Live not die

Directed by: Maciej Migas Screenplay by: Cezary Harasimowicz Genre: Comedy/Drama Country of Origin: Poland Release Date: August 28, 2015 Medical Theme: The Fight Against Cancer The film’s protagonist is Bartek Kolano (Tomasz Kot), once a sought-after actor, now a recovering alcoholic with no family and no prospects. He currently makes a living as an entertainer on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” Overnight, he learns that he has terminal lung cancer. According to his doctor, he has only three months to live. Faced with this situation, the protagonist has three options: suicide, "passing away," or taking stock of his life—he chooses the latter. Bartek decides to make the most of the time he has left. The plan is simple: to put his affairs in order, make amends for his life’s mistakes, and reconcile with his beloved daughter. However, the theory is easier than the execution. Despite everything, Bartek believes that there is no situation without a way out. Surprising his loved ones with his cheerfulness and sense of humor, he tries to change the course of fate and convince the Supreme Screenwriter to give his story a happy ending. The film is inspired by the actor Tadeusz Szymkow. This is a difficult film, and not for everyone. It depicts a man’s unequal battle with cancer. Yet it gives pause for thought—perhaps one should turn back from the path they’ve chosen before it’s too late. Stop drinking and smoking, get your life in order. For me, this film didn’t end with a happy ending, but what is a happy ending, really? It will be a happy ending if, upon leaving the theater, the viewer takes away a lesson for themselves.