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Z365" or "Festival all year round" is the new strategic point of the Festival in which converge investigation, accompaniment and development of new talents (Ikusmira Berriak, Nest); training and cinematic knowledge transfer (Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, Zinemaldia + Plus, Filmmakers' dialogue); and investigation, disclosure and cinematic thought (Z70 project, Thought and Discussion and Research and publications).
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In Franz, Polish director Agnieszka Holland presents a bold, non-linear portrayal of the life and legacy of Franz Kafka, blending his life’s episodes with contemporary reflections. As a teenager in communist Poland, Holland sees a deep personal connection to the writer and his revolutionary ideas. Having already adapted The Trial for Polish television, she wanted to approach Franz differently, not sticking to the traditional biopic format. The film intertwines dramatised moments from his life with satirical depictions of modern-day tourists at the Kafka Museum, thus creating a fragmented narrative. Holland embraced a creative, improvisational approach, constantly reworking the scenes to find their essence.
Actor Idan Weiss, who plays Kafka, plunged himself into the role, drawing from personal experiences like depression to evoke his inner turmoil. Through this experimental lens, Franz reintroduces Kafka to younger generations, who felt immediately related to his work during preview screenings. Holland’s film raises an open-ended question: how would Kafka feel about his legacy today? Would he embrace it, or regret his wish to have his works burned?
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