THE POLKA KING

Cast
Jack Black (Jan Lewan), Jenny Slate (Marla), Jason Schwartzman (Mickey), Jacki Weaver (Barb), J.B. Smoove (FBI Agent), Vanessa Bayer (Bitsy Bear), Robert Capron (David Lewan), Willie Garson (Lonny)

During the final decades of the 20th century, Jan Lewan (Jan Lewandowski), first-generation Polish immigrant, is THE POLKA KING, a consummate showman. In the Pennsylvania Polka circuit that he travels with his stalwart band, Jan is famous and beloved. He has a devoted fan base, a devoted wife, Marla, and a loyal best friend, Mickey. Jan is joyful and ambitious, and he sparkles with an innocent grin and a bounce in every step. He envisions a future “Polka Empire” of which his mini-mall gift shop is only the beginning. To expand, he needs money, and one-state polka bands and gift shops aren’t going to be enough to get him into the big time. When two elderly fans hear about his ambition, they ask to invest in his future empire. At first reluctant, but then quickly imagining the endless possibilities, Jan is thrilled. Not only will their money help The Polka King, he’ll help them as well. Twelve percent! That’s what he’ll pay in interest. He assures the throngs of senior fans who want to invest that everyone will be a winner. And they are winners, every last one of them. Until…

MAYA FORBES
Director and screenwriter. Born in 1968 in Cambridge, MA. Graduated from Harvard University. Wife of actor Wally Wolodarsky. She made her debut as a film director with “Infinitely Polar Bear.” Her other writing credits include the screenplay for “The Rocker” and many episodes of “The Larry Sanders Show”.

FILMOGRAPHY
2017 The Polka King
2014 Infinitely Polar Bear