At SXSW 2025, I had the pleasure of speaking with filmmakers Helena Ganjalyan and Bartosz Szpak about their film Glorious Summer, a beautifully shot, mysterious drama that captivated audiences with its minimalist approach and thought-provoking themes. Our conversation touched on the film’s creative origins, the challenges of shooting on 16mm film, and the broader influence of Polish cinema.
Screening Glorious Summer at SXSW
Helena and Bartosz shared their excitement about bringing Glorious Summer to SXSW, where the audience's warm reception and engaging Q&A session affirmed the film’s impact. Helena noted that viewers appreciated the film’s layered narrative and aesthetic choices, while Bartosz emphasized the importance of allowing audiences to interpret the story in their own way. I praised the film’s striking cinematography and its ability to build intrigue through a minimalist yet deeply immersive approach.
From Theater to Film: The Creative Evolution
The origins of Glorious Summer trace back to a theater play inspired by Shakespeare’s Richard III. As the story developed, the filmmakers infused it with contemporary themes of personal growth and wellness. Set in a future-oriented world with a sun-drenched, almost Jetsons-like aesthetic, the film balances classical storytelling with a modern, visually distinct atmosphere.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is its use of 16mm film, which Helena and Bartosz selected to create a timeless, otherworldly quality. The medium’s unique texture adds an ethereal dimension, reinforcing the film’s themes of introspection and discovery.
The Creative Process & Challenges of Filmmaking
Helena and Bartosz walked me through the rigorous creative process behind Glorious Summer. They spent significant time at their shooting locations, working closely with their director of photography to craft an intricate storyboard. With a demanding schedule of shooting up to eight scenes per day, time management was crucial.
Filming on 16mm presented both constraints and creative opportunities. Unlike digital filmmaking, where multiple takes are common, they had to be highly intentional with every shot due to the limited film stock. Despite these constraints, they experimented with different shooting styles, including dynamic zoom lens techniques, which contributed to the film’s distinctive visual storytelling. Ultimately, the fast-paced, highly focused approach resulted in a film that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.
Polish Cinema & Thematic Takeaways
Our conversation also touched on the rich tradition of Polish filmmaking. Helena and Bartosz highlighted several contemporary Polish directors whose work has inspired them, reinforcing how Poland’s film industry continues to evolve and produce compelling narratives.
When asked about the key message of Glorious Summer, Helena emphasized the importance of courage and embracing new experiences, while Bartosz underscored the film’s encouragement for viewers to break through psychological barriers and find their own path. Their goal was to create a film that invites introspection while remaining open to multiple interpretations.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our discussion, I commended the film’s powerful performances and stunning cinematography. Glorious Summer is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and I sincerely hope it reaches a wide audience. With their unique vision and commitment to storytelling, Helena Ganjalyan and Bartosz Szpak have crafted a work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. I look forward to seeing what they create next.
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