POLA NEGRI – LIFE OF THE STAR
(2017, 55 min., Documentary)
This documentary film, directed by Mariusz Kotowski, examines the life and work of the legendary actress Pola Negri, the first European star who was invited to Hollywood by Paramount Pictures. Pola Negri paved the way for Greta Garbo and Marlena Dietrich; she captured the headlines for her dramatic acting, her exotic looks and her off-screen romances, including engagements to Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino.
The documentary offers a passionate look at how film as a form of art came to be to what it is today through the prism of the rise of one of the first movie stars and her groundbreaking work. The documentary includes unique photographs and rare film footage of Negri’s many dramatic and comedy roles.
The film features interviews with Academy Award winners Hayley Mills, Eli Wallach, Paramount Producer A.C. Lyles, and film historian Jeanine Basinger, who share little known details and anecdotes about Pola Negri’s life and her fascinating career. The film is narrated by Emmy-winning actress Cyndi Williams.
The documentary is set to the music of Frederic Chopin, includes many rare film clips and shows Pola Negri’s roles from the silent era through the talking pictures.
The many awards won by Kotowski’s documentary demonstrate its unique value and a broad recognition:
The Golden Sword – Public Choice Award from International History and Military Film Festival in Warsaw (2013)
Pola Negri Appreciation Award from Pola Negri Cultural Association in Lipno (2011)
The Golden Halo Award for Directing and Producing from the Southern California Motion Picture Council (2010)
The Indie Fest Award of Excellence: Feature Documentary, LaJolla, CA (2010)
EMPixx Award – Gold (2009)
Special Jury Remi Award WorldFest Houston, TX (2006)
Best Documentary Film Award – Dixie Film Festival, Athens, GA (2006)
