A cinematic eruption: ‘Under the Volcano’ at Toronto Film Festival
A new narrative from Damian Kocur
Paris and Berlin-based sales house Salaud Morisset has taken on the international sales for Under the Volcano, a film set to make its world premiere in the Centrepiece section at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival. This marks a significant moment for Polish director Damian Kocur, whose second feature film delves into the harrowing experience of a Ukrainian family caught in an unexpected crisis.
A family vacation turned refugee ordeal
Under the Volcano tells the gripping story of a Ukrainian family enjoying their last day of vacation on the picturesque island of Tenerife, Spain. Their serene holiday takes a dramatic turn when their flight home is canceled due to the sudden invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Stranded on the island, the family transitions from tourists to refugees overnight, highlighting the fragile nature of perceived security.
Kocur poignantly reflects, “The world has never been as close to a ‘volcanic eruption’ as we are now, although we all fall asleep with the certainty that the eruption will not happen in our lifetime. Unresolved social conflicts or climate change are left to be dealt with by the next generation. My film is about how apparent our security is, and how quickly, overnight, we can go from being tourists to refugees, regardless of the color of our skin or our country of birth.”
Emotional and political layers
François Morisset, the founder of Salaud Morisset, expressed his immediate connection to the film’s emotional depth. “I’ve immediately been captivated by the story’s emotional resonance – the stunning set establishes a vivid contrast to the drama that unfolds. The different layers of the film, from the emotional to the political, offer a rich, multi-dimensional narrative that will connect deeply with audiences and spark meaningful conversations.”
Kocur’s cinematic journey
Kocur’s debut feature film, Bread and Salt, garnered significant acclaim, winning the Special Jury Prize in the Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival in 2022. It also screened at various prestigious festivals, including Cairo, Antalya, and Cottbus. This success set the stage for his latest endeavor, Under the Volcano, which continues to explore complex themes through a compelling narrative.
A collaborative effort
Under the Volcano marks the second collaboration between Kocur and Salaud Morisset, following their work on his short film As It Was, co-written and co-directed with Ukrainian director Anastasiia Solonevych. This short film was featured in the Official Competition at Cannes in 2023, further solidifying Kocur’s reputation as a filmmaker to watch.
The production of Under the Volcano was a collaborative effort, with Mikołaj Lizut of Lizart Film and Agnieszka Jastrzębska of Hawk Art serving as producers. Co-producers include Grzegorz Słoniewski of MGM SA, Michał Maksym of TVP SA, and the Polish Film Institute.
Salaud Morisset’s Toronto lineup
In addition to Under the Volcano, Salaud Morisset’s Toronto slate features several other notable films. These include To a Land Unknown by Danish-Palestinian filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel, also in the Centrepiece section, and two Cannes 2024 short titles: Sauna Day by Estonian and Indian directors Anna Hints and Tushar Prakash, and Amarela by Japanese-Brazilian filmmaker André Hayato Saito.
A personal reflection for cinema enthusiasts
For those who cherish the art of cinema, Under the Volcano promises to be a thought-provoking experience. The film’s exploration of sudden displacement and the fragility of security resonates deeply in today’s world. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition and provoke meaningful dialogue.
As we anticipate the world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, it’s worth reflecting on the broader implications of Kocur’s work. His ability to weave emotional and political narratives into a cohesive and impactful film underscores the importance of cinema as a medium for social commentary.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Under the Volcano.
Keywords: Under the Volcano, Damian Kocur, Toronto Film Festival, Ukrainian family, refugees, Salaud Morisset, François Morisset, Bread and Salt, As It Was, Mikołaj Lizut, Agnieszka Jastrzębska, Mahdi Fleifel, Anna Hints, Tushar Prakash, André Hayato Saito.