood alongside my twin brother, surrounded by numerous actors involved in the production. Many times, I observed occasional misunderstandings between these actors and the film director. For instance, some actors made frequent mistakes during scenes, or there was excessive backstage noise while filming. All of these individuals were professionals participating in the production but I also had a chance to be part of it, playing the role of village boy. It was an exciting yet somewhat stressful experience for me. However, when I reflect on my life, this will be a memorable activity that I will always cherish.
“Po Miłość” attained significant success, not only in Poland but also in the USA, particularly at the ‘Brooklyn Film Festival’ in NYC. As a result, my father, Andrzej Mańkowski, received the top prize for this very film, among many other foreign film directors from around the world.
Realizing that a lot of young people would like to be professional film directors in the future, it’s important to provide valuable advice and share information about this job possibility. First of all, people have to keep working hard and of course never give up with having their own work goal and idea as well. The attitude is a half of success to achieve your goal. Then, it would be beneficial for these young and aspiring film directors to have strong mental condition, as not all documentaries or feature films will always be well-received by viewers.
Becoming a film director is undoubtedly a challenging and time-consuming journey. However, some individuals do achieve success, often thanks to specific qualities they possess. To make this journey, you must commit wholeheartedly to your responsibilities doing everything to accomplish the best possible result. Those who have prior experience working with film equipment, creating short or long professional videos, such as documentaries, or similar content, find it somewhat easier. Most importantly, a strong motivation is essential. Without the right mindset, your dream of a career in this field could be cut short.
Marcel Mańkowski
Sources:
VOICES 
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