There are people whose presence in cinema seems so natural that it is difficult to imagine them no longer being there. Krzysztof Piesiewicz was one of them.
It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to the co-creator of some of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s most important films. Their long-standing collaboration, shared sensitivity and remarkable ability to tell stories about human choices, responsibility, chance and morality resulted in works that have become a permanent part of the history of world cinema.
Krzysztof Piesiewicz co-wrote the screenplays for, among others, “Dekalog”, “The Double Life of Véronique” and the “Three Colours” trilogy: “Blue”, “White” and “Red”. For “Three Colours: Red”, written together with Krzysztof Kieślowski, the two filmmakers received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1995.
Krzysztof Piesiewicz was a particularly important figure for the Krzysztof Kieślowski Archive. His knowledge, memories and personal experience of working alongside Kieślowski made it possible to return to the stories behind the films, successive versions of the screenplays and the questions the two creators explored together.
He also remained closely connected with Sokołowsko and the Hommage à Kieślowski Film Festival. He returned to the Festival many times, taking part in meetings, conversations and screenings. Always attentive, always close to people and to cinema. The photograph from 2016 that we are publishing today recalls one of those moments which, at the time, seemed simply part of everyday festival life, but which have now become invaluable.
We are grateful for the films, the words, the conversations and his extraordinary sensitivity. For a cinema that will remain with us forever.
We extend our deepest condolences to Krzysztof Piesiewicz’s family, loved ones and friends. We share in their grief, while remaining grateful for a life and body of work that moved generations of viewers.
May what remains be the light of a cinema that taught us to look at another human being with tenderness, attention and understanding.