EXOTIC by Sonja Orlewicz-Zakrzewska to premiere at Tallinn’s First Feature Competition
Sonja Orlewicz-Zakrzewska’s bold and electrifying feature debut EXOTIC is selected for this year’s 30th anniversary edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film is to receive its premiere as part of the First Feature Competition. Sharing the major roles in this female-driven story about self-discovery versus vulnerability are Jaśmina Polak, Bartosz Bielenia, Magdalena Koleśnik and Monika Frajczyk
SYNOPSIS
At a Polish beach resort, a writer’s attempt to master exotic pole dancing turns into a deeper journey of self-discovery, as the dancers’ community and the enigmatic coastal village reveal who she is meant to become.
TOPICS
Self-discovery; acceptance; body confidence vs. vulnerability; female friendship and mentorship; belonging and identity; breaking free; exotic pole dancing
FUN FACT
EXOTIC was shot during one of the recent editions of Exo Stars Camp and shows real participants and instructors, thereby maintaining the authenticity of this vivid narrative.
SONJA ORLEWICZ-ZAKREWSKA ABOUT HER FILM
“As soon as I discovered exotic pole dance, I got so invested that I went straight to Exo Stars Camp. I was fascinated by the clash of the fragile, intimate universes we carried within us around the camp. It soon became clear that the camp itself was a perfect place to confront fears, leave one’s comfort zone and express oneself more than daily life ever allows.“
ABOUT SONJA ORLEWICZ-ZAKREWSKA
Sonja Orlewicz‑Zakrzewska (°1990) is a director, scriptwriter, visual artist and photographer. She holds a master’s degree in Photography from the Cinematography Department of the Łódź Film School. Her first short, Cross’n’Carry (2019), screened at festivals including New Horizons, HollyShorts and BEAST Portugal. She also took part in the script training lab Atelier Scenariuszowe and the EAVE Producers Workshop (2021). As a cinematographer, she worked on Enthusiasts, a documentary series for Canal+. Her video art and photography have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including Warsaw’s Leica Gallery.
TALLINN BLACK NIGHTS SCREENINGS*
- 14 November, 20:45, Apollo Kino Plaza, 2nd Hall (premiere with Q&A)
- 15 November, 20:00, Electric Cinema, Church Hall
*Always check the official festival channels for any last‑minute programme changes or additions
CLICK HERE FOR ALL AVAILABLE ASSETSGENERAL INFO
Directed and scripted by Sonja Orlewicz‑Zakrzewska, Exotic stars Jaśmina Polak, Magdalena Koleśnik and Monika Frajczyk. Cinematographer is Adam Suzin, with Tomasz Kajetan Naruszewicz as editor and Tymek Papior as composer. Producers are Magdalena Sztorc and Anna Zajączkowska of Mozaika Films. Exoticreceived support from the Polish Film Institute’s micro-budget scheme aimed at first-time directors.
INTERNATIONAL SALES: PLUTO FILMMAIN PRODUCTION COMPANY: MOZAIKA FILMS
Christian De Schutter
