Jan Sumikowski travelled with Bogdan Nowak—the originator of Gliniada—and more than a hundred Glinoludów to Berlin to document the parade at this year’s Carnival of Cultures. Sumikowski is fascinated by the Bolesławiec phenomenon of Gliniada, a parade of people in original costumes painted with ceramic clay. He decided to make a film that would promote this remarkable initiative.
Bogusław Nowak infected Sumikowski with the idea of Gliniada. “It is amazing that Bogdan devotes his time and energy to such artistic activities and shares his knowledge with others,” says Jan Sumikowski. “The idea of promoting the city is extraordinary in itself. And putting on such a spectacle without big money or government subsidies—that is an art!” Bogdan’s friend adds. Sumikowski’s goal is to submit the completed documentary to one of the artistic film festivals. His work, like that of the Glinoludów, is entirely spontaneous and selfless.
Jan Sumikowski left Poland before the political system changed and settled in France. He worked as a maker of details, ornaments and perfume bottles for haute couture designers such as Jean-Paul Gautier and Christian Lacroix. Five years ago, he became fascinated by the possibilities of the latest technology and began working on small computer-generated film forms.
His new passion completely absorbed him. That is why he approaches Gliniada with enthusiasm and a fresh perspective. The materials he showed offer a preview of a documentary about the passion of people taking part in Gliniada, their originality and spontaneity. Footage showing the Glinoludów travelling to the parade, still without their costumes, conveyed what great fun such trips are. The parade footage documented the participants’ efforts, their preparations and the growing energy of the artistic activity in which they took part.
The editorial team of the IstotneInformacje.pl portal wishes Jan Sumikowski the swiftest possible completion of work on the film and the highest possible awards at festivals.
(GH information)