Steven Knapik is the head of the Welsh charity The Blue Balloon, which has worked with Legnica’s Special Education Facilities Complex and V High School since 1997. Kevin Phillips is a filmmaker and producer at Green Valley Films Studio.

Last year, they visited Legnica together. Respected and valued for the support he provides to children from Legnica, Steven has known the city for years. It was his friend’s first visit, but he was delighted by the original historic architecture, rich natural environment and the people he met. That was when they decided that the film “The Bench,” already being prepared for production, should be made not in their native Wales, but precisely in Legnica.

This is an exceptional project, carried out with producer and actor volunteers. The roles are played by amateurs. Several dozen students from V High School and children from the Special Education Facilities Complex will appear in it. Students from the Welsh special school Pen-y-Cwm will also come to Legnica to take part in the film.

No one on the crew is receiving a fee. “The Bench” will be a feature-length film in the fantasy genre. It is being made in Polish, but will have English subtitles.

“The Bench” tells the story of Dawid and Jo, two homeless teenagers living in Poland whose fate draws them into a struggle between good and evil. Their lives change when Dawid is involved in an accident that causes him to develop supernatural powers. This changes everything. Together, they set out on a journey, searching for ways to use Dawid’s new abilities. At the risk of their lives, they fight on the side of the forces of good.

Steven Knapik and Kevin Phillips—the film’s director, screenwriter and head of the production company Green Valley Film Productions—arrived in Legnica several days ago with a group of filmmaker friends (Alan Terrell, Matthew McCarthey, Richard Warner, Emma Wheeler and Gosia Jaworska). They were warmly welcomed by their partner institutions and by Mayor Tadeusz Krzakowski.

Filming has already begun. Scenes will be shot, among other places, in the Municipal Park, at Słowiański Square, in the Market Square, on Najświętszej Marii Panny Street and at the dormitory of the Special Education Facilities Complex on Piechoty Street.

The film crew is receiving full organizational and logistical support from the city. It is working with the Special Education Facilities Complex, V High School and the Youth Hostel. Filming in Legnica will continue until September 20.

The premiere is planned for spring 2016. The film will be shown at international festivals. British television has also expressed interest in it.

UM Legnica