The faces of emigrants – a true or false picture?
The TV series “Londoners” is one of the more interesting propositions from TVP at INPUT in Warsaw. The popular series owes its success mainly to the topicality of the problems it raises. The series raises controversy among those interested, the large group of Polish emigrants on the British Isles. This is their story.
Young Polish Emigrants
An uncommonly topical series produced by TVP accurately presents the colorful lives of emigrants. The main characters must face the difficulties of life in a foreign country. The vital, expressively defined characters deal with previously unknown difficulties. They learn new cultures, customs, and try to assimilate in cosmopolitan London, which doesn’t always work out.
Frame by frame
The series comprises thirteen forty-five minute episodes. The second season is currently in production. We will be showing other, less picture-postcard, places in London. There will be more controversial issues. And there will certainly be returns to Poland. “We want to relate to the reality around us,” revealed Anna Kępińska-Andryszczak, one of the series’ lead producers.
Is it really…supreme?
Scenes are shot on location in the best-known areas: Soho, the City, Canary Wharf, West End, or in “Polish” Ealing. The uncommon nature of the enterprise is underscored by the main musical motif, Robbie William’s “Supreme.”
Evoking emotions
The series has evoked may controversies. Against the show were mainly this who could actually be called “Londoners.” They claim the characters are exaggerated and that the situations pulled from thin air. Yet the mass of viewers like the program, an audience of nearly four million every Thursday evening. “The interesting narration, the variety of main characters, and a modern subject matter are the characteristics of our production.” claims Anna Kępińska-Andryszczak.
The authors
Over two million Polish emigrants on the British Isles is a subject that’s topical and often discussed. Thus the idea for the series. The characters were developed by Greg Zgliński and Maciej Migas (direction). The script, written by Ewa Popiołek and Marek Kreutz, was inspired by conversations with London’s young emigrants. “It’s the first Polis series filmed in this format overseas and tells the story of emigrants expressed this way.” adds Anna Kępińska-Andryszczak.
Main characters
Those who like the series and those who have takes life as emigrants identity with some of the characters. Asia (Natalia Rybicka – the film discovery of the year according to Internet users) comes to London to be with her boyfriend. A series of unfortunate events (he’s involved in illegal business with the Mafia and has to flee, leaving his girlfriend to fend on her own, she spends several nights on the streets, and she’s swindled by other Poles) mean that the girl gets a quick course in the school of hard knocks. Paweł (Rafał Maćkowiak) is your typical yuppie cuts himself off from his roots. His career is most important and he sees no reason to assimilate with the newly arrived Polish emigrants. Even meeting Asia does not force him to think about his feelings, money is all that counts. Andrzej (Lesław Żurek) comes to London with his girlfriend to earn enough for a wedding and a life in Poland. However, she leaves him for another. He then has to find himself in the big city, and on the way he meets many people who both help and hinder him. These are only some of the characters. The series does not judge the decisions of the character to leave Poland, it simply presents the realities as the exist and the struggles of the characters with the problems of emigration.
The fact that the program was included in four selections by TVP deserves recognition. How will a series that is in essence entertaining do amid the documentary, educational, or cultural programs? We will find out soon.
“Londoners”
Polish series, TVP, produced 2008, directed by Greg Zgliński and Maciej Migas, script written by Marek Kreutz and Ewa Popiołek, photography by Tomasz Dobrowolski, music by Radosław Łuka, website: http://www.tvp.pl/seriale/obyczajowe/londynczycy
Anna Kępińska-Andryszczak and Stanisław Krzemiński as lead producers will be representing “Londoners” at INPUT
Gabriela Jatkowska
